Small Water Gardens

We love small water gardens in a big way and whilst designing water gardens for small containers we find the greatest pleasure. We have learned over the years that even the smallest of containers can be turned into water gardens to be proud of. It certainly makes a pleasant change from the large water gardens that we are used to designing for our clients.

Small water gardens allow you to get up close and personal with the foliage of the aquatic plants, their flowers and the tiny inhabitants that nature just loves to supply. they are tremendously easy to install and if it doesn't come up to scratch the first time it is far easier to dismantle a small water garden and rebuild it more to your liking.

Small water gardens normally consist of a collection of submerged, potted pond plants so redesigning is as simple as moving the pots around into differing positions. You will also find that the plants themselves are very difficult to kill and even easier to maintain. For us, small-container water gardens have been an endless source of inspiration. And once you've mastered a small container, think what you can do in a big water garden.

Anything that can hold water can contain a water garden with the first step being to choose a suitable container. Even pots with holes do not pose a problem as they can be filled with silicone sealant or an appropriate cork. We find that the widely sold half barrels are the best containers for small water gardens, However, the small problem of wine or vinegar seeping into the water must be remedied first. A small pond liner or plastic container will suffice.

If using clay or porous ceramic vessels then we suggest using a suitable waterproof resin to seal the walls. We normally add two coats and is ready for your small water gardens to be planted within 24 hours.

Use pond plants that have contrasting shapes to create appealing compositions. Small water gardens cupped in a container or basin is a thing of miniature beauty. The reflections are always a pleasant presence in any garden, but dressing it up with plants only adds to the dynamic. this is why we use plants that contrast both in height, width and colours to complete the display.

A few small floating plants such as water lettuce or water hyacinth also help the smaller water garden by filtering out harmful nitrates that tend to turn the water green if not kept in check. We also tend to add a small pond pump to keep the water fresh and vibrant.

The first mistake learner water gardeners make is jamming too many plants into their small water gardens. Though a half barrel-sized container easily accommodates up to four plants potted in pots and a host of floating plants, there is no need to use that many. An overcrowded container often results in designs that are chaotic. Keep it simple.especially when you're starting out, it's easiest to make pleasing small water gardens with only two or three plants. As you gain experience, you can progress to more complicated compositions using greater numbers and varieties of plants.

David 'Goldie' Edwards is managing director of an Aquatics Supply company based in the UK. His Pond Supplies webpage gives clients the opportunity to further enhance their Aquatic knowledge and skills