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Grow a pond in a pot
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With these miniature ponds, still waters can provide deep satisfaction even in small spaces
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By Beckie Fox
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Making a water garden doesn't have to require an engineering degree, a backhoe and lots of space. With a large watertight container and a minimum of six hours of sun, you can nurture a small collection of aquatics in a tiny townhouse garden, on a patio or even on a balcony. Best of all, you'll be able to watch the sunlight sparkle on the surface of your pond in a pot with just a small amount of set-up time.
The container
Choose a container that's at least 50 centi metres deep, 60 centimetres wide and holds a minimum of 20 litres; between 50 and 80 litres is ideal. A dark-coloured interior discourages algae and helps disguise the organisms when present. It also gives the illusion of greater depth.
Choosing the right plants
A pond in a pot usually includes floating plants, as well as marginal , or emergent, aquatics in terracotta pots or plastic baskets-the container is submerged, while the plantsrise above water level.
Aim for contrasting textures and varying heights. One tall, spiky plant, such as arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.), dwarf papyrus (Cyperus prolifer) or corkscrew rush (Juncus effusus), with lowergrowing floating plants, such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) or water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), makes a pleasing composition in a small container. If your heart desires a water lily, select a dwarf variety and plant it solo-one specimen will soon cover the surface with its round, flat leaves.
To control algae, most experts recommend that two-thirds to three-quarters of the water surface be covered by plants.
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