How to Make a Container Water Garden

One of the best ways to add interest to a patio, veranda or deck is to add a container water garden. Not only is it easy to make, a container water garden is versatile, portable and inexpensive to maintain. If you're wondering if a full-scale outdoor pond is right for you, making a container water garden is the best way to get your feet wet. Read on for some tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Watertight container
• Water plants
• Bricks or pavers
• Fountain and submersible pump (optional)

1. Determine the location of the container water garden. Knowing where you want to put the water garden will help you with the next step.

2. Choose the container. As long as it's sturdy and watertight, any type of container will serve the purpose. Ceramic jars, fiberglass jugs and resin planters are just some of the readily available options. Consider the size and color if you want it to blend with your landscape or home décor.

3. Choose the water plants. Depending on the size of your container, pick out plants that will be aesthetically compatible. Both tall and short plants will provide a cascading effect. Allow room for growth and anticipate the plants' full-grown size.

4. 
   Check the container for leaks.

   Check the container for leaks. Place it in the driveway or backyard and fill it with water. If there are leaks, either paint the inside with waterproof or water garden paint or fix the holes with silicone sealant. Leave the water in the container for at least a day to double-check for leakage.

5. Place the container on its permanent location. Be sure the area is flat and can hold the weight of the container filled with water.

6. Fill the container with water up to about two-thirds full.

7. 
   Position the plants.

   Position the water plants inside the container. Follow the recommended water depth of the plants you've chosen by adding bricks or pavers in the container. Install the fountain and submersible pump if desired. Add water to the desired level. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• When determining the location of the container water garden, remember that some water plants require full sun. You may want to think about what plants to include before you decide on where to put your water garden.
• Remember that mosquitoes will breed in stagnant water. Consider adding a fountain to create water movement, fishes to feed on mosquito wrigglers or bacillus rings (available at garden stores) that kill mosquito larvae.
• If you intend to add fishes to your container water garden, consider the location of the vessel. It might be too exposed to the sun's heat that the water becomes too hot for the fishes' comfort. If it is located where it will catch rain, the water will overflow—along with the fishes.

Resources

• Colorado State Univ: Container Water Gardens
• Univ. of Illinois: Water Gardening

[arwen1964]

on 8/27/2008 I think I will give this a try...

[klnygaard]

on 8/19/2008 great idea--thanks