The Force Awakens in a Series of Terrariums
A clever terrarium designer recreates some of the landscapes from Star Wars, in anticipation of the latest intergalactic adventure
Adrian Weinberg is a master aquarium and terrarium designer, who loves to create living works of art for his clients from his Melbourne-based store, Exotic Aquatic. After leaving his job as a real estate agent with the encouragement of his wife, Weinberg decided to pursue his passions. “It was actually my adorable wife Maia who, after many years of trying to stay positive about my growing collection of aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, pythons, rare fish, lizards, and their live food seeking refuge in our bed, still managed to muster a smile and pull me out of my burn-out job,” he explains. “She said, ‘Do something that makes you happy – why not follow your passion and forget the rest?’” That’s exactly what Weinberg did, and he has loved what he does every day since.
The grand misty masterpiece
The first design on show is inspired by the planet Dagobah. In the films, this is where Luke Skywalker crashes his spaceship and meets Yoda for the first time, before beginning his training as a Jedi. “For me, this is the quintessential swamp planet,” says Weinberg. “Dark, misty, with milky water, vines everywhere, and a sense of time you almost can’t fathom as a modern human.”
Creating for Weinberg is all about experimentation. “Trying and trying and trying again seems to be a recurring theme,” he explains. “But eventually it gets all ‘Jedi’ and you throw things together while emptying your mind, and always surprise yourself with the result.”
The first design on show is inspired by the planet Dagobah. In the films, this is where Luke Skywalker crashes his spaceship and meets Yoda for the first time, before beginning his training as a Jedi. “For me, this is the quintessential swamp planet,” says Weinberg. “Dark, misty, with milky water, vines everywhere, and a sense of time you almost can’t fathom as a modern human.”
Creating for Weinberg is all about experimentation. “Trying and trying and trying again seems to be a recurring theme,” he explains. “But eventually it gets all ‘Jedi’ and you throw things together while emptying your mind, and always surprise yourself with the result.”
The ‘Dagobah’ terrarium is approximately 1 metre wide and high, and uses plants from Victoria as its base. The bottom layer comprises larger chunks of charcoal, which provides the drainage system of the terrarium and – due to its carbon content –also filters and absorbs bad smells. For the final layers, Weinberg uses Sphagnum moss and Peat moss.
The two walls on either side of the terrarium are made from gold vine and are one of the most identifiable aspects of this installation. To top it off, Weinberg adds mist and, of course, a crashed spaceship front and centre – complete with smoke coming out of it! – while Yoda looks on from his perch in the trees.
The two walls on either side of the terrarium are made from gold vine and are one of the most identifiable aspects of this installation. To top it off, Weinberg adds mist and, of course, a crashed spaceship front and centre – complete with smoke coming out of it! – while Yoda looks on from his perch in the trees.
The very hungry planet
‘Hunger’ is the name of this second creation, and it is a completely carnivorous terrarium. While Weinberg notes that the landscape is nothing like planet Endor where the Ewoks live, he believes that it is still quite alien and could easily be another hostile planet in the galaxy.
‘Hunger’ is the name of this second creation, and it is a completely carnivorous terrarium. While Weinberg notes that the landscape is nothing like planet Endor where the Ewoks live, he believes that it is still quite alien and could easily be another hostile planet in the galaxy.
All of the plant life in this terrarium is carnivorous. From the bladderworts (Utricularia) and sundews (Drosera) to the Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula), Weinberg has created one hostile planet for those poor adorable Ewoks to live on. “Plants that eat meat, and fuzzy bears that walk on two feet just seemed like an obvious combination to me,” he jokes.
One you can try…
Of course, you don’t need to be an expert to create your own Star Wars terrarium. Weinberg has broken down the steps for those in whom the Force is not so strong to have a stab at, with a tiny version of ‘Endor’ that doesn’t include the rope bridges and huts he has created in the past.
Of course, you don’t need to be an expert to create your own Star Wars terrarium. Weinberg has broken down the steps for those in whom the Force is not so strong to have a stab at, with a tiny version of ‘Endor’ that doesn’t include the rope bridges and huts he has created in the past.
What you need
- Exo-Terra terrarium
- Daylight plant globe
- A bag of horticultural charcoal
- A bag of Sphagnum moss
- A bag of Peat moss
- A small bag of Seiryu (rocks)
- Gold vine wood (amount based on preference)
STEP 1
The first thing to do is to install the globe into the terrarium tank. Next, place the charcoal at the bottom of the tank, covering the base to about one third of the depth.
STEP 2
Soak both the Sphagnum and Peat mosses in separate buckets until waterlogged. For the Peat, just add water gradually and stir by hand until you achieve a firm mud.
The first thing to do is to install the globe into the terrarium tank. Next, place the charcoal at the bottom of the tank, covering the base to about one third of the depth.
STEP 2
Soak both the Sphagnum and Peat mosses in separate buckets until waterlogged. For the Peat, just add water gradually and stir by hand until you achieve a firm mud.
STEP 3
Layer in the Sphagnum by hand, squeezing out excess water as you go to fill the next third. Pat it down and repeat with the final layer of Peat (reserving a small amount for use later on).
STEP 4
Add rocks, wood, vines and roots arranging the design to suit your own taste – now’s the time to let your creativity flow!
STEP 5
Drape the spare Peat moss over the hardscape materials (rocks and wood) to create depth and elevation.
STEP 6
Put in the plants. If you want to use a different variety, just let the nursery staff know you’re buying for a terrarium, and that the plants you buy will need to hold moisture, but will be well drained. Weinberg says he normally places larger plants at the back and smaller ones toward the front.
Layer in the Sphagnum by hand, squeezing out excess water as you go to fill the next third. Pat it down and repeat with the final layer of Peat (reserving a small amount for use later on).
STEP 4
Add rocks, wood, vines and roots arranging the design to suit your own taste – now’s the time to let your creativity flow!
STEP 5
Drape the spare Peat moss over the hardscape materials (rocks and wood) to create depth and elevation.
STEP 6
Put in the plants. If you want to use a different variety, just let the nursery staff know you’re buying for a terrarium, and that the plants you buy will need to hold moisture, but will be well drained. Weinberg says he normally places larger plants at the back and smaller ones toward the front.
STEP 7
To make the theme complete, simply add some Star Wars figurines or Lego pieces.
TELL US YOU WILL, YOUNG PADAWANS
Would you try your hand at creating a terrarium at home? Or are you planning to celebrate the coming of December 17 in some other fun way? Share your ideas in the Comments section below.
MORE
Build Your Own Mini-Ecosystem in a Compact Terrarium
A Night at the Movies: 10 Epic Outdoor Cinema Ideas
DIY Project: Make a ‘Kokedama’ String Garden
To make the theme complete, simply add some Star Wars figurines or Lego pieces.
TELL US YOU WILL, YOUNG PADAWANS
Would you try your hand at creating a terrarium at home? Or are you planning to celebrate the coming of December 17 in some other fun way? Share your ideas in the Comments section below.
MORE
Build Your Own Mini-Ecosystem in a Compact Terrarium
A Night at the Movies: 10 Epic Outdoor Cinema Ideas
DIY Project: Make a ‘Kokedama’ String Garden
Along with millions of fans around the world, Weinberg is also eagerly waiting for the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is the seventh instalment in the film franchise. “I grew up on Lucas and Henson, so you can kinda see it in my work,” he says. “Those guys really knew how to set a scene and make you believe it. Which is my favourite part of creating these designs.”
As a true Star Wars fan, we knew that Weinberg would be up to the challenge of creating themed-out terrariums that take us into the world of the films so many love. See more photos below. Plus, Weinberg has put together an extra-special DIY that Star Wars aficionados out there can try at home!