And while glass is cheaper and widely available, a plastic terrarium is more durable and lighter. Plastic is prone to scratches and discoloration. Glass can be limited to certain shapes and sizes.

“It’s not a diorama, and these are not plastic plants,” said Patricia Buzo, a terrarium designer who owns Doodle Bird Terrariums, in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minn. Mrs. Buzo’s terrariums ...

Available in pairs and a few different color options, these fun, pretty terrariums stand out with their rich, transparent look. And because they’re crafted from glass rather than plastic ...

She also wrote a book, "Terrarium Craft" (Timber Press, 2011), that includes how-to steps for building a beautiful and long-lasting terrarium, and 50 projects for inspiration.