Fairy gardens do exist

Shakespeare's Garden at Burr Farm has a new merchandise this year, in the form of "fairylands" -  miniature worlds on display, towards the back of old, barn gift shop, and it has taken a life of it's own.

"It keeps growing and people are embracing it, both young and old," said owner Mark Fancher. "It makes you feel like a kid again, creating, playing and adding new things to them as you go along." They can become tablescapes or used playfully as focal points in mixed potted succulents, which floral designer Kasia Fancher, (who is married to Mark's brother Steve, also a manager) has begun to assemble in the greenhouses.

The  shelves are full of miniature fairies to chose from with a wide assortment of houses and lawn ornaments such as tiny wheel barrels, wrought iron baby carriages, stepping stones, birdhouses, copper mailboxes and even little gazing balls which sit on pedestals. Most of the items start at $7.95. A  long glass cabinet houses a tiny town with covered bridges, houses with thatched roofs,and secret gardens with stone benches or bistro tables.

"Once we started it, it was hard to stop," he added. Mark is working on an outdoor alley leading from the gift shop towards the greenhouses, where potted plants and gardens are turning onto miniature villages.

Shakespeare's Garden is located at 25 Obtuse Rd. South (off Rte. 133) in Brookfield. Call (203) 775-2214. They are open Mon.-Sat. from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

photo caption: Kasia Fancher and her sister, Dorota Pietrucha work on a "fairy-scape"