Transform Your Outdoor Space: A Guide to Purchasing Water Garden Containers

Looking to add a serene and relaxing water feature to your yard or patio? A beautiful water garden is a great way to create an oasis right at home. The soothing sound of flowing water combined with lovely aquatic plants is a delight for the senses. With so many stylish water garden containers available today it’s easier than ever to incorporate one into your outdoor living space.

In this guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know about selecting the ideal water garden containers for your needs. From different types of containers and features to look for to tips on styling your water garden, you’ll learn how to pick the perfect option to enhance your landscape.

Types of Water Garden Containers

There are several main types of containers used for water gardens:

• Ponds In-ground or above-ground ponds of various shapes and sizes. Flexible pond liners allow custom pond building.

• Self-contained kits: Pre-formed pond basins with integrated filtration systems and components. All-in-one setup.

• Tubs/planters: Ceramic, metal or resin containers for smaller tabletop water features. Great for patios.

• Urns: Classic decorative vessels like large vases or jars make simple, small water gardens with minimal maintenance.

• Stock tanks: Durable polyethylene stock tanks are an affordable option for medium-sized ponds. Easy to install.

Consider the location and scale you have in mind to select the ideal water garden vessel. Self-contained kits are great for beginners, while flexible pond liners allow advanced customization for larger installations.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for water garden containers, keep an eye out for these useful features:

• Integrated filtration system: To keep water clean and clear without frequent maintenance.

• Lip or ledge: Allows marginal aquatic plants to be placed at the edges, enhancing greenery.

• Interior ridges: Help support potted plants placed inside the container.

• Stackable: For tiered water garden designs and multi-level water cascades if desired.

• Submersible pump: Needed for most setups to circulate water. Some kits include pumps.

• Drainage: Choose containers with pre-installed drains or plan to add your own.

Design Tips and Ideas

When designing your water garden oasis, consider these tips:

• Incorporate a mix of aquatic plants like water lilies, lotus and marginal plants for visual appeal.

• Use river rocks, pebbles and gravel for the pond bottom and around edges.

• Elevate formal containers like urns on a pedestal or column for added height and drama.

• Set informal ponds and tubs slightly dug into the ground for a natural look.

• Arrange containers near seating areas or paths to fully enjoy the ambiance.

• Add extras like floating candles, lights or decorative mini water fountains for focal points.

• Use multiple coordinated containers of varied heights for an interesting multi-level display.

Shopping for Water Garden Containers

When browsing water garden vessels available for sale online or in stores, be sure to:

• Carefully check product dimensions and capacities to ensure it fits your space.

• Read reviews from other buyers to learn about quality and ease of installation.

• Look for kits that include all components needed for setup like pumps and filters.

• Consider material for durability – options like resin, polyethylene, and glazed ceramic are good choices.

• Compare prices between retailers to find the best deals. Many run water garden sales in spring and summer.

• Check manufacturer warranties and support in case any issues arise. Reputable brands often have multi-year warranties.

Maintaining Your Water Garden

Once installed, keep your water garden thriving with simple weekly maintenance:

• Remove fallen leaves and debris promptly from the water’s surface.

• Prune back any unhealthy or unsightly foliage on aquatic plants.

• Test and adjust water chemistry as needed – pH, nutrients, etc.

• Clean or replace filtration media regularly per manufacturer instructions.

• In colder climates, drain, clean and store the container before first frost.

Proper, consistent care will keep your water garden looking pristine so you can relax and enjoy your newfound oasis for years to come.