Container Water Gardens

Are you a city dweller that wishes you could have a pond? Well, with these creative container water gardens being short on outdoor space no longer has to keep you from having a pond. Transform your balcony, courtyard or patio into a relaxing oasis with your own mini container pond.

Whatever type of container you select for your miniature pond, make sure that it is lined with plastic or sealed to keep the water in. This is essential if the container will be resting on a deck or patio where a water leak could cause damage and discoloration.

When selecting a container for your water garden nearly any pot will work. But keep in mind that containers with dark interiors will appear to have greater depth and discourage the growth of algae.

According to the University of Illinois, three types of plants should be included in a container water garden: submerged plants, emergent plants, and floating plants. Submerged plants a critical because they help clean the water and supply oxygen for the other plants. Emergent plants are planted 3 - 6 inches below the surface of the water and emerge into the air. Floaters will add the finishing touch to the surface of your mini pond.

Plants for a Mini Water Garden:

• Submerged - Wild Celery, Fanwort, or Anacharis
• Emergent - Arrowheads, Water Lilies, Blue Flag Iris, or Water Blue Bells
• Floaters - Giant Velvet Leaf or Water Hyacinth

To avoid having your balcony or terrace swarmed by mosquitoes get some Mosquito Donuts. Simply drop one into your water garden and it will keep mosquitoes from breeding for up to 30 days.