Water is back in fashion, although the classic definition of a water garden is not the same as it was years ago. Water gardens are constantly changing.It is not only the crossing of new boundaries in the arrangement of gardens, the selection of materials, but also the development of technology that drives these changes.
Ponds and stagnant water tanks radiate peace, while running water brings life to the garden. The sun's rays refract on the stone covered with water, and you can hear the gurgling and splash. Small water cascades provide a pleasant background noise and soften unwanted sounds such as traffic noise. Directly adjacent to the pond can be paths, flower beds or a rest corner.Clear borders made of stone slabs or metal angles are a trick, thanks to which we will integrate the water reservoir into the garden landscape without losing any space.
A clear line between water and land can be, for example, a steel rail or a stone housing.In addition, the durable rim makes it easier to care for the reservoir and - which is no less important - the small water world can be observed very closely.Garden centers offer all kinds of equipment for water reservoirs, incl. waterproof lamps, mini-fountains or water-splashing stones. It is important to hide technical devices under plants and stones.
Watercourses do not require much space, but their construction is a bit more labor-intensive. Particularly interesting is the creation of a winding brook with a natural appearance. A simple gutter covered with metal or stone elements will be less complicated. You can get ready-made sets, e.g. made of stainless steel.
To keep the water clean, algae must be stopped. It will be possible if we limit the amount of nutrients in the water. We cover the bottom of the pond with washed gravel or sand, we do not use ordinary garden soil. T Only aquatic plants should be planted in baskets with a special substrate. Regular water changes will also help to tame the algae.
Inspirations!
- Old wooden bulbs can turn into nice mini-tanks for a rustic-style garden.In this example, two vessels are connected by an overflow, the water circulation is ensured by a hidden pump.
- The gaps in the wooden platform provide space for growing plants, and one of them has been turned into a miniature pond.
- These little fountains take up little space and are easy to install.
- The wooden gutter looks very picturesque among the plants.Having some DIY skills, you can construct individual water devices.
- A bowl with easy-to-grow marsh plants and … a pond ready. A small stone fountain sets the water in motion.
- The waterfall pleases both the eyes and the hearing. Small sets can be installed even in a container, as long as it is spacious enough.
- The stone trough is planted with a swamp iris and a miniature variety of water lilies.It will fit best in a naturalistic garden, although it will also fit in other styles.
- Water gushing from the stone? Why not!The pump with all the necessary equipment is completely hidden under stones and plants.
Old kit as a mini-eye
Not everyone has enough space and funds to set up a large water garden. A good alternative, just in time for balconies and terraces, are mini water tanks. You can use various containers, even wooden ones, to make them.
1. Double-sided adhesive tape stuck to the inner edge of the onion will help fix the foil.For the glue to hold well, rub the staves with a wire brush.
2. We cover the Ceber with foil in such a way that it adheres exactly to it and creates as few folds as possible. Fix the upper edge of the foil on an adhesive tape. It is important that the foil lies on the bottom and does not hang in the air.
3. Use an upholstery knife to cut off the unnecessary part of the foil just below the edge of the vessel. In our example, the height of the foil is determined by the slightly lower handles of the onion.
4. Additionally, fasten the upper edge of the foil with a stapler.Smooth the remaining folds.
5. The ceilings lined with foil are filled with tap water or rainwater beneficial for plants.
6. The plants are planted in openwork plastic pots.We use a substrate for aquatic plants that is adapted to their needs and limits the growth of algae.
7. We choose varieties of water lilies that are suitable for shallow reservoirs, e.g. 'Pygmaea Rubra' (red, pictured), 'Helvola' (yellow) or 'W alter Pagels' (white).
8. A layer of gravel covers the substrate so that it does not flow out when watering the plants and placing the pots in the bulb.
9. Other aquatic plants cannot grow too vigorously either.This is where the red lobelia, the small-flowered frog and the smooth iris are connected.
10. After watering abundantly, put the planted basket into the onion with water.
11. The blocks allow you to set the pots at the right height. The large container should remain just below the water table.Remove the brick from under the pot with waterlily as soon as the plant develops longer petioles.
12. A stiff tollbooth helps to purify water.
13. We put floating plants in the container, like a rosette pistia.
Suitable style for a terrace or balcony
Naturalistic
The wooden onion is compatible with, for example: pink and red loosestrife, white narrow-leaved woolly and cattail with brown egg-shaped infructescence. A white blooming frog is floating on the surface of the water.
Romantic
Plants with harmoniously matched flower colors will be suitable for this round ceramic bowl. Next to the pink blooming umbellate there are blue smooth iris, pink dwarf water lilies and forget-me-nots.
Modern
In this composition, the very square vessel made of anthracite plastic sets the formal direction. Slender, non-flowering winter horsetail and green floating salvinia are absolutely right here. An alternative to horsetail can be livid rushes.
