Maybe you love the idea of a water garden, but you just don’t have the yard, time or budget to create a detailed inground ecosystem. A wonderful – and wonderfully easy – project for adding a water feature to your home without breaking the bank is to create a little water garden in a container. These small aquatic features are gaining popularity indoors and out, and they’re fantastic options for home gardeners who don’t have a lot of growing space.

The sound of rushing water has been a source of relaxation for centuries. Creating a custom contained water garden takes only a few hours to complete and is a perfect (and affordable) way to beautify a small space.

Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

Styles and vessels range from the traditional half-barrel to sleek, modern designs. Both manufacturers and individual artisans offer complete kits with pumps, fountains and sculptures – you merely fill them with water and plants, then plug them in. (If you’re purchasing a kit and plan to locate your container outdoors, be sure its got a pump and wiring that’s rated for outdoor use.)

As with larger water gardens, the water garden container must be made watertight. Choose a vessel that’s structurally sound, clean and lined with a waterproof coating or a brush-applied waterproofing sealant before filling it with water and plants. To waterproof it yourself, apply latex sealant (available at most home improvement centers and hardware stores) with a paintbrush.

The pumps, fountains and lights used in a contained water garden are the same as those used in larger water features, although they’re often smaller in size, output or capacity. Check equipment packaging to determine electrical requirements. Locate your container near a 115-volt GFCI-protected outlet, even if your little garden requires only a low-voltage DC current to operate. (Such current is often found on a porch, deck or patio, or it can be easily added using a plug-in transformer. If unsure, consult with a licensed electrician before you connect your water garden.)

Adding motion, like a bubbling fountain, gives your self-contained water garden an extra dimension to enjoy. (Just remember that too much turbulence can affect plant growth. So work with your local garden center’s staff to select plants suited to life near a fountain.)

Aquatic plants as a rule require less daily care than do most in-soil container plants, and their care needs are generally simple. Always maintain an adequate water level and good water quality to ensure that your plants have a healthy growing environment.

Creating a freestanding water garden is a great first-time do-it-yourself project, as well as a wonderful family activity. (Your local garden center or home improvement store should carry all the necessary components.) Take the easy steps shown in the following pictures and captions, and get your feet wet in this popular – and beautiful – garden specialty!