Patio Pond Bowl If you're interested in "testing the waters" of the water gardening hobby, a container water garden is a great place to start! They are generally used to add the sound of water to a deck or patio, but they also look great greeting visitors by the front door. But they don't just add beauty, they also give kids a fun way to learn about nature, and make a great starter "pond" for any young children interested in water. A container water garden can be created using virtually any type of container ... as long as it has the ability to hold water. An old clawfoot tub, a galvanized bucket, your favorite terra cotta pot, or an old whiskey barrel all make great containers for your new water garden! Once you've chosen the container, you need to make sure it will hold water. Any un-glazed pottery will need to be sealed and drain holes will need to be plugged. A wooden container such as a whiskey barrel can be lined with a piece of rubber liner that is affixed to the rim. Make sure the sealant you use safe for plants and fish.
A container water garden wouldn't be a garden without out the aquatic plants. When planting a container water garden, the same principals apply as with a regular container garden. A balance of plants that are different shapes and sizes means you'll have a planter that is pleasing to the eye. Or, highlighting just one special plant, such as a lotus plant if you have a large container, or a single, pigmy water lily if you have a smaller container, makes a striking garden and a much simpler approach.
Bubbling Urns and Bubbling Boulders
These larger water features are typically set atop an underground reservoir that keeps re-circulating the water. Once the urn / Boulder fills with water, the water spills out and over into the underground basin, which pumps the water back up through the urn. If a spitter or decorative fountainscape is more to your liking, you can still set it on the reservoir and a pipe will transfer the water from the basin up through the center of the spitter or fountain.
Planting Your Patio Pond makes creates your own unique water feature
Stand Alone Fountains
Standalone Fountains are gaining popularity due to their ease of set-up and maintenance. Found at Brock Farms garden center in Colts Neck NJ, and home improvement stores across America, a wide range of styles and finishes are available to fit everyone's taste and budget. From impressive brass to simple resin fountains, these features are made to "stand alone, " meaning they don't need any counterparts to make them function. Much like a tabletop fountain, all you need to do is add water, plug it in, and enjoy. Some larger units may require a bit of simple assembly.Once you find a fountain that fits your style and budget, all you need to do is find the perfect location for it. You can place it in the foyer of your home to greet guests, or set it outside on the back deck to enjoy during a cool summer evening. Tuck one near a garden path or by the front entrance of your home. You'll soon find you want more than just one fountain to grace your landscape. The sound of water draws visitors into your garden and provides a place for the eyes to rest while enjoying the outdoor spaces.