Water gardens are becoming more popular for homeowners looking to add some life and beauty to their homes. Not only do they look great, but they can also provide an excellent place for you to relax and escape from the world.
If you’re considering getting one, there are a few things you need to know to make the best decision for your home and garden.
This blog post will discuss what a water garden is, what you need to get started, and some of the benefits of owning one.
We hope that after reading this post, you’ll better understand what water gardens are and whether or not they’re the right choice for you!
What Is A Water Garden?
A water garden, or aquatic garden, is a garden planted with aquatic plants and may include a water feature such as a fountain, pond, or waterfall. A water garden is often created using water-resistant materials such as concrete, stone, or liner to contain the water and prevent it from seeping into the surrounding soil. Common water plants include floating plants such as water lilies, water lettuce, irises, and rushes. Some water gardens also include fish, amphibians, and other aquatic creatures.
Benefits Of Having A Water Garden
A water garden is a beautiful and serene addition to any home. Not only does a water garden provide a lovely aesthetic, but it also offers several benefits for both people and the environment.
A water garden can provide a natural habitat for water-dwelling creatures. It can also help improve the water quality in your yard. A water garden does this by filtering out pollutants and excess nutrients, leading to healthier aquatic plants and better water quality overall.
A water garden can also help conserve water, allowing rainwater to be collected and reused. Additionally, a water garden can provide a natural cooling effect on your property, making it more comfortable during hot summer days.
They can also help to reduce noise pollution and provide a place for people to relax and connect with nature. A water garden can lower stress levels and allow you to enjoy your home better.
Whether you want to add a touch of beauty to your property or seek ways to improve your health and well-being, a water garden is worth considering.
The Different Types Of Water Gardens
There are three main types of water gardens: container gardens, built-in ponds, and above-ground pools.
Container Water Garden
Container water gardens are the simplest water garden option and can be created using any type of container, from barrels to plastic tubs. Container water gardens can be placed on any kind of surface, including decks, patios, and balconies. This style of water garden is also relatively easy to care for and can be custom-designed to fit any size or shape container, featuring your favorite aquatic plants.
Built-In Water Garden
This type of water garden is more complex and requires excavation and liner installation. You can find contractors who build ecosystem ponds, which mimic the look of ponds you’ll find in nature. These water gardens can feature aquatic plants, such as floating plants, submerged plants, and bog plants. This style of water garden will look like you built your home around a small natural pond.
Above-Ground Water Garden
These water gardens are the most expensive option but offer the most flexibility in size and shape. One significant advantage of above-ground water gardens is that they are much easier to construct and maintain.
They’re less likely to be subject to soil erosion and can be placed in many locations. Above-ground water gardens can also be designed to blend in with their surroundings, making them an attractive addition to any home. You can fill this style of water garden with different types of aquatic plants–both floating plants and submerged plants.
How To Take Care Of Your Water Garden
A water garden is a beautiful and serene addition to any home, and it can be surprisingly low-maintenance. The closer it is to a natural water garden, the more it can care for itself. A well-planned garden means less maintenance and more enjoyment for you.
Here are some tips on how to take care of your water garden:
Choose The Right Location
Water gardens need 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, so pick a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight. You’ll also want to ensure the garden is close to a water source for easy filling and maintenance.
Pick The Right Plants
Water lilies and lotuses are classic water garden choices, but many other aquatic plants will thrive in water gardening. For example, many types of floating plants or bog plants work well. Do some research to see what aquatic plants will work best in your climate and space.
Use Fertilizer Carefully
Fertilizers can be used to promote plant growth, but be careful not to overdo it as this can cause problems with water quality. Overuse of fertilizers can also promote algae growth on the water surface.
Create A Waterfall Or Fountain
The sound of moving water will add to the relaxing ambiance of your water garden and oxygenate the water, which is essential for plant life. You can buy pre-made water features, build your DIY version, or have it included in the one your pond contractor makes. Check out this blog post on landscaping garden fountains to spice up your backyard if you need a little inspiration.
Maintain Water Quality
Keep an eye on the pH level of your water and add chemicals as needed to maintain a balanced ecosystem. It would be best if you also did regular water changes to keep the water clean and fresh. There are many methods to help your water stay clean and clear.
Add An Aerator
An aerator, which works best for more extensive water gardens, helps oxygenate the water and move it around. Aerators make it harder for algae to grow and improve your plants’ water.
These simple tips will help you enjoy your water garden for years.
How To Design A Water Garden
Here are the basics of what to consider when designing a water garden:
- You want it in an area that can be seen inside and outside your house. It works best when acting as an accent piece or focal point
- Consider what size can fit in your yard, and then what size you want
- Think about the plants you want and which will thrive based on how much sunlight the area where your water garden will go gets
- What depth do you want your water garden to be? The depth will determine the range of plants you can choose from and if your feature can accommodate fish. Check out this guide if you’re not sure what the best pond depth is for different pond types.
- Choose a shape. Basic shapes like circles are easier and cheaper to construct while custom shapes aren’t (this is for non-container features)
Choosing The Right Plants For Your Water Garden
Choosing the right plants for your water garden is essential to creating a beautiful and thriving ecosystem. There are several factors to consider when selecting plants.
Water depth is important because some plants need to be submerged while others do best with their roots just below the water surface. For example, water lettuce and water lilies like to float on the surface, while pondweed prefers to be mostly submerged.
Deeper features can house more types of plants, while shallower ones cannot. Shallower ones tend to be easier to maintain, though.
Sunlight exposure is another critical factor, as some plants require full sun while others prefer partial shade. On the other hand, some plants, such as water lettuce, can tolerate both partial shade and full sun. It’s a good idea to watch the area during the day to see how much sunlight it gets. The amount of sun makes it easier to determine what plants will work best.
Temperature tolerance is also crucial, as a water garden can vary depending on the climate.
A water garden can be either formal or informal, and the plants you select should reflect your overall design. A formal water garden is typically planted with shrubs and perennials with a neat, controlled growth habit. On the other hand, an informal water garden is often planted with native wildflowers and grasses.
It’s also important to consider the size of your water garden when selecting plants. A smaller water garden may not be able to support large aquatic plants, so it’s essential to choose plants that will stay small or can be trimmed back if they start to outgrow their space.
Create An Incredible Water Garden Using Amen Corner Ponds
A water garden can be a beautiful and serene addition to any property. They provide numerous benefits, from adding interest and beauty to the landscape to providing habitat for wildlife. With a little care, your water garden can last for many years.
If you’re ready to add a water garden to your home, our team at Amen Corner Ponds is here to help. We can design the perfect water garden for your space and recommend the best plants for our climate.
Fill out our contact form today, and let us help you create a backyard oasis that you will enjoy for years to come!
