| We love small water gardens in a big way and | | | | container will suffice. |
| whilst designing water gardens for small containers | | | | If using clay or porous ceramic vessels then we |
| we find the greatest pleasure. We have learned | | | | suggest using a suitable waterproof resin to seal |
| over the years that even the smallest of | | | | the walls. We normally add two coats and is |
| containers can be turned into water gardens to | | | | ready for your small water gardens to be planted |
| be proud of. It certainly makes a pleasant change | | | | within 24 hours. |
| from the large water gardens that we are used | | | | Use pond plants that have contrasting shapes to |
| to designing for our clients. | | | | create appealing compositions. Small water |
| Small water gardens allow you to get up close | | | | gardens cupped in a container or basin is a thing |
| and personal with the foliage of the aquatic plants, | | | | of miniature beauty. The reflections are always a |
| their flowers and the tiny inhabitants that nature | | | | pleasant presence in any garden, but dressing it |
| just loves to supply. they are tremendously easy | | | | up with plants only adds to the dynamic. this is |
| to install and if it doesn't come up to scratch the | | | | why we use plants that contrast both in height, |
| first time it is far easier to dismantle a small | | | | width and colours to complete the display. |
| water garden and rebuild it more to your liking. | | | | A few small floating plants such as water lettuce |
| Small water gardens normally consist of a | | | | or water hyacinth also help the smaller water |
| collection of submerged, potted pond plants so | | | | garden by filtering out harmful nitrates that tend |
| redesigning is as simple as moving the pots | | | | to turn the water green if not kept in check. We |
| around into differing positions. You will also find | | | | also tend to add a small pond pump to keep the |
| that the plants themselves are very difficult to kill | | | | water fresh and vibrant. |
| and even easier to maintain. For us, | | | | The first mistake learner water gardeners make |
| small-container water gardens have been an | | | | is jamming too many plants into their small water |
| endless source of inspiration. And once you've | | | | gardens. Though a half barrel-sized container easily |
| mastered a small container, think what you can | | | | accommodates up to four plants potted in pots |
| do in a big water garden. | | | | and a host of floating plants, there is no need to |
| Anything that can hold water can contain a water | | | | use that many. An overcrowded container often |
| garden with the first step being to choose a | | | | results in designs that are chaotic. Keep it |
| suitable container. Even pots with holes do not | | | | simple.especially when you're starting out, it's |
| pose a problem as they can be filled with silicone | | | | easiest to make pleasing small water gardens with |
| sealant or an appropriate cork. We find that the | | | | only two or three plants. As you gain experience, |
| widely sold half barrels are the best containers for | | | | you can progress to more complicated |
| small water gardens, However, the small problem | | | | compositions using greater numbers and varieties |
| of wine or vinegar seeping into the water must | | | | of plants. |
| be remedied first. A small pond liner or plastic | | | | |