Installing a Water Garden

Get your green thumb wet this summer with a water garden teeming with pretty fish and plants—this stunning, unexpected landscape feature is sure to make a splash. Water gardens come in all shapes and sizes, whether it’s a large in-ground pond feature or even a tabletop container water garden. But before you dive in, consider these things:

Photo courtesy of James A. Stepp,
Lexicon Media

Selecting a site. The whole point of installing a water garden is for your enjoyment, so position it where you can comfortably view it. The site should receive ample sunlight (at least 6 hours, though if you don’t want plants, you can get a way with a shadier spot) and should be away from heavily shedding plants and trees, or you’ll spend a lot of time picking out debris. Also avoid installing your water garden in a low spot so that runoff won’t seep into and contaminate the water. Most importantly, contact your local utility company and examine local building and zoning codes to brush up on important regulations and restrictions. Once you have the go-ahead, check out iVillage’s step-by-step instructions for creating the base of your in-ground water garden. And hop on over to The Water Garden, LLC for even more detailed installation know-how (you’ll also learn what materials—such as a pond liner and water pump—you might need for your project). Does a container water garden make more sense for you? If so, learn how to create one here.

Photo courtesy of James A. Stepp,
Lexicon Media

Picking plants. When it comes to adding plants, you have three different kinds to consider: submerged, floating, and edging. Submerged plants are potted like container plants and set in the water—they’re an essential source of oxygen, especially if you have fish. Floating plants such as water lilies provide shade and help prevent algae. And edging plants line the perimeter of your pond, helping it blend with your landscape. Learn how to artfully and strategically arrange your plants here. Unfortunately, some plants—such as lotus—can become invasive and can actually overtake your water garden. That’s why it’s important to check with your local Cooperative Extension office before putting plants in your pond, to see which varieties are recommended and which aren’t. In the meantime, browse this list of common water garden plants.

Photo courtesy of James A. Stepp,
Lexicon Media

Choosing fish. If your water garden is pond-size, why not add some colorful fish such as goldfish or koi, the most common water garden varieties? Fish don’t just add color and movement, they also help control mosquitoes and other pests. On average, allow 2 to 3 square feet of room per fish, and be sure to maintain good water quality so your fish thrive (a pond filter helps ensure water is properly oxygenated; you’ll also want to keep pH levels around 6.6 to 8.4). Brush up on caring for your fish (you can even print out a handy Fish Care Chart, too).

What should you do with your garden when cold weather blows in? Stay tuned—at the end of the summer, I’ll explain how to winterize your water garden.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Comments

[Keengardener]

Some great tips to take into account when planning on building a water garden. The main advice people should take on board is to plan ahead and set a budget.