Water is an immense attraction to people of all ages. For centuries, people have enjoyed the beauty of fountains and water gardens. Water has a relaxing effect, whether it is the rhythmic waves of the ocean crashing on a rocky coastline, a gentle babbling brook or the quiet beauty of a pond. While we may not be able to create oceans and waves on your patio, we can find the pleasure of building a water garden in the most simplistic manner. You can avoid a large hole on your property to create a water garden. With the limited space on your patio, you can enjoy the art of water gardening in tubs, urns and pots. The Chinese have been doing this for nearly 5,000 years.
Lets get started with a 15- to 25-gallon container, e.g., a half of a whiskey barrel (generally available in gardening centers) is a popular size. To ensure that the container is leakproof and to prevent toxins from leaching in, I suggest that a plastic pool-type liner be used. A black liner gives an impression of greater depth and discourages algae growth.
The container should be located so that it receives at least a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily to increase the blooming periods of aquatic plants.
Now the fun part of building your aquatic micro ecosystem begins. Fill your container with room temperature water. About 50% to 60% of the water surface should be covered with plant material. A tub garden is a natural, balanced system, which will take about three weeks to establish itself. Two weeks after you set up your aquatic garden, the water will start to clear up and remain that way. The aquatic plants keep the algae under control by reducing the sunlight entering the water and competing with the algae.
Aquatic gardens require a mix of various plants and ideal growing conditions to attain natural algae control and to oxygenate the water. There are many varieties of floating plants one may use including: water hyacinths, duckweed (invasive), and for color several different types of water lilies that require a sunny exposure to make them home in a tub garden.
About 20 gallons of water will support one or two goldfish in your aquatic garden. Comet goldfish are recommended. They are hardy, inexpensive and quite brilliant in color. The fish will eat any insects that get into the tub and will also feed on mosquito larvae. Submerged plants will provide food as well as shelter for the fish.
However, for the DIYer who chooses to have the sound of running water, there is an Aquatic Patio Kit including a decorative container, a fountain pump and all the connecting plumbing.
After you complete the project, relax, grab a cool drink and head for your patio to enjoy your water garden.
Stan Davidson is a Palm Beach County Master Gardener who lives in Boynton Beach.