A well-made terrarium is one of the most satisfying things you can put in an Austin home. Self-contained, low-maintenance, and genuinely beautiful — a terrarium brings the Hill Country moss and fern aesthetic indoors in a way that fits Austin’s design sensibility perfectly. Will Burke builds custom terrariums across Austin, Westlake Hills, Dripping Springs, and the Hill Country — from small desktop pieces to large statement installations.
What Will Builds
Closed Terrariums
The classic terrarium — a sealed glass vessel containing moss, ferns, and humidity-loving plants in their own self-sustaining micro-ecosystem. Closed terrariums create their own water cycle: moisture evaporates from the plants, condenses on the glass, and drips back down to the roots. Once established, they need almost no watering — sometimes going months without intervention. These are ideal for Austin homes where the owner wants something beautiful and living that doesn’t require active care. Will sources the glass vessels and builds each one to order, selecting plants and materials suited to the specific environment and aesthetic.
Open Terrariums
Open terrariums use vessels without lids — low bowls, geometric frames, open cylinders — and contain plants that prefer lower humidity and better airflow. Succulents, air plants, and drought-tolerant species work well in open terrariums and suit Austin’s dry AC environment naturally. Open terrariums need occasional watering but are considerably more forgiving than traditional houseplants. They’re also more flexible visually — the open form works beautifully on coffee tables, shelves, and entry consoles.
Statement Installations
For clients who want something truly singular — a large-format terrarium built into a bookshelf, a wall-mounted living frame, or a freestanding display piece for a lobby or primary living space — Will designs and builds custom installations sized for the space. These are priced individually based on scope and materials.
Why Austin Is Actually Great for Terrariums
Here’s something counterintuitive: Austin’s dry AC environment, which makes many houseplants difficult, makes terrariums easier. A closed terrarium is a sealed humidity bubble — the AC outside barely affects the microclimate inside the glass. The moss and ferns inside live in their own tropical pocket regardless of what the HVAC is doing to the rest of the room. This is why terrariums work particularly well as Austin’s answer to the plants that can’t handle our conditions outdoors.
Austin’s hard water is the one consideration — Will uses filtered water for all terrarium builds and maintenance, which prevents the mineral deposits that can fog glass and stress moss over time.
Terrarium Pricing
- Desktop closed terrarium — from $150, includes vessel, plants, moss, substrate, and delivery
- Medium statement piece (12–18″ vessel) — from $250
- Large open terrarium — from $200, succulents/air plants in decorative vessel
- Custom installation — priced on scope, contact Will to discuss
Terrariums make exceptional gifts — for housewarmings, clients, colleagues, or anyone who loves plants but struggles to keep them alive. Will delivers across Austin and the Hill Country same week.
Order a Custom Terrarium
Text Will at (512) 829-1467 with a description of what you’re looking for — size, setting, whether it’s a gift — and he’ll put together a proposal. Or fill out the form below.