The perfect water garden design for your container or
landscape starts with a good plan.
All water gardens, regardless of size, provide feelings of peace and
tranquility.
From container water gardens to elaborate tropical waterscapes,
successful designs require careful planning and attention to detail.
The design you choose will depend on the style of your garden and
landscape.
Add the sight and sound of water to your landscape with the perfect water garden design.
Container water gardens are an excellent alternative, whether
you live in a small home, or just want to try out water gardening
before taking the plunge and installing a permanent waterscape.
Portability – If planted in a small container, this type of
water garden can be moved from one location
to another with minimal
effort.
Perfect for Small Spaces – You can still enjoy the peace and
tranquility of a waterscape if you live in a small home.
A Trial Run Before a Larger Commitment – If you’re new to water
gardening, or not sure if you want to add a permanent water garden to
your landscape, try a container garden.
Minimal Cost and Labor – If designed properly, a container water garden
will be inexpensive to create, will not need special aerators or
filtration systems, and will require minimal care.
Select a Location
– decide where you will place your container garden. A focal point for
your patio or deck is an ideal choice for enjoyment purposes, as well
as being in a convenient proximity for care and maintenance. Many water
plants prefer direct sunlight, four to five hours minimum for flowering
plants. More direct sunlight means more water plant choices.
Select a Container
– just about any water-tight container will do for a water garden
design. Containers can be purchased or built, depending on your
preferences. The larger the container, the more choices you will have
for plant-life and additional features. Be sure wooden containers are
properly treated and lined to prevent rotting and leakage.
Plant Selection
– Aquatic plants help filter impurities, keep containers and ponds
cooler for fish (by filtering sunlight), and reduce excess algae
build-up. Types of aquatic plants include: Floating Plant (cover the
water surface) and Submerged Plants (grow entirely underwater).
Extra Features
– If your container is large enough; consider including extra features
in your water garden design. Small fish and snails help promote a
healthy ecosystem as well as enhance the overall visual appeal. A water
pump attached to a fountain head circulates the water and creates the
soothing sound of water.
A water garden adds interest to your landscape, as well as
promotes a sense of peace and
tranquility that will be
enjoyed for
years to come. Water garden designs can be small or large, simple or
elaborate.
In addition to being a home to aquatic plants and water creatures, water gardens can include features such as waterfalls, fountains, waterwheels, and rockwork.
Building Codes
and Safety Regulations – Plans must comply with building
codes and safety regulations. Check with local authorities regarding
rules governing size, placement, and depth before beginning the
planning process.
Select a Location
– The best location for your water garden: 1) Is convenient for
electrical wiring, 2) Is on well-drained, level ground, 3) Is in an
area free of existing underground pipes, sewer lines, or cables, 4) Is
located near a convenient water source so that water can be added
easily.
Choose a Style
– A pond can be formal or informal, depending on your personal taste as
well as the style of your garden, landscape, and house. Formal ponds
are geometric in shape and look man-made. Informal ponds have an
abstract shape that resembles the look of a natural pond or lake.
Electricity and Lighting
– Electricity will be required for your water garden to operate pumps,
filters, underwater lighting, and perimeter lighting. A licensed
electrician should install the electrical system to ensure your pond is
safe and complies with safety and building codes.
Pond Capacity
– When planning your water garden capacity, consider the types of
aquatic plants you intend to include, and the size and type of aquatic
life that will live in the pond. Pond capacity is important when
determining the size of the pump and filter, and administering the
accurate doses of fertilizers and chemical treatments.
Water Garden Plants
– When choosing plants for your water garden, keep in mind that plants
should cover approximately 50-70 percent of the surface. Floating
plants help to filter the water, reduce water temperature by filtering
sunlight, and reduce algae build-up. Submerged plants grow entirely
underwater. They oxygenate and filter the water, and provide food for
fish.