Planning and Designing Garden Water Features

Thoughtful Design for Container Water Gardens

Though small, container water features need careful planning for practical and visual success. Position within the garden matters.

Feature must fit overall garden design—especially if not easily movable or sunk into ground.

First realization: container water gardens are rarely self-sustaining; natural balance is nearly impossible. Planting must account for periodic emptying—position and arrangements need careful thought.

Regardless of type, site in full sun—most plants need sunlight. Little gain from shade—a dancing fountain in shade lacks visual impact.

Otherwise, introduction method is personal taste.

Small pools/tubs are most attractive at close quarters—site near seating/relaxing areas. With moving water, especially fountains, ensure sheltered site—wind blows spray around, making sitting/gardening uncomfortable and requiring constant refilling to prevent pump overheating.

Rarely considered advantage: container water gardening lets plant enthusiasts grow unusual varieties that wouldn't flourish elsewhere. A watertight window box solidly planted with bog plants and heavily watered produces a spectacle of fascinating plants otherwise needing a custom bog garden.

Most prefer outdoor features—easier control/management, especially with plants.

Indoor features and warm climates allow tropical plants—choose small, undemanding varieties; many tropicals are tall and space-hungry.

When arranging planting, remember water is important for its own sake. Don't plant so water is entirely lost to view unless making a bog garden.

Where plants are integral, account for them from the start. Most need sun. Submerged aquatics can exist with roots in gravel; all others (except floaters) need roots in aquatic compost. Some thrive in modest compost; others need fair-sized containers and adequate compost as in conventional ponds.

If planting the water part is difficult, consider peripheral planting—create water part as desired, place in another watertight container with companion plants. Often more harmonious, less contrived.

Fish caution: great care introducing into sinks/pots. Fish need generous water surface for oxygen and reasonable depth for cooling. Only large commercial barrels or DIY constructions likely deep enough with sufficient surface area. Turbulent water provides oxygen but endless frothing isn't fair.

Unplanted features giving soothing sound and visual pleasure are often good—particularly easy care, almost no maintenance. Where water is main element, consider stillness, reflection, movement, colour, sound. Water brings all these if planned thoughtfully. Achievement varies widely—drips, gushes, trickles, sprays. Moving water effects differ in sound and light: overcast skies and bright sunshine both play important parts.

When planning and designing, take all these aspects into account.