Weekend Project: Build a Container Water Garden for Your Patio or Deck

Learn how to make a container water garden—the perfect focal point on a deck or patio—with these quick, easy steps.

Step 1

Choose a suitable container and place it in a sunny spot (water gardens are hard to move once filled). Put a few bricks in the bottom to raise potted plants to just below water level.

Step 2

Arrange potted plants on the bricks, considering viewing angles. Waterlilies spread; the dwarf yellow 'Helvola' is perfect for tubs. Lotuses also thrive in containers.

Step 3

Add water to cover plant tops.

Step 4

Add rocks to pots to keep them from floating and hide rims.

Step 5

Fill bare spots with small floaters like water lettuce or water hyacinth.

Keep It Growing

Top off water as it evaporates (every few days in heat). Let water overflow occasionally to deter mosquitoes; mosquito dunks also help.

Water Garden Plants

Explore more aquatic plant options for your container water garden.