Crochet Tutorial: Thistledown Herb Conservatory Mouse Greenhouse Diorama – Free Crochet Pattern.

This detailed crochet diorama creates a cozy herb conservatory with an olive-green greenhouse frame, cream mesh window panels, a raised base with front steps, tiny labeled herb pots, two gardener mice, hanging lights, bees, butterflies, tools, baskets, seed packets, twine, a wheelbarrow, and the front sign reading The Thistledown Herb Conservatory.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Finished Size

• Whole diorama: about 14 in wide, 10 in deep, and 13 in tall when made with DK cotton and a 2.75 mm hook.
• Main greenhouse base: about 8.5 in wide and 7 in deep.
• Front steps: about 4 in wide and 2.25 in deep.
• Gardener mouse: about 4.5 in tall.
• Small herb pots: about 1.25 to 1.75 in tall.

Skill Level

Intermediate to advanced beginner. The pattern uses mostly single crochet, increases, decreases, surface crochet, embroidery, flat panels, simple amigurumi shaping, and careful assembly.

Materials

• DK cotton yarn in sage olive, dark olive, cream, beige, mouse brown, soft gray, terracotta, soil brown, moss green, light green, dark green, lavender, yellow, white, black, tan, rope beige, basket brown, sky blue, orange, rust, and red.
• 2.75 mm crochet hook for firm pieces.
• 2.25 mm crochet hook for tiny labels, leaves, flowers, bees, and butterflies.
• Fiberfill stuffing.
• Plastic canvas, stiff felt, or thin cardboard for the greenhouse base, roof panels, upright walls, tool shed wall, and steps.
• Embroidery needle and yarn needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Six 6 mm safety eyes or embroidered eyes for the mice, if preferred.
• Optional cool battery-operated micro LED string for the glowing hanging bulbs.
• Optional clear tulle or clear craft mesh behind the crochet window panels.

Gauge

With 2.75 mm hook and DK cotton, 8 sc x 8 rounds should measure about 1 in square. Exact gauge is not critical, but keep stitches firm so the mice, pots, base, and roof hold their shape.

US Crochet Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• dc = double crochet
• inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
• dec = single crochet 2 stitches together
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• MR = magic ring
• FO = fasten off

Construction Notes

The conservatory is built as a miniature display. The raised floor and steps are crocheted around stiff inserts. The greenhouse walls are separate framed panels joined at the corners. The cream window sections are open mesh, with olive ribs placed vertically and diagonally to match the image.

The scene includes many small pieces. Make the main structure first, then the mice, then the pots and accessories. Sew the tiny props only after you are happy with the placement.

Main Raised Greenhouse Base

Oval-Rectangle Floor Panel

Use sage olive yarn and the 2.75 mm hook. Work in joined rounds around a foundation chain to create the rounded front stage shown in the image.

1. Ch 31. Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 28, 3 sc in last ch. Work on the other side of the chain: sc 28, 2 sc in first ch. Join with sl st. 62 sts.
2. Rnd 2: ch 1, inc, sc 28, inc in next 3 sts, sc 28, inc in next 2 sts. Join. 68 sts.
3. Rnd 3: ch 1, sc 1, inc, sc 28, repeat 1 sc, inc across the 3 curved end increases, sc 28, repeat 1 sc, inc across final 2 increases. Join. 74 sts.
4. Rnd 4: ch 1, sc 2, inc, sc 28, repeat 2 sc, inc across curved end, sc 28, repeat 2 sc, inc across final curve. Join. 80 sts.
5. Rnd 5: ch 1, sc around. Join. 80 sts.
6. Rnd 6: BLO sc around. Join. 80 sts.
7. Rnds 7-10: sc around. Join each round. 80 sts.
8. Cut a stiff insert to fit inside the base. Place it inside before closing.
9. Rnd 11: working through BLO, repeat sc 6, dec around, adjusting with sc at end if needed. Join. FO with long tail.

Make a second flat floor panel for the top surface using Rnds 1-5 only. Sew it to the top of the raised base. Add a spiral surface-crochet path in slightly lighter sage, beginning at the center and circling outward 4 times.

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Front Steps

The image shows wide rectangular steps centered at the front. Use sage olive.

1. Bottom step: Ch 23. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 22 sts.
2. Rows 2-8: ch 1, turn, sc across. 22 sts.
3. Border: ch 1, sc evenly around with 2 sc in each corner. FO.
4. Make a matching panel. Cut a stiff insert slightly smaller. Sew both panels together around the insert.
5. Top step: Ch 19. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 18 sts.
6. Rows 2-6: ch 1, turn, sc across. 18 sts.
7. Make a matching panel, insert stiffener, and sew together.
8. Sew the top step centered onto the bottom step. Sew the completed steps to the front center of the base.

Greenhouse Wall Panels

Back Wall Frame

Use sage olive. This panel sits behind the mice and supports the large roof sign.

1. Ch 37. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 36 sts.
2. Rows 2-20: ch 1, turn, sc across. 36 sts.
3. Do not FO. Border: sc evenly around, placing 3 sc in each corner. Join and FO.
4. Cut out the center window area, leaving a 3-stitch-thick frame visually by sewing cream mesh over the open center or by attaching the mesh panel on top.

Cream Mesh for Back Wall

Use cream yarn and a 2.75 mm hook.

1. Ch 31. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, skip 1, repeat sc 1, ch 1, skip 1 across, ending with sc. Turn.
2. Rows 2-16: ch 1, sc in first sc, ch 1, sc in each ch-1 space across, ending sc in last st. Turn.
3. FO. Sew behind or on top of the back frame.

Side Wall Panels

Make 2. These are shorter side greenhouse walls, each with large cream windows and olive framing.

1. With sage olive, ch 27. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 26 sts.
2. Rows 2-16: ch 1, turn, sc across. 26 sts.
3. Border around with sc, placing 3 sc in each corner. FO.
4. Make a cream mesh insert: ch 21. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, ch 1, skip 1, repeat across. Rows 2-12: continue mesh as for back wall. FO.
5. Sew cream mesh centered on each side wall.

Front Corner Posts

Make 2. These vertical posts frame the open front door area.

1. With dark olive, ch 2. Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 6 sts.
2. Rnds 2-28: sc around. Stuff lightly every few rounds.
3. FO, leaving tail. Sew one post to each front corner of the base.

Window Ribs and Crossbars

Use dark olive for the greenhouse ribs. These details create the paneled look seen in the image.

• For each side wall, crochet 3 vertical ribs: ch 17, sl st in 2nd ch and across. Sew evenly over the mesh.
• For the back wall, crochet 4 vertical ribs: ch 21, sl st in 2nd ch and across. Sew evenly over the mesh.
• For each wall, add one horizontal lower rib: ch the width of the mesh, sl st across, and sew about one-third up from the bottom.
• Add diagonal roof support ribs later after the roof panels are attached.

Greenhouse Roof

Slanted Roof Panels

Make 2 long roof panels and 2 shorter side roof panels. Use cream mesh centers with olive borders, matching the airy roof in the image.

Long Roof Panels

1. With cream, ch 33. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, ch 1, skip 1, repeat across. Turn.
2. Rows 2-12: ch 1, sc in first st, ch 1, sc in each ch-1 space across, sc in last st. Turn.
3. Switch to sage olive. Border around with sc, placing 3 sc in each corner. FO.
4. Make 2 panels.

Short Side Roof Panels

1. With cream, ch 21. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, ch 1, skip 1, repeat across. Turn.
2. Rows 2-10: work cream mesh.
3. Switch to sage olive. Border around with sc. FO.
4. Make 2 panels.

Roof Seams and Ridge

• Join the two long roof panels along the top ridge with dark olive sl st through both borders.
• Sew the lower edges to the back wall and front posts so the panels slope upward toward the center ridge.
• Sew short side roof panels between the long roof panels and side walls.
• Add dark olive ribs: ch 13 for short diagonal ribs and ch 17 for long diagonal ribs. Sew diagonally across each roof panel.

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Top Signboard with Cutout Motif

The top signboard is a dark olive rectangle with cream raised stitches and a small white diamond-shaped center motif.

1. With dark olive, ch 35. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. 34 sts.
2. Rows 2-11: ch 1, turn, sc across. 34 sts.
3. Border: sc around with 3 sc in each corner. FO.
4. Make a second matching panel. Insert stiffener and sew panels together.
5. With cream, surface crochet short broken lines across the front: make 5 uneven horizontal lines of 5 to 9 sl sts each, spacing them randomly like brickwork.
6. Center diamond: with cream, ch 2. Rnd 1: 4 sc in 2nd ch. Rnd 2: inc around. 8 sts. Pinch into diamond and sew to sign center.
7. Top loop: with dark olive, ch 12, sl st into same base point to form a hanging loop. Sew to top center.
8. Sew the signboard along the top ridge, slightly leaning forward.

Hanging Warm Bulb Lights

The image has small golden bulbs hanging under the roof. Make 7 bulbs.

1. With yellow, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: sc around. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 3: dec around. 3 sts. FO.
4. With brown, join at top of bulb, ch 5, FO, leaving tail.
5. Sew 3 bulbs under the top sign area and 4 along the front roof beam.

If using real lights, use only cool battery-operated micro LEDs. Place each LED behind a crocheted bulb and secure the wire along the roof ribs with small yarn stitches.

Mouse Gardener with Pruning Shears

Head

Use mouse brown.

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: repeat sc 1, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: repeat sc 2, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: repeat sc 3, inc around. 30 sts.
6. Rnds 6-10: sc around. 30 sts.
7. Rnd 11: repeat sc 3, dec around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 12: repeat sc 2, dec around. 18 sts. Insert or embroider eyes between Rnds 7-8, 6 sts apart.
9. Stuff firmly.
10. Rnd 13: repeat sc 1, dec around. 12 sts.
11. Rnd 14: dec around. 6 sts. FO and close.

Pointed Muzzle

1. With light beige, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: sc 1, inc, repeat around. 9 sts.
3. Rnd 3: sc around. 9 sts.
4. FO, stuff lightly, sew to lower front of head.
5. Embroider a dark brown nose at the tip and one vertical line below it.

Ears

Make 2 outer ears in mouse brown and 2 inner ears in pink beige.

1. MR, 6 sc. Pull ring closed but do not join into a cup.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: repeat sc 1, inc around. 18 sts.
4. FO. Sew one inner ear onto one outer ear.
5. Fold the base slightly and sew ears to the head between Rnds 5-8.

Body and Olive Overalls

The front mouse wears olive-brown overalls with a cream shirt beneath.

1. With cream, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: repeat sc 1, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: repeat sc 2, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: switch to olive brown, sc around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 6: BLO sc around. 24 sts.
7. Rnds 7-13: sc around. 24 sts.
8. Rnd 14: repeat sc 2, dec around. 18 sts.
9. Rnd 15: repeat sc 1, dec around. 12 sts. Stuff.
10. FO, leaving tail. Sew head onto body with head tilted slightly to the left.

Overall Bib and Straps

• Bib: with olive brown, ch 9. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. 8 sts. Rows 2-5: ch 1, turn, sc across. Sew to front upper body.
• Strap 1: ch 18, sl st across. Sew from bib top over shoulder to back waist.
• Strap 2: repeat for the other side.
• Embroider two tiny tan buttons at the bib corners.

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Arms

Make 2.

1. With mouse brown, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: sc around. 6 sts.
3. Switch to cream. Rnds 3-9: sc around. 6 sts.
4. Stuff very lightly. FO.
5. Sew arms to shoulders. Position the front arm forward to hold the red pruning shears.

Legs and Feet

Make 2.

1. With mouse brown, ch 5. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch, work other side sc 2, inc in first ch. 10 sts.
2. Rnd 2: sc around. 10 sts.
3. Switch to olive brown. Rnds 3-7: sc around. 10 sts.
4. Stuff lightly. FO.
5. Sew legs under the body, feet angled outward.

Tail

With mouse brown, ch 26, sl st in 2nd ch and across. Sew to back of body and curve it along the floor.

Pruning Shears

• Handles: with red, ch 5, sl st to form a small loop. Make 2 loops.
• Blades: with silver gray, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch, sc 2, hdc 1, sl st 1. Make 2.
• Sew blades crossing at the center and attach red loops below. Sew into the mouse’s paws.

Second Mouse with Straw Hat

The second mouse stands inside the conservatory near the rear pots, wearing a green shirt and a tan straw hat.

Body

1. With dark olive, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: repeat sc 1, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: repeat sc 2, inc around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 5-11: sc around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 12: repeat sc 2, dec around. 18 sts.
7. Rnd 13: repeat sc 1, dec around. 12 sts. Stuff and FO.

Head, Ears, Arms, Legs, and Tail

Make the head, muzzle, ears, arms, legs, and tail exactly as for the first mouse, using mouse brown for skin and light yellow-green for shirt sleeves if desired. Sew the head upright, facing the front mouse.

Straw Hat

1. With tan, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: repeat sc 1, inc around. 18 sts.
4. Rnd 4: BLO sc around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 5: sc around. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 6: FLO repeat sc 2, inc around. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 7: repeat sc 3, inc around. 30 sts.
8. Rnd 8: sc around. 30 sts. FO.
9. Hat band: with darker tan, ch 20, sl st across, sew around the crown.
10. Sew hat to the second mouse at a slight angle.

Terracotta Herb Pots

Make at least 12 pots for the full crowded conservatory look: Sage, Rosemary, Oregano, Cilantro, Mint, Thyme, Basil, and extra unlabeled pots inside and around the base.

Standard Herb Pot

1. With terracotta, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 4: repeat sc 3, inc around. 15 sts.
5. Rnds 5-7: sc around. 15 sts.
6. Rnd 8: FLO sc around to form rim. 15 sts.
7. FO. Stuff bottom lightly.
8. Soil disk: with soil brown, MR 6 sc, Rnd 2 inc around. 12 sts. Sew inside pot rim.

Small Front Pot

1. With terracotta, MR, 5 sc. 5 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 10 sts.
4. Rnds 4-6: sc around. 10 sts.
5. Rnd 7: FLO sc around. FO.
6. Make soil disk with MR 5 sc, inc around to 10 sts. Sew in place.

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Large Sage Pot

Use the standard pot, but add Rnds 8-9 in sc before making the rim. This creates the taller center-left Sage pot in the image.

Herb Leaves and Plants

Sage Plant

Make 14 thick oval leaves in dusty green.

1. Ch 8. Work in 2nd ch: sl st 1, sc 2, hdc 2, sc 1, 3 sc in last ch.
2. Work back along opposite side: sc 1, hdc 2, sc 2, sl st 1. FO.
3. Sew leaves upright in the large Sage pot, with taller leaves in the center and smaller leaves leaning outward.

Rosemary Plant

• Make 8 stems: with dark green, ch 12, sl st in 2nd ch and across.
• Add tiny side needles by tying 1 in yarn strands along each stem and trimming to 0.25 in.
• Sew stems into a front-left pot labeled Rosemary.

Oregano Plant

• Make 10 rounded leaves: ch 4, sc in 2nd ch, hdc 1, 3 sc in last ch, work opposite side hdc 1, sc 1, FO.
• Sew in a clustered mound in the pot labeled Oregano.

Cilantro Plant

• Make 7 stems: ch 7, sl st across.
• At the top of each stem, ch 3, sl st back, ch 3, sl st back, ch 3, sl st back into stem top.
• Sew into the front center pot labeled Cilantro.

Mint Plant

• Make 12 bright green leaves: ch 5, sc 1, hdc 2, 3 sc in last ch, work back hdc 2, sc 1.
• Sew leaves in pairs along 5 short stems made from ch 6 sl st across.
• Place one Mint pot on the front base and one separate Mint pot to the right side.

Thyme Plant

• Make 9 thin stems in moss green: ch 10, sl st across.
• Add tiny light green knots by embroidering French knots along the stems.
• Sew into the pot labeled Thyme at the right front corner.

Basil Plant

• Make 8 large oval leaves in medium green: ch 7, sc 1, hdc 2, dc 1, hdc 1, 3 sc in last ch, work back hdc 1, dc 1, hdc 2, sc 1.
• Sew into a back-right pot labeled Basil.

Lavender Sprigs

• Make 5 stems in dark green: ch 12, sl st across.
• With lavender yarn, make 5 small knots up the top half of each stem.
• Sew sprigs into inside rear pots and beside the second mouse.

Herb Labels

Use cream yarn and a 2.25 mm hook. Make one label for each named pot.

1. Ch 9. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. 8 sts.
2. Rows 2-3: ch 1, turn, sc across. FO.
3. With dark brown embroidery thread or split yarn, stitch the names: Sage, Rosemary, Oregano, Cilantro, Mint, Thyme, and Basil.
4. Sew each label to the front of the matching pot.

Interior Crates, Basket, and Harvest Vegetables

Round Basket

1. With basket brown, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 4-7: sc around. 12 sts.
5. Handle: ch 18, skip 6 sts, sl st to opposite side. FO.

Vegetables

• Carrot: with orange, ch 5, sc in 2nd ch, sc 2, sl st 1. Add green ch-3 leaves at top. Make 4.
• Tomato: with red, MR 6 sc, Rnd 2 sc around, stuff lightly, dec closed. Add green star stitches on top. Make 3.
• White bulb: with cream, MR 6 sc, Rnd 2 sc around, dec closed. Add green ch-3 sprout. Make 3.
• Green squash: with light green, MR 6 sc, Rnds 2-4 sc around, close. Make 2.

Rectangular Garden Tray

1. With cream, ch 19. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. 18 sts.
2. Rows 2-6: ch 1, turn, sc across. 18 sts.
3. Border with sc around. FO.
4. With soil brown, make a smaller rectangle: ch 15, sc 14 across for 4 rows. Sew on top.
5. Add 16 tiny green sprouts: ch 4, sl st back. Sew in rows.

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Tool Shed Panel

The right side has a small green tool shed with a cream sign and hanging tools.

1. With dark olive, ch 19. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. 18 sts.
2. Rows 2-18: ch 1, turn, sc across. 18 sts.
3. Border with sc around. FO.
4. Roof flap: ch 21, Row 1 sc 20, Rows 2-4 sc across. Sew to top edge, slanting slightly forward.
5. Sign: with cream, ch 13, sc in 2nd ch and across. 12 sts. Work 3 rows. Embroider Tool Shed and sew near top.

Tiny Tools

• Trowel: handle in brown ch 8 sl st across. Blade in gray ch 5, sc 1, hdc 1, dc 1, sl st. Sew together.
• Fork: handle ch 8 in brown. Fork head in gray: ch 4, then make three ch-3 prongs joined at base.
• Yellow-handled spade: handle ch 9 in yellow, blade in gray as for trowel.
• Sew tools vertically to the tool shed panel.

Wheelbarrow

1. With gray, ch 12. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. 11 sts.
2. Rows 2-6: ch 1, turn, sc across. 11 sts.
3. Border around with sc. FO.
4. Fold sides upward slightly and stitch corners to create a shallow tray.
5. Wheel: with dark gray, MR 6 sc, inc around to 12 sts. FO. Sew to front center.
6. Legs: make 2 with brown ch 5 sl st across. Sew under back corners.
7. Handles: make 2 with brown ch 13 sl st across. Sew to back edge, angled outward.

Seed Packets and Plant Tags

1. With cream, ch 8. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. 7 sts.
2. Rows 2-10: ch 1, turn, sc across. FO.
3. Make 4 packets.
4. Embroider simple plant drawings using green, brown, orange, and red stitches.
5. Add tiny words such as Seed Packets, Herb Seeds, or Basil on the packet fronts.

Twine Spool and Loose Rope

Twine Spool

1. With tan, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 4-8: sc around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 9: FLO sc around. FO.
6. Wrap darker tan yarn around the middle 10 times and secure.

Loose Rope Coil

With rope beige, ch 55 and sl st back across. Coil into a flat spiral and sew lightly at three points. Place beside the front sign.

Hanging Plant Basket

1. With basket brown, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 4-6: sc around. 12 sts.
5. With green, make 8 clover leaves: ch 4, sl st into same base, repeat 3 times for each clover.
6. Sew greenery into basket.
7. Hanger: attach three strands of dark olive yarn, each 7 in long, to the basket rim. Knot together at top and hang from the left roof edge.

Butterflies

Large Orange Butterfly

1. Body: with black, ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch and across.
2. Large wing, make 2: with orange, MR, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 3, sl st into ring. Tighten and FO.
3. Small wing, make 2: with orange, MR, ch 2, 3 hdc, ch 2, sl st into ring. Tighten and FO.
4. Sew wings to body. Embroider black and cream dots on wings.
5. Antennae: use two short black yarn strands stiffened with a knot at each end.
6. Sew butterfly to the left greenhouse wall.

Blue Butterflies

Make 2 small blue butterflies using the same method, but use only hdc wings. Sew one to the right wall and one near the greenhouse side.

Bees

Make 5 bees for the front and side details.

1. With yellow, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: sc around. Switch to black for the last 2 sts.
3. Rnd 3: with black, sc around. Switch to yellow at end.
4. Rnd 4: with yellow, dec around. FO.
5. Wings: with white, ch 4, sl st into same stitch, ch 4, sl st into same stitch. Sew to top.
6. Embroider tiny eyes with black. Sew bees around the steps, side wall, and front floor.

Small White Mug or Watering Cup

1. With cream, MR, 6 sc. 6 sts.
2. Rnd 2: inc around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 3: BLO sc around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 4-6: sc around. 12 sts.
5. Handle: ch 7, sl st to side 3 rounds below. FO.
6. Place near the interior basket and twine.

Front Conservatory Sign

The front sign is a cream rectangle with stitched border and the words The Thistledown Herb Conservatory.

1. With cream, ch 31. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across. 30 sts.
2. Rows 2-9: ch 1, turn, sc across. 30 sts.
3. Border with sc around. FO.
4. With dark olive, embroider a dashed border just inside the edge.
5. Embroider the words The Thistledown Herb Conservatory across three centered lines.
6. Place the sign flat in front of the steps.

Assembly Order

1. Sew the front steps to the raised base, centered at the front curve.
2. Sew the back wall to the rear edge of the base. Keep it vertical and reinforce with small hidden stitches through the bottom frame.
3. Sew both side walls to the left and right edges of the base, angling them slightly outward toward the front.
4. Sew the two front posts to the front corners.
5. Attach the roof panels, joining them at the ridge and sewing lower edges to the walls and posts.
6. Sew the top signboard onto the roof ridge, centered and slightly forward.
7. Attach hanging bulbs under the roof and along the front beam.
8. Place the tool shed panel on the right side, just outside the greenhouse.
9. Sew or glue the wheelbarrow beside the tool shed.
10. Arrange the large Sage pot inside left of center. Place the mouse with pruning shears in front of it.
11. Place the second mouse near the back right, beside lavender and potted herbs.
12. Arrange labeled herb pots around the front steps: Rosemary and Oregano on the left, Cilantro and Mint at center, Thyme and Basil on the right.
13. Add the basket, vegetables, seed packets, twine spool, rope coil, tray of seedlings, mug, bees, butterflies, and hanging plant.

Placement Guide for Matching the Image

• Left front: Rosemary pot, Oregano pot, seed packets, basket of vegetables, and one bee.
• Center front: wide steps, Cilantro pot, Mint pot, twine spool, front sign, and two bees.
• Right front: Thyme pot, Basil pot, loose rope coil, seedling tray, and one extra Mint pot.
• Inside left: tall Sage pot and front mouse with pruning shears.
• Inside back: straw-hat mouse, lavender sprigs, basket, small labeled pots, and cream mug.
• Left wall: large orange butterfly and hanging plant basket.
• Right wall: blue butterfly, small bee, and tool shed outside the wall.
• Roof: cream mesh panels, olive ribs, glowing bulb garland, and dark olive signboard with cream stitch marks.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Embroider each mouse with a tiny dark brown nose, a short mouth line, and soft cheek stitches in pale pink. Add whiskers using two strands of dark brown thread on each side of the muzzle. Keep the faces gentle and simple so they match the quiet garden scene.

Check that the front mouse leans slightly toward the Sage plant and that the pruning shears sit between both paws. The second mouse should stand farther back under the roof, turned slightly toward the pots.

Care Notes

• Spot clean only with a damp cloth.
• Do not machine wash the assembled diorama because the stiff inserts and tiny accessories may bend.
• Keep away from direct heat, candles, and moisture.
• If using micro LEDs, remove batteries when storing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Greenhouse base, steps, side walls, back wall, roof panels, and top sign are firmly attached.
• All labeled pots are readable and placed in the correct front and side positions.
• Both mice have ears, muzzles, arms, legs, tails, and facial embroidery.
• Hanging lights, bees, butterflies, tool shed, wheelbarrow, seed packets, basket, twine, rope, and front sign are included.
• The front sign reads The Thistledown Herb Conservatory.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Use a soft makeup brush or clean paintbrush to remove dust from the herbs, roof mesh, and tiny accessories. Support the base from underneath when moving the diorama. Store it in a box with tissue around the roof and signboard so the greenhouse shape stays upright.

For long-term display, keep the piece away from strong sunlight to protect the green, terracotta, and cream yarn colors. If a plant stem bends, gently reshape it with your fingers and secure it with one hidden stitch if needed.