Philip Swindells

Making a Water Garden in a Tub



Posted: Monday, April 10, 2006

by Philip Swindells
http://www.internationalwatergardener.com

A miniature water garden can be created in a tub or large container. The perfect solution for those who want to grow aquatic plants, but have very limited space. However, it is important to be aware of a tub’s limitations as far as being an ecosystem is concerned, for it is never possible to create the same natural balance as in a garden pond.

The rapid change in water temperature, coupled with the small volume of water makes this impossible. Regular maintenance as far as ensuring water quality and balance is essential, even if this is restricted to the periodic topping up of water and regularly rationalizing any over-enthusiastic plants. Whatever kind of tub or container is used it is important that it is absolutely clean. Be sure that any wooden tub has previously contained nothing more innocuous than beer or sherry.

Spread 3-4ins of heavy garden soil or aquatic planting compost over the bottom of the tub. When using garden soil make sure that it has not recently been dressed with an artificial fertilizer or manure and does not contain excessive amounts of organic matter, for this may release nutrients into the water and create a persistent green algal bloom. Add a little water to turn the compost into a muddy consistency.

Planting should be undertaken during spring or summer. Miniature waterlilies like Nymphaea pygmaea 'Helvola' and N.pygmaea 'Alba' are ideal as centre-pieces. Short-growing marginal aquatics are invaluable, especially the Cotton Grass, Eriophorum angustifolium, and the dwarf Typha minima. Water Forget-me-not, Myosotis scorpioides, is very useful if kept under control, as is Cyperus haspan in warm districts. Amongst submerged aquatics, restrained species like the Hair Grass, Eleocharis acicularis, and the Starwort, Callitriche stagnalis, are ideal, while for tropical climates Cryptocoryne balansae and Vallisneria spiralis are to be preferred.

After planting, but before water is added, the entire exposed surface of the compost should be covered with a layer of fine gravel. This is to prevent soil escaping into the water. Place the end of the hosepipe used for filling the tub in a small polythene bag on the bottom and turn the water on. By using the polythene bag in this way any turbulence that is likely to disturb the soil and gravel is avoided and the water remains clear. The bag and hosepipe are removed when the desired water level is reached.

Philip Swindells has over 40 years gardening experience. A former botanical garden curator and an international horticultural consultant, he has worked extensively in the UK, North America, the Middle East and Australia. The Author of more than 50 gardening books, he has been awarded a Quill and Trowel Award by the Garden Writers’ Association of America. He is also a former UK Garden Writer of the Year. He is editor of www.internationalwatergardener.com

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