Best plants for fairy gardens

Backyard Abundance in Iowa City recommends these plants to 'invite fairies and other happy spirits in your garden.'

Full story: Fairy houses & gnome homes bring a touch of whimsy to spring gardening

Sunny areas: Getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day

Annuals

— Herbs for texture and smell: Cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, chamomile

— Trellis: runner bean, mini cucumber, snap pea

— Cut-and-come-again greens: Spinach, arugula, salad mix, tatsoi

— Edible flowers: Petunias, nasturtiums (Wikihow.com/Choose-Edible-Flowers)

— Misc.: Radish, cherry tomato, snap dragons

Perennials

— Herbs to deter pests: Chives, oregano, sage

— Garden strawberry: June-bearing or everbearing

— Misc.: Walking onion, creeping thyme, Alpine strawberry, dwarf yarrow

Shady areas: Getting fewer than 6 hours of direct sunlight each day

Annuals

— Herbs to deter pests: Parsley, cilantro

— trellis: Snap pea, runner beans

— Cut-and-come-again greens: Spinach, arugula, salad mix, tatsoi

— Misc.: Radish

Perennials

— Herbs: Wild ginger, chives, creeping thyme

— Garden strawberry: June-bearing or everbearing

— Misc.: Alpine strawberry, dwarf yarrow

— Non-edibles with delicate foliage and interesting flowers: Forget-me-nots, bleeding heart, Dutchman's breeches, columbine