Terrariums, those stalwarts of the 1970s, are back and bigger and better than ever. No longer relegated to being housed in an extra-large pickle jar, many terrariums today are replicas of classic Wardian cases. Named for its inventor, Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, the Wardian case was an “accident” resulting from the Victorian passion of cultivating ferns. Dr. Ward noticed that ferns in his collection were dying in the open, polluted air of London but the ones that lived in a closed environment of some of his specimen jars were healthy. He had sealed glass cases built, and discovered not only did the ferns live, they thrived.

Thus started the development of a craze and an important development in the transportation of plant specimens. The sealed Wardian cases permitted living plants to be transported back to England, where previously only seeds or rhizomes were. The cases could be moved into the sun when needed and the sealed environment allowed condensation to water the plants. Commercially, the Wardian case was critical in the transportation of tea plants from China to British-held India, a move that broke the Chinese monopoly on tea growing. Sir Robert Fortune smuggled 20,000 plants out of China (punishable by death by the Chinese) to start the tea plantations at Assam. Because that further strengthened England’s dominance in world trade, it was an event that changed history.

Today, it’s unlikely that world-changing events are being decided by Wardian cases, but they make exquisite miniature greenhouses for the tabletop. Many of them are fairly formal in appearance but fit in beautifully with any décor.

You’ll need activated charcoal (the type used in aquariums), pea gravel, Sphagnum moss, and a sterile potting mix (not soil). Spread pea gravel first, then charcoal, and then a thin layer of moss. Put a layer of potting mix on top and plant. Choose plants with similar requirements that like this type of environment. Following the Victorian example, ferns and orchids would be ideal. Water lightly and close the lid or door. Keep the case out of direct sunlight and maintain the right level of moisture by leaving the lid open a bit if you see too much condensation.