I have also read about creating gardens etc to attract the faeries.

I for one, am for creating a garden or a space where one feels relaxed and comfortable. I have just been doing that recently, as we have re-structured our garden and I have been planting new plants. I chose plants I liked and funnily enough some of them come into the 'attract a faerie category' such as Lavendar, foxgloves, Evening primrose etc.

But if one thinks about it, all plants can only exist if there are nature spirits nurturing them and attending to them.
So I think it does not really matter what you plant, your intention of caring for the plants as well, will certainly enhance the situation. I also have attractive rocks and a water feature to balance it all out. Now all we need is some sunshine and a bit less rain at the moment! sunshine

Regarding a faerie portal, I am not into that at all. The faeries will just show up is my opinion.
But, if people want to create pleasing faerie gardens with 'doors' and things, that is up to them. sunshine