Pond in a pot

Water gardens don’t need lots of space or expensive equipment. And they add variety to a small garden or balcony without using much water. Use plastic containers at least 600mm in diameter and 200mm deep. You’ll also need a small submersible pump, a spouting ornament, plants, clear tubing, kitty litter, pea gravel or small pebbles and a nylon stocking.

PLANT a dwarf lily in a small container so that the pads don’t completely cover the surface of the water. For larger pots, add a floating plant like water hyacinth, duckweed or water lettuce.

FISH such as koi or goldfish don’t fit dish-style gardens, but larger pots are ideal (although metal containers get too warm). Fish keep the garden clean by eating algae, decaying plant
material and mosquito larvae. the potting soil.

SMALL SPLASHES
TWO TIER Sallow for different types of plants. Lilies on the deep side have stems that float upward and extend horizontally. Put plants that grow upright and favour shallower water on the higher side.

PEA GRAVEL acts as a lid over the unpotted soil so it doesn’t circulate and darken the water. Rinse the pea gravel before adding to the container.

ADJUST the pressure of the pump in a bucket of water before placing it in the water garden.

USE WATER that has sat in a bucket for a day or two to allow chlorine to evaporate and water temperature to moderate.

AQUATIC PLANTS thrive on direct sunlight, so a bright sunny spot is ideal. Avoid windy areas as strong breezes tear tall plants.

1. Attach the spout
Drill a small hole in the rim of the container to mount the spouting ornament, bending the support spike if necessary. Spread the soil of the lily or other deep-water plants in half of the container, then add kitty litter around it to create a level floor.

3. Connect the pump
Use 10mm plastic tubing to connect the pump to the spouter. Press the pump into the cup so
the suction cups anchor it to the bottom. Cover the pump with a nylon stocking filter, then with
pea gravel. Fill with water.

2. Divide the container
Place a stone partition across the centre. Plant shallow-growing plants and spread more kitty litter over the soil. On the low side, nestle a plastic cup for the pump, keeping it covered
to stop gravel falling in. Spread pea gravel over the kitty litter.