Use any of the super small dwarf-size hostas. There are 2 hosta specialty gardens in the Twin Cities. Savory's in Edina and Venero's in Excelsior. But really, you're probably best to look at online sources like Hallson's or Naylor Creek.

You can also look at other ground covers, like mosses, assuming the site is moist enough.

Bachmans & Pahl's in Apple Valley both have lots of groundcovers.

You can also use groud cover thyme.

WOw, you are planning on building a very large fairy garden. I don't live near you, but I live in a northern climate, so if you would like to check some of mine out then feel free on my blog below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Fairy Garden Ideas

this sounds like fun, wish I had the time for this large of an undertaking but a mini fairy garden is what I am looking to create have been getting many ideas on pinterest just type in fairy garden and a ton of posts come up...best wishes and so sorry to hear of all the hard work you did was not kept up....but things have a way to work for the better and I am sure the fairy garden will be really cool too!

I wish you could have gone on the arboretum tour a couple of years ago. One of the gardeners had a fairy garden about that size that she and a neighbor friend worked on together. She had all the things you mention and then some. I think the stream might have been a dry river bed of rocks. There was a walk up the hill and around the top of the garden, so one could see and photograph it from all angles.

"fairy houses and scenes with some pathways, bridges, ladders, steps, etc. joining the areas. I may even figure out how to add a river, lake, and waterfalls" Remember to add some pergolas, my favorite delicate architecture for fairies.

I had a small fairy garden about 5' x 5', but the terrain was so rough I can no longer keep it up. Now, I have even more fun building tiny fairy gardens in large pot saucers. Usually, I pick just one small vignette for each. I have chosen to have small succulents in them, so I can bring them inside for the winter. Then I have them here and there around the living area, where I can enjoy them all year long. I decorate them seasonally: spring - planting tools and pets, summer - out door furniture and faux flowers, fall - rakes, pumpkins and scarecrows, with tiny wreaths and garlands, winter - .

I am always dinging around with them: changing a plant, mushroom, miniature grape vine ball, fairy or wishing well, etc. I make streams from sea rock or pebbles and ponds with mirrors, water bubbles with beads and pearls. I make fairy books, easels, etc. to represent our hobbies. I have found some cute animals, bicycles, wagons, etc. among the Christmas ornaments and a few things from the Christmas Villages.

Something happened and the site wouldn't let me correct the placement of winter. Oh well, what I really want is to wish you well in this wonderful creative endeavor. I would love to see photos as you progress. gramma jan, my garden web name

I live in Kenyon, which is about 50 miles south of the Cities. If you are nearby, you would be welcome to stop in once the plants have all made their Spring appearance. There may be something you could use. I have a few kinds of groundcover sedum. I have lavender wild onion, which I have always thought had a fairytale look to it. For your annuals, Love Lies Bleeding might be a good choice. It has an "other worldly" look to it.

Wondering whether the original poster has started her fairy garden? Would love to see photos.