Water Garden in a Tub
| 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 eco-system is concerned, for it is never possible to create the same natural balance as in a pond.
|
 The tub or container water garden is the perfect solution for those with limited space.
|
| 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 periodic topping up of water and regular rationalising any over-enthusiastic plants. Whatever kind of tub or container is used it is important that it is absolutely clean.
|
 Make sure that any wooden tub considered for a water feature has previously been used for nothing more innocuous than beer or sherry.
|
Be sure that any wooden tub has previously contained nothing more innocuous than beer or sherry. Spread about 8cm 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 invalueable, 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 climates. 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 to prevent soil escaping into the water. 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.
|
 Pygmy waterlilies like Nymphaea pygmaea 'Helvola' are perfect for tub cultivation.
|
|
America 
Australia 
Canada 
Europe 
International 
New Zealand 
South Africa 
United Kingdom 
