How To Build A Water Garden

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How To Build A Water Garden

Building a water garden is a delightful project that brings nature’s tranquility and beauty into your outdoor space. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy patio, creating a water garden can be a rewarding endeavor. Here’s a guide to help you embark on this journey:

Location: Choose a spot with adequate sunlight for at least half of the day to support plant growth.

Size and container: Decide on the size and shape of your water garden. It could be a container pond, a water feature integrated into your landscape, or even a small fountain such as this.

Size and container

Pond in a pot: We will be creating a pond in a pot. The container should be watertight and at least 18” in diameter. Add rocks or bricks to add height for your marginal plants to rest upon. Add water to within an inch or two from the top rim of the pot. Now you’re ready to add plants.

Pond in a pot

Aquatic water plants: There are four categories of plants you will be using; floaters such as water lettuce to filter and keep the water clean, lilies for cooling the water, oxygenators to add much needed oxygen to the pond, and marginals which add color and texture.

Floater plants: Floaters such as water lettuce act as the cleaning crew. Their fine roots act as a filter and keep the water clean.  

Floater plants

Lily plants: Next add in a lily pad or two. They cool the water and reduce algae growth.

Lily plants

Oxygenator plants: Next add oxygenators. Oxygenators grow entirely under the surface, and pump much needed oxygen into the water. 

Oxygenator plants

Marginal plants: Finish with exotic marginals! They add a tropical look for interest, texture, and color. Rest the marginals on the rocks or bricks added in step one. 

Marginal plants

To keep the plants healthy and blooming, add an aquatic plant food tablet to the water once a month. 

Fertilizer for aquatic plants

Viola! You’ve created a beautiful water garden! Over time, your water garden will attract wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and frogs, adding to its charm – you can even add fish! A water garden is a space where you can reconnect with nature, unwind from daily stresses, and watch life flourish in and around the water. Many gardeners say their water garden becomes a cherished oasis in your outdoor sanctuary. 

a beautiful water garden