Not all plants grow in soil. There are a huge number of plants that thrive in water. Wouldn't you need a pond and lots of space to grow them? Not at all! You can grow water plants in anything that holds water, and you can go as small as you like. DIY patio water gardens are a great, non-traditional way to grow in small spaces. Keep reading to learn about patio water garden plants and designing water gardens for patio spaces.
Patio Water Garden Containers
Since you won't be digging a pond, the size of your garden is going to be determined by the size of your container. Patio water garden containers can be just about anything that holds water. Plastic kiddie pools and old bathtubs are made for the job, but less watertight things like barrels and planters can be lined with plastic sheeting or molded plastic. Drainage holes in planters can also be plugged with corks or sealant. Bear in mind that water is heavy! One gallon weighs a little over 8 pounds (4 kg.), and that can add up fast. If you’re putting patio water garden containers on a raised porch or balcony, keep it small or you may risk collapse.
Patio Water Garden Ideas for Plants
Patio water garden plants can be split into three main categories: underwater, floating, and shoreline.
Underwater
Underwater plants live their lives completely submerged. Some popular varieties are:
Floating
Floating plants live in the water, but float on the surface. Some popular ones here include:
Lotuses produce their foliage on the surface like floating plants, but they bury their roots in underwater soil. Plant them in containers on the floor of your patio water garden.
Shoreline
Shoreline plants, also known as emergents, like to have their crowns submerged, but produce most of their growth up out of the water. Plant these in containers of soil and place them on raised shelves or cinder blocks in the water garden so the containers and the first few inches (8 cm.) of the plants are underwater. Some popular shoreline plants are:
- Cattail
- Taro
- Dwarf papyrus
- Water plantain
- Sweet flag grass
- Flag iris
-
How To Make Plantable Seed Greeting Cards: Share The Joy Of Growing This Holiday SeasonGet creative making holiday cards using plantable seed paper, and give the memorable gift of growing flowers that will delight recipients for months on end.
-
Want To Grow Four Season Containers? Try These 6 Best Plants For Pots All Year RoundAfter reliable container gardening options that serve you across all four seasons? You’ve come to the right place, as we present the best plants for pots all year round
-
Flowering Pond Plants - Growing Aquatic FlowersAdding flowering pond plants to natural and manmade water features can be an easy way to quickly beautify a space with lush greenery and vibrant bursts of seasonal color. Read on for more.
-
Full Sun Aquatic Plants - Full Sun Floating Pond PlantsThere are pros and cons to putting a pond in full sun, but it's very doable. Here are some ideas to get you started.
-
Echinodorus Creeping Burhead – Information On Creeping Burhead Plant CareCreeping burhead plants are members of the water plantain family and commonly used in freshwater aquariums or outdoor fishponds. Echinodorus creeping burhead is native to the eastern half of the United States. To learn more about the creeping burhead plant click the following.
-
What Is A Saltwater Aquarium: Plants For Saltwater AquariumsBuilding and maintaining a saltwater aquarium requires some expert knowledge in choosing the right plants. Here are some choices to start with.
-
Outdoor Aquarium Ideas: Putting A Fish Tank In The GardenAquariums are generally made for inside the house, but why not have a fish tank outside? Click here for tips and ideas on backyard aquariums.
-
Fish That Eat Plants – Which Plant Eating Fish Should You AvoidGrowing plants with aquarium fish is rewarding, but if you want to combine plants and fish, learn what aquarium fish to avoid. This article will help.
-
Is Pond Fertilizer Bad For Fish: Learn About Fish Safe FertilizerUsing fertilizer around fishponds must be done with care. Excess nitrogen causes algae, but can also contaminate the water and affect fish. Learn more here.
-
What Is Aquascaping – Creating An Aquarium GardenAquatic gardening can be a rewarding endeavor, especially when aquascaping. Click this article to learn more about creating an aquarium garden.
