Learn how plants, moisture, substrate, and tiny decomposers work together
About this Event
Closed Loop: Bioactive Terrarium Workshop Baltimore
Welcome to Closed Loop, a small-group botanical workshop where you will build a living tabletop ecosystem and learn what helps it remain healthy after you bring it home.
This is more than a decorative plant project.
Participants will learn how the different layers of a terrarium work together—from drainage and substrate to humidity, plant selection, moss, decomposition, and moisture balance.
Each guest will build one complete terrarium step by step with guidance from Moss & Glass Botanical Studio.
What You’ll Build
Your terrarium may include:
Glass terrarium vessel
Drainage layer
Horticultural charcoal
Bioactive substrate
Tropical plants
Live moss
Natural stone and wood accents
Springtail culture for eligible bioactive builds
Finishing materials
A plant-only alternative will be available for participants who prefer not to include springtails.
What You’ll Learn
How closed and semi-closed terrariums function
How to select compatible plants
How moisture moves through a miniature ecosystem
How to avoid common overwatering problems
How moss contributes to humidity and visual structure
What springtails do inside a bioactive system
How to recognize condensation, stress, and plant decline
When to intervene—and when to leave the ecosystem alone
What’s Included
All standard terrarium-building materials
Live plants and moss
Guided instruction
Individual build tray and tools
Printed terrarium care card
Moisture-calibration guide
Take-home finished terrarium
Protective transport packaging
Access to the Moss & Glass digital care guide
Light snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments
No previous gardening or terrarium experience is required.
Natural materials used during the workshop may include soil, bark, moss, stone, live plants, and small soil-dwelling organisms. Gloves will be available, and participants should wash their hands after completing the build.
To keep the workspace controlled, substrate and decorative materials will be pre-portioned into individual trays. Water will be introduced only during the guided moisture-calibration step using controlled spray bottles.
Because each terrarium is a living system, its long-term condition depends on light, temperature, moisture, plant health, and ongoing care. Moss & Glass provides guidance but does not guarantee that a terrarium will remain permanently self-sustaining without adjustment.
12:45 PM – Doors Open & Material Check-In
Arrival, seating, refreshments, and introduction to the build station.
1:00 PM – How a Living Terrarium Works
A beginner-friendly introduction to layers, moisture cycles, plants, moss, and decomposition.
1:20 PM – Build Phase One: Foundation
Drainage, charcoal, substrate, and structural layout.
1:45 PM – Build Phase Two: Planting
Plant selection, root preparation, placement, and moss installation.
2:20 PM – Bioactive Layer & Moisture Calibration
Springtail introduction where selected, controlled watering, and humidity setup.
2:40 PM – Landscape & Finish
Natural stone, wood accents, final composition, and glass cleanup.
2:55 PM – The 30-Day Care Plan
Light placement, condensation checks, watering decisions, and troubleshooting.
3:05 PM – Living Gallery & Photos
Finished terrariums are displayed together for optional photos.
3:15 PM – Workshop Ends
Staff cleanup and material reset continue after participant departure.
Event venue & nearby stays
29th Street Community Center, 300 East 29th Street, Baltimore, United States
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