What is a water garden? Is it worth the effort?

It is easy to cultivate soil plants, but can it be challenging if grown in water? You would prefer to look at your neighbour’s aquatic feature from a distance than venture into it yourself. However, since these beautiful areas incorporate reflecting pools, bubbling fountains and aquatic plants into the environment, and are a joy to have around, it will be worth your while to have one of your own. This article will give you all the answers on water gardens and how to enhance it.

 

What is a water garden?

Aquatic gardens, sometimes called water gardens, are water structures that showcase a variety of aquatic plants. The aquatic plants are what define these gardens as water gardens. However, they can also serve as garden ponds or fish ponds. 

Water gardens can be any size or form, with various patterns, whether planted indoors, outdoors, or in a container with a shell or PVC liner. Since many aquatic plants are sensitive to depth, most water pools are shallow, while deep ones are possible. A tiny animal water source, such as a water garden, could be used by squirrels and birds. On rare occasions, you might even see a salamander or frog. 

 

What kind of plants are in a water garden?

Most aquatic plants should be grown in small vessels you will immerse in water. Determine the precise water level at which each plant may thrive before putting them in the water. A few inches of water is all that certain plants can withstand before dying if their crowns are submerged too deeply. Remember that aquatic plants are sensitive to depth. Some plants may be too big for your submerged containers. These larger plants can easily be replaced with large barrels. 

Floating plants

The top of the water’s surface is where these plants float. Their foliage and blossoms float above the water, yet their roots are fixed at the bottom of the water garden. Certain floating plants are free-floating, suspended entirely on the water’s surface and can move around unhindered. 

Floating vegetation aids in controlling algae, maintaining clean water, and providing shade. Algae require sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, and they enjoy warm temperatures. By obstructing sunlight, floating plants reduce the temperature of the water and the rate at which algae photosynthesis occurs. 

Some of the floating plants are:

• Lotuses 
• Spatterdock
• Water lettuce
• Duckweed  

Oxygenating plants

Oxygenating plants, often called submerged plants, are submerged beneath the water’s surface and develop at the bottom of the water garden. These plants give oxygen, clean the water, suppress algae growth and provide cover for little fish. 

They include:

• Cabomba
• Anacharis
• Hornwort 

Marginal plants

Marginal plants, also known as shelf plants, grow best close to the edge or margin of the water garden since they are sensitive to depth. Their growth is limited to shallow depths, unlike floating or oxygenating plants.

The ideal water level for these aquatic plants is six inches or less above the crown. Different plant varieties will have different depths, though. 

These marginal plants typically grow on a shallow shelf that runs along the edge of a water garden. Use stacking crates to create different shelf heights in the water if you need to add or change the shelf levels in your water garden. 

Different marginal plants are:

• Water plantain
• Sweet flag
• Arrowhead
• Cattails 

Bog plants

Although marginal and bog plants are frequently used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two.

Whereas bog plants like damp soil above water level, marginal plants do well with portions of their crowns submerged. Common in bog gardens, bog plants usually thrive just outside the water garden, where the earth is damp but not drenched. 

See also: How to add water flowers in your garden?

 

How to build a water garden?

Building an in-ground water garden is a great weekend project if you have the time, the space in your yard, and the ability to do things yourself. 

Choose a strategic site for your water garden. Water gardens are a wonderful place to unwind. Install it somewhere with an unobstructed view to make the most of its elegance and calming sounds. Place your water garden in your peaceful flower garden, beside the deck, or by your favourite window. 

Sunlight is beneficial for water gardens. Ensure that your water plants receive adequate sunlight and are not overly shaded. 

For your water garden, Menards provides step-by-step video instructions on installing the water pump and shell liner for your outdoor pond—additionally, Lowe’s offers picture directions for creating a water garden. 

Containers 

Extensive containers are optional for preparing water gardens. One can create it in a tiny pot for your patio, flower borders, or container garden. 

Pumps

A pump guarantees a thriving environment in your water garden. Pumps give your water garden’s plants and other aquatic creatures an even distribution of nutrients and oxygen. 

Moreover, pumps aid in avoiding stagnation and algae. Mozzies may use stagnant water as a breeding site.  

Water-related features

Your water garden can become a paradise with the addition of water elements like bubblers, waterfalls and fountains. As you take in the scenery surrounding your water garden, relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of trickling water. 

Adding water features, you may also promote aeration and flowing water in your water garden. The flowing water keeps the ecology from becoming stagnant and contributes oxygen. 

Fish

You can put pond fish in your water garden. They can be gratifying to take care of and are stunning to look at. Adding fish will probably make the water garden more maintenance-intensive, similar to a garden pond or goldfish pond. 

See also: How to build a pond?

 

Methods to maintain the water garden

Neglecting to maintain your water garden can quickly become unsightly. If you put off taking care of your water garden for too long, you may end up with a dirty, odorous environment that needs even more attention. 

Giving your water garden regular upkeep is vital for a robust and well-balanced ecology. 

Remember that upkeep will change based on the features and style of your water garden. A tiny container water garden won’t require as much maintenance compared to a water garden pond. 

Manage debris

Leaves, grass clippings and other yard detritus may inevitably find their way into your water garden. Keep the skimmer’s net handy to collect and eliminate trash from your water garden. 

Promote the growth of plants

Add more if your water garden lacks plants—possibly because some have died. Because they give oxygen, fight algae, and keep the water’s surface clean, plants are vital to your water garden’s health. 

Take out the dead plants

Toxins from dead plants can leak into the water garden and poison the surrounding area. Take dead plants out of the water as soon as you see them. 

Put fertiliser

The water quality in your yard will determine whether or not to fertilise your aquatic plants. You might not need to fertilise your water garden if the plants seem healthy and the water quality is acceptable. 

 

FAQs

Why is a water garden at risk from algae?

An abundance of algae can reduce the oxygen content of your water garden and prevent your aquatic life from receiving sunlight.

Which plants in water gardens are invasive?

Water lettuce, giant reed, hydrilla, water chestnut, and alligator weed are invasive aquatic plants that require maintenance.

When should you hire a landscaper with experience?

While some people may find it simple to build a water garden, not everyone enjoys getting their hands muddy.

How are water plants kept up to date?

Change the water inside once a month or half a month and replace it with fresh water after six months intervals. This water exchange will bring oxygen into the system to enable the respiration of plant roots.

Which kind of plant can grow in water?

These are the plants that have evolved with time to ensure they survive in water. Hydrilla and lily are some plants that thrive on water.

In water, which plant grows the fastest?

It is also the fastest growing plant in the whole world as it expands up to ten inches per day—the giant water lily.

Are plants able to grow in water?

Some only grow in dirt while others only grow in water. However, there are certain plants which can grow either in water or air so long as their roots remain very wet.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com