Pint-Sized Ponds

Think you can't have a water feature in small yards? Think again! If your landscape has room for a whiskey barrel or a galvanized tub, it has room for a pond or water garden. Follow these tips for best results when it comes to pint-sized ponds.

1. Water gardens are best kept away from trees. Most water plants need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, which they won't get under a tree. The debris from trees can cause algae problems, too.
2. Dwarf water lilies, water lettuce dwarf papyrus and reeds are excellent plant choices for small water gardens.
3. Don't use chlorine. A balanced system with properly sized filters and pumps will keep water clear. Or use water clarifiers designed for water gardens.
4. Place plants in submerged containers filled with topsoil or an aquatic-plant soil. Don't use potting soil made for container gardens—these contain organic matter and lightweight additives that will float away and cloud the water.
5. When adding plants to your water garden, submerge containers slowly, at an angle. This lets water slowly fill the air pockets in the soil so the potting medium doesn't float out.