A container water garden adds peace and serenity to almost any space. A mix of plants, fountains, rocks, and even fish can be used to create a unique and interesting focal point that stimulates all of the senses. Whether you choose a simple garden or a fountain of blooms, let your imagination guide you.

The Container

The first step to designing a container water garden is to decide on a format. To suit almost any space there are three main styles of water gardens. A basic water garden, a fountain embellished with plants, or a combination of the two can be used to meet your specific needs. Plastic tubs or wooden barrels are traditional containers used for water gardens. If you prefer an unusual container or want to design your own, a sealant or liner will be needed to waterproof the container and prevent contaminants from leeching into the water.

If you are interested in a fountain style garden, large drip pans, or birdbath bowls work well as the base of your project. However, the material of the containers you choose will need to be adaptable. In order for the water and hoses to pass through, a series of grooves and holes will need to be made into the containers.

The Plants

Both aquatic and traditional plants can be utilized in a container water garden to add visual interest. Traditional plants such as lilies and tomatoes can be placed into pots and partially sunk into the water. To vary the height of the pots, items such as bricks or empty pots sat upside down can be placed underneath.

Aquatic plants are classified as either a floating plant or a container plant. Floating plants, such as water lettuce, float on the waters surface while container plants, like water lilies for example, are potted and sunk completely under water. Using a combination of floating and container plants will look great and prevent the growth of algae in the water by limiting the amount of sunlight hitting the water.

Fountains

A container water garden in the form of a fountain adds interest for your ears and relaxes your mind. For a single level fountain, a container such as a strawberry pot or a fountainhead attachment can be used. This style adds a simple beauty while being easy to set up. If you prefer the look of a multi-level fountain, pots can be stacked or various sized can be used to create the desired effect. A drill bit and a file can then be used to make openings for the water and pump hose to go through.

Adding to Your Container Water Garden

After the basics have been assembled, rocks and other items can be used to spice up your container water garden. To add more vegetation to a fountain, flowers can be grown in pots and sat onto the top of the other containers or around the base. Colored underwater lighting makes any water garden look fantastic at night by reflecting off the water and other items in the garden. Interestingly shaped wood, stones, and ceramic figurines look great during the day. Coy and goldfish add a nice touch to a water garden and provide entertainment for everyone.

Container water gardens provide a great opportunity to blend the calming effects of water with the pleasure of plants. It can be a small tabletop fountain sat in a tray of potted pansies or a large wooden barrel filled with a mix of aquatic plants on the patio. The number of options available lets you use your creativity to bring the beauty of gardening and water to any space in your home or yard.