A love of gardening has branched out into a love of making miniature plants for Thai Pimsiri Sukkerd.

"I am a wife and a mother in Bangkok, Thailand; the Land of Smiles and a Shopping Paradise," said Pim.

Thailand is a lush country filled with greenery and flowers she can copy. From her kitchen window, Pim can see a view of a green wall of Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) that keeps her small house fresh and cool in the strong Thailand sunlight.

"I always love summer, even though summer in Thailand is extremely hot and uncomfortable, but I love how the roadsides become colourful with flowers. I like watching falling leaves dancing in the wind before falling down to the ground and rolling a few more turns before staying still. I love the specific feelings and smells that only a summer breeze could bring. I just love the spirit of summer," she said.

Summer, especially, provides her with an abundance of inspiration for her clay mini plants, flowers, orchids, bonsai and flower arrangements. Retiring early from a demanding job provided her with the opportunity to learn mini gardening.

"I started a small business with a friend years ago. It was during those years that I began to learn how to make miniature flowers and develop my skills. It is so joyful making lovely little things at home. Why didn't I do this before?"

The first miniature she ever made was, surprisingly, not a plant but a doll.

"I sculpted a girl doll but it came out just like an old woman! So I made her nose and chin more pointed, and made her a cloak, a hat, a broom and a wand. She was a cute witch and I was proud of myself. But I didn't sculpt a companion for her. My interest in making plants is stronger," she admitted.

Her conversion to mini gardener started with one tree.

"I saw a small tree so incredibly and amazingly realistic that I wanted to be able to make one. I see beauty in shapes and forms of leaves and branches of any kind of plants, and this flawless miniature tree inspired me."

The artist who made this amazing tree soon became Pim's teacher and friend. From her, she learned how to create trees and flowers using scissors and tweezers.

"Besides her, I met other artists who were very keen in making mini orchids and roses. They gave me helpful tips in developing my skills," added Pim.

"I now work in 1:12 scale, but sometimes I try to make smaller just to see how small I could make. It is hard to handle very small single petals or leaves, and is not good for my eyesight, but I think it is challenging."

Also challenging is holding very small pieces awkwardly or losing the tiny parts or coloring the pieces to get the perfect shade.

"I also love gardening. It makes me feel happy and relaxed. It has great benefit in making miniature plants and flowers too," she said.

She is a member of CDHM and IGMA (The International Guild of Miniature Artisans). Her pieces are for sale in her CDHM gallery, her website and eBay auctions ranging from $15 to $85.

"I sold my products at the IGMA Shows twice in 2008 and 2009. And I hope I could sell in some Shows in USA in 2010."

Her future plans include a series of water lily ponds and bonsai.

"I hope to create a mini garden or landscape that is full of beautiful flowers and plants. Though there are many things I still need to know and learn and love, I consider myself a miniaturist."

Plant your garden from the beautiful flower creations found in Pim gallery greenhouse.

Explore the Indoors Out - Plants Galleries