The World’s Oldest Terrarium: David Latimer’s Bottle Garden 

“They will be like a tree planted near a stream whose roots spread out toward the water. It has nothing to fear when the heat comes. Its leaves are always green. It has no need to be concerned in a year of drought. It does not stop bearing fruit.”
 

Jeremiah 17:8— NET 

So, I came across the story of David Latimer from England who in 1960 planted a small terrarium in a glass bottle. I found this interesting and decided to do a little more exploring.  

 This is what I found out: 

 He filled the bottle with compost and water and added a few spiderwort seeds. He then sealed the bottle and placed it in a sunny spot. 

 Latimer never imagined that his terrarium would still be alive and thriving today. In fact, it is now considered to be the world’s oldest terrarium. In 1972, Latimer opened the bottle for the first time in 12 years to add a little more water. Since then, the bottle has remained sealed, and the garden has continued to thrive. 

 How is this possible? The answer lies in the way that a closed terrarium works. A closed terrarium is a self-contained ecosystem. The plants inside the bottle photosynthesize, releasing oxygen and water vapor into the air. The water vapor condenses on the sides of the bottle and drips back down onto the plants, providing them with a constant supply of water. 

 The plants also release carbon dioxide, which the bacteria in the soil use to break down organic matter. This process releases nutrients back into the soil, which the plants can then absorb. 

 In this way, the closed terrarium is able to sustain itself indefinitely. There is no need to open the bottle or add any water or nutrients. The only thing that is required is a sunny spot. 

 David Latimer’s bottle garden is a fascinating example of how nature can create a self-sustaining ecosystem. It is also a beautiful reminder of the power of photosynthesis. 

 Tips for Making Your Own Terrarium 

 If you are inspired by David Latimer’s bottle garden, you may want to try making your own terrarium. Here are a few tips: 

• Choose the right plants. Not all plants are suitable for closed terrariums. Some plants, such as spiderworts, are more tolerant of dry conditions than others. 
• Use the right soil. The soil in a closed terrarium should be well-draining but still retain some moisture. 
• Add some moss. Moss helps to keep the humidity in a closed terrarium high. 
• Place the terrarium in a sunny spot. The plants in a closed terrarium need sunlight to photosynthesize. 
• Be patient. It may take some time for your terrarium to establish itself. 
• With a little care and attention, you can create your own beautiful and thriving terrarium. 

 Here are some other tips for making your own terrarium: 

• Start with a small bottle or jar. This will make it easier to care for your terrarium. 
• Use a clear container so that you can see the plants inside. 
• Add a variety of plants to create a more interesting terrarium. 
• Place the terrarium in a spot where it will get indirect sunlight. 
• Water your terrarium as needed. The amount of water you need to add will depend on the type of plants you have and the size of your terrarium. 

Enjoy your terrarium! 

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