Creative Water Feature Containers for Every Garden

Endless Possibilities with Garden Containers

So many garden containers can be used, adapted, or created for water features that only imagination and creative skills limit you. With plants/fish, a few constraints exist; otherwise, if construction functions, any container works.

After deciding feature type and considering plants/fish, consider cost. Ready-made features can be expensive but many are excellent value, especially dressed with your plants. With small alterations, containers for other purposes work—plug drainage holes in large ceramic/terracotta pots with fine aggregate concrete, waterproof with transparent sealant. Specialist centres often do this. Drill pots/rocks for fountain/waterfall outlets; aquatics specialists help.

Don't overlook pool liners for non-watertight objects. Many liner types; toughest, easiest to mould without awkward creases: LDPE. Buy off the roll, just what you need. Rubber liners tough but harder to install; polythene cheaper but limited life.

Container water features can be simple and economical—use ingenious devices. But don't economize on pumps—best value for money, but ensure reliability for the task.

Once properly installed, water features are among the easiest, most pleasurable garden features to maintain.

Quick Tips

• If a container holds water or can be made to, it's a potential water feature. Plant type and arrangement determine traditional or unusual effect.
• Decorative garden tubs offer low-maintenance water garden options.