By Lee Dobbins
Potted plants, they’re common. But when container water gardens are mentioned, chances are, not too many people will be able to answer what it is. Do you know what they are for? No? You’ll know in a minute.
Before, most people who would want to enjoy the beauty of water garden plants would need to set up a pond in their homes. Today, that is just an alternative. Container water gardens are for water plants as pots are for flowering plants.
1. Just like planting the usual garden plants, water plants such as water hyacinth or water lettuce should be packed with clay while submerged in water. 2-3 potted plants together with some plants with broad leaves would be ‘attractive’ enough.
2. Container water gardens should be kept in places with a high distribution of sunlight (at least 6 hours in a day) and ample supply of water. The containers should be refilled as soon as some of the original content has evaporated. During the afternoon, though, a bit of protection is required for your containers.
3. You must never worry about mosquitoes that might make a lair out of your ‘creation’. The water in the container would not become stagnant because of the plants in it. In rare cases where mosquito larvae do develop, take them off immediately and put in fresh water right away.
4. There is no need to go to certain shops just to start your own container water garden. Any type of container that could hold ample amounts of water would do to jumpstart a cute little garden. A small container that can hold a gallon of water (think in terms of old bath tubs!) can hold just one type of water plant. So, you can do the math. The more plants or bigger plants you use, the larger your container should be.
5. To save space, shallow containers could be used for floating plants. If you are opting to add fishes or a water pump to your container, then at least 12 inches is needed to submerge all these.
6. When you are still under the process of selecting the plants for your future water garden, be sure to consider the size of the plants and the available space that you have. For spacious places, bigger plants are required. It would be awful to find a small container in a large space.
7. Anacharis help keep the water clear so be sure to add about 2-3 bunches in 10-15 gallons of water.
8. The great thing about container water gardens, aside from beautifying porches or decks, is that it is emotionally rewarding. This type of garden is easy to maintain since one only needs to trim and fertilize the plants and just replace the water that has evaporated.
9. Remember this, and remember it well! Be sure to take your containers inside your home when the winter season begins. You wouldn’t want your water plants to freeze, would you?
10. Be sure of where you want the container to be permanently placed. Remember, water is quite heavy and once it is inside the containers together with your water plants, having to move them from one place to another could be taxing.
11. If you are bent on having a pond anytime soon, then container water gardening is a small-scale counterpart of your future pond. You could start practicing in keeping a larger garden by keeping the smaller one first.
12. Other possible containers that can be used which are easily produced are whiskey barrels, kiddie pools or even horse watering troughs. Just a little imagination and these old items can be turned into something elegant.
13. Place bricks underneath your plants to adjust their height.
14. It is highly advised to use black or any dark colored containers as they discourage the growth of algae and they give the impression of depth.
15. Around 50-60 percent of the water surface should be covered with your chosen water plants. And make sure to let the water stand for about 1-2 days before putting the plants so that any trace of chlorine has already settled by then.
These are just a handful of tips in starting a container water garden. With less effort but boundless rewards, this is the perfect new endeavor for anyone.
