Skip to main content
Skip to main content
Gemnix Terra — where legends are forged
Small miniature village with cottages and a stone bridge set among moss at the edge of a garden
StarterPrivate backyard

The backyard corner village

A first village for a shaded corner of your own garden: one dwelling, a short path and a small gathering place, all removable.

Time needed
1 to 2 hours
Size
Small — about 60 x 60 cm
Where it belongs
Private backyard
Start the stepsSafety first

Before you begin

Read this with a grown-up

Safety

  • Adult set-up. Contains small parts — keep away from children under 3.
  • No nails, screws, wire, glue, paint, glitter or loose plastics.
  • Do not add food or anything that could attract or harm wildlife.

Nature and place

  • Private property only, or land where the owner has given permission.
  • Do not damage trees, roots, plants, habitats or waterways.
  • Leave no trace: everything you bring must be recoverable.

Making it work for everyone

  • Build at a height that suits everyone taking part — a raised planter or table works well for seated builders.
  • Keep the approach clear of trip hazards.

The build

Step by step

  1. Choose a corner nobody walks through

    Look for shade, gentle drainage and ground that is not part of a route. Avoid the base of tree trunks and any visible roots.

  2. Set the ground, do not dig it

    Rest each piece on the surface or on its own base. Never dig into roots, and never fix anything to a living tree.

  3. Make one path and one gathering place

    A path tells a story faster than more buildings do. Use loose pebbles or bark that can be swept up again.

  4. Add characters and a small story

    Give the village a reason to exist: who arrived first, and what are they waiting for? Write it on a card and keep it indoors.

  5. Return and inspect

    Visit weekly. Straighten what has shifted, remove anything damaged, and lift the village before mowing or storms.

When you are finished

Write one line of the village's story, take a photograph from the same spot each season, and check the village on every visit. Lift it out before mowing, storms or the end of a permitted session.

Pieces for this build

Products used here

  • Four small collectible creature figures in green, blue and orange beside translucent resin gems on stone
    Coming soonToys and collectibles

    Faction Figure Set (working title)

    Four collectible figures and four translucent keepsake gems, one for each element.

    Ages:
    Ages 4 and up. Contains small parts — not for children under 3.
    Release:
    Release window pending Gemnix approval

    View details

  • Miniature village of small wooden cottages, a stone bridge and glowing lanterns among moss and ferns
    Coming soonFeywild villages

    Feywild Village Starter Set (working title)

    A small removable village kit for a backyard corner: two dwellings, a bridge, a sign and a lantern.

    Ages:
    Ages 5 and up with adult set-up. Contains small parts — not for children under 3.
    Release:
    Release window pending Gemnix approval

    View details

More guides

Other villages to build

  • Supervised trail

    The supervised trail waystation

    A tiny waystation built and removed within one supervised visit, for families walking the same trail regularly.

  • Approved community woodland

    The community woodland project

    A seasonal village built with a school, camp, park or community group under a written agreement with the land manager.