Create a Simple Container Water Garden in 3 Steps

Step 1: Choose Your Container

Any watertight vessel works—a shallow bowl, copper pot, glass dish, or a dedicated water garden container. Broad, shallow containers are especially effective.

Step 2: Select Floating Plants

Visit a garden center for water garden varieties. Ideal for small containers are "floater" plants that drift on the surface: water lettuce, azolla, duckweed, water hyacinth, and frog bit. These require no soil and provide instant coverage.

Step 3: Easy Care Routine

• Check water level daily; top off as needed.
• Change water when it becomes murky or develops an odor (typically once or twice a week).
• Each water change, fertilize very lightly with a liquid fertilizer.

That's it! A charming, low-maintenance water feature for a patio, deck, or tabletop.