✨ What Is Aquascaping?

Aquascaping isn’t just arrangement—it’s enchantment. You’re crafting living relics: ecosystems woven with story and soul. Each choice, from the curl of a root to the tilt of a stone, whispers your intention. And when it settles, your water remembers.

🪵 The Anatomy of a Relic

Element	Function	Clare’s Whisper
Hardscape	Driftwood, stone, sculptural structure	“These are the bones of memory. Position softly.”
Substrate	Soil, sand, gravel	“Choose what roots need—and what your heart dreams of.”
Plants	Epiphytes, stems, carpets	“They reach for secrets. Let them.”
Fauna	Shrimp, snails, fish	“Little mischief-makers who bring meaning and motion.”
Flow & Light	Filters, gentle currents, illumination	“Radiance is ritual. Keep the relic breathing.”

🌱 Composing the Relic

Begin with a feeling. Are you conjuring ruins? A shrine? A submerged forest?
Set the skeleton. Place stones and driftwood first—the emotional map.
Plant with care. Use tweezers like tools of intention. Don't rush.
Cycle wisely. Give your relic time to balance before inviting fauna.
Welcome character. Tannins, algae, and patina aren’t mistakes—they’re evolving lore.

🌳 Featured Relic: Mopani Wood

Alias: The Dual-Heart Driftwood

Visual Appeal: Deep contrast, from dusk-dark tones to golden swirls
Functionality: Dense; sinks easily after prep
Note: Releases tannins—may tint water amber
→ Boil or soak in advance, or embrace the relic’s ritual haze

“Forged in drought and flood, Mopani murmurs old secrets into new waters.”

🧭 Clare’s Quiet Encouragements

Your aquascape doesn’t need to impress—only to feel true.
The best relics evolve slowly.
Ask the water: What does it remember? What does it carry?