Making My First Terrarium at Taman Hati Studio & Café, Petaling Jaya

Growing up, I noticed how attentive my parents were, especially my dad, who has always treated his garden with so much care—a habit he continues to this day. Back then, I admired it from a distance, but I never truly understood it. Plants felt like work—too much responsibility, too easy to fail at.

It wasn’t until I grew older that something shifted. Gradually, I began to understand why people find joy in caring for plants. There’s a quiet satisfaction that comes from tending to something living, from pausing long enough to notice small changes—new leaves, subtle growth, signs of life.

Of course, understanding it and being good at it are two very different things.

When I first got into plants, almost all of them didn’t survive. It made me feel like my hands just weren’t meant for plants, so I gave up for a while—until a year later, when the obsession started again, I found myself wanting to fill my home with more plants.

Then, just recently, my partner surprised me with “Let’s do something today.” I had no idea what he had planned until we arrived at Taman Hati Studio & Café—and that’s when I realized we’d be making a terrarium together.

✅ What is A Terrarium?

A terrarium is a miniature indoor garden, usually kept in a glass container. There are two main types: closed and open terrariums.

A closed terrarium has a lid and creates its own tiny ecosystem by trapping moisture inside, making it more humid—perfect for plants that love moisture and don’t need frequent watering.
An open terrarium has no lid and allows air to flow freely, making it better for plants that prefer drier conditions and more airflow. This also makes it easier to maintain, perfect for first-timers.

Small, low-maintenance, and incredibly calming to look at. Terrariums are a delightful way to bring a little bit of nature indoors.

Terrariums didn’t really catch my interest when I first learned about them years ago. I had the impression that they would be too difficult to care for, especially after my not-so-great experience with regular plants. So this is my very first time making—and actually owning—a terrarium.

✅ Making A Terrarium at Taman Hati Studio and Café

We were greeted by a friendly staff member who explained the process and showed us the different types of glass containers we could choose from. The price depends on the size and type of container, with options at RM30, RM40, and RM60. I went for the biggest one, and the price already included all the materials needed to create the terrarium.

Before we started, we were told to order beverages first. Once that was done, we were guided to our table, where all the tools and materials were set up for us. Since it was our first time, we weren’t sure what to do… but the staff were incredibly helpful. They provided us a step-by-step tutorial card and shared helpful tips to make the process easier.

I’m so glad my partner brought me here. I finally got to learn about terrariums and make one for myself… and honestly, I’d been wrong about them all along. They’re far easier to care for than I ever expected.

The whole experience was fun and surprisingly therapeutic, especially with clear guidance and everything laid out neatly in front of us. By the end of it, I felt proud of creating something beautiful with my own hands—a tiny piece of nature I could keep indoors.

✅ Where is Taman Hati Located?

Taman Hati Studio & Café is located at 43A (First Floor), Jalan SS 2/30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya—right above Kedai Pemborong Telur QC Plus. It’s in a shoplot area, so parking can be a little tricky. I’d recommend arriving early or being prepared to hunt for a spot nearby.

✅ Ambience and Vibe at Taman Hati

Taman Hati isn’t just a cozy little haven for plant lovers—you can also enjoy food and drinks while working on your terrarium. The menu isn’t huge, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for something light to nibble on while you craft.

The moment you step inside, the first thing that catches your eye is the mini garden, with plants carefully arranged throughout the space. It immediately sets a calm, refreshing vibe. As you move further in, you’ll find the counter where you can order your drinks before heading to your table.

The café itself isn’t very big, with about 5–6 tables plus a bar-style table. Even with limited seating, it never feels crowded, which makes it ideal for a relaxed, slow-paced visit. The décor is dominated by shades of green and natural wood, giving the space a warm, earthy feel. To make it even more charming, friendly cats roam freely around the café. As a cat lover, I was beyond excited! They even came over and curled up next to me while I was working on my terrarium.

Taman Hati has a peaceful, inviting vibe that feels like a gentle escape from the busyness of everyday life, where you can reconnect with nature in your own little way.

✅ Final Thoughts

Working on the terrarium felt like pressing pause on the usual pace of daily life. It made me focus on a tiny living world of its own. I loved how beginner-friendly the entire process was—from layering the soil to arranging the plants and slowly watching a miniature ecosystem take shape. It was incredibly satisfying—especially for someone who once thought she had “bad hands” for plants.

Terrariums themselves are a great option if you love plants but want something low-maintenance. They’re easy to care for, beautiful to look at, and perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your home without too much effort.

What makes the experience even better is the café itself. I especially appreciate how affordable the terrarium-making session is, considering that everything is included. It’s also a great place for different kinds of visits: families looking for a creative activity, couples wanting a unique and meaningful date, or even small groups and events.

On top of that, they often host art-related workshops, which makes the space feel even more alive and inspiring.

Now that I own my very own terrarium, I can say this experience was memorable—and I’d genuinely recommend paying Taman Hati a visit.

—Auri Duham🪴