The Wardian case was first developed by horticulture enthusiast and plant collector Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in 1829—to protect his fern collection from London's air pollution. After tweaking his discovery, he published a book, On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases. The cases subsequently became very popular in transporting tender plants from places as far as Australia and China—back to England. Then, the Victorian English put their touch on them with beautiful metalwork and stands.

What I love about the Wardian case, aside from its mesmerizing appearance, is that you can stick several potted plants in them—with different textures and heights. My Wardian case has two asparagus ferns, one maidenhair fern and a bird’s nest fern. The glass, the metalwork and the greenery are just the best combination of things on the planet, in my nerdy garden world. The touch-and-go watering is the second-best thing on the planet. Similar to the mini-greenhouse and the terrarium, the enclosed space keeps things moist and satisfied for longer spells. Just on a bigger, fancier scale. Consider Wardian cases to be like larger, top-shelf mini-greenhouses.

The one I own (and adore) can be bought here.