Norwich terrarium shop, Glass Roots, makes mini gardens

Beau Townshend, 30, is looking to go full-time with his terrarium business, Glassroots, and hopes to stand apart courtesy of the real tiny rivers he builds into his creations.

The expecting dad first began creating and selling the mini gardens in 2019.

A special effects technician by day, Beau works on his wares every night and sells them online. 

He explained: “I made my first terrarium in April 2018 for my girlfriend's birthday – she loved them and so from then we began searching for glasses to convert into a terrarium.

"Given my background in special effects I worked out a way to create a little fountain which electronically would bump and keep moving the water along the riverbed."

He also likes to build in unusual places, adding: “The first coffee table terrarium I made featured a real miniature river running through it, adorned with fog and more than 100 plants. 

“Features such as rivers, rain systems, and fog effects take a considerable amount of testing to ensure there are no leaks, the flow of water is correct and there is adequate ventilation to keep the glass sufficiently clear, it is a tedious balancing act but the final result is well worth it.” 

Needing very little maintenance means the terrariums are the perfect addition to a busy home with no garden.  

“Terrariums make the perfect indoor garden as they can be as small as a nightlight on your bedside table or as large as the entire wall of a room and anywhere in between,” Beau said.  

He continued: “They are also holiday-proof as they're often left undisturbed for many months if not years.” 

Most of the plants used in Glass Roots' terrariums are also rare tropical plants, many coming from Beau’s private collection. 

Beau has his first child on the way and is hoping to take this venture from strength to strength to allow him to spend more time at home.  

To enquire email Glassrootsuk@gmail.com or find them on Facebook or Instagram.