Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
As the horticulturist responsible for the aquatic gardens at the Denver Botanic Gardens, I’ve had the privilege of working with water features of all shapes and sizes. From the vast, sprawling ponds to the cozy, intimate container gardens, I’ve learned that the true magic lies in the details. It’s not just about creating a beautiful water display – it’s about crafting an experience, a moment of tranquility and wonder that can transport you to a different world.
Sure, the grand, sweeping water gardens are impressive, but there’s something truly special about the small-container water gardens. These miniature oases offer a level of intimacy and personalization that you simply can’t find in their larger counterparts. As I’ve learned over the years, a teacup or a half whiskey barrel can house a water garden just as captivating as anything you’d find in a sprawling botanic garden.
The beauty of these small-scale water gardens lies in their ability to truly showcase the intriguing foliage, spectacular flowers, and sometimes vibrant scents of the aquatic plants. When you’re up close and personal with these miniature ecosystems, you can’t help but be mesmerized by the intricate details that often get lost in the vastness of larger water features.
“Small-container water gardens are actually a collection of submerged potted plants, so redesigning a planting is as simple as moving the pots around,” I often tell my fellow gardeners. And the best part? These plants are practically foolproof. With just a sunny spot, a container that holds water, and a few carefully selected plants, you can create a stunning water garden that requires virtually no maintenance.
The first step in designing a small water garden is selecting the perfect container. And let me tell you, the options are endless! From classic half barrels to sleek black plastic containers that mimic the look of cast iron, the container you choose sets the tone for the entire display.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – won’t those wooden barrels or porous clay pots cause issues? Well, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. For the barrels, I recommend lining them with a durable plastic liner to prevent any toxins from leaching into the water and harming your plants. And for the clay pots, a couple of coats of sealer do the trick, keeping the water where it belongs.
One of my personal favorites is the black plastic containers that mimic the look of cast iron. They come in a range of sizes, from 9 inches to 15 inches across, and I often like to display them in a group for a truly striking visual impact.
Once you’ve got the perfect container, it’s time to start building your water garden masterpiece. And let me tell you, the possibilities are endless. I love creating compositions that are vibrant and dynamic, with a focus on contrasting shapes, colors, and sizes.
At the heart of my designs, I usually start with a tall, slender, and spiky marginal plant, like the yellow flag iris or sweet flag. These vertical elements provide a dramatic backdrop for the rest of the display. Then, I like to balance them out with the broad-leaved foliage of tropical marginals, such as taro or Colocasia varieties, especially the ones with variegated or dark-purple leaves.
For a special touch, I might add a bright splash of color with a cut water lily flower or two. And if I’m feeling particularly adventurous, I’ll incorporate a true gem of the aquatic world, like a variegated spider lily or a clump of chameleon plant.
But the real magic happens when you start playing with the placement and scale of these plants. I’ll often perch them on bricks or empty containers to adjust the height and position, creating a sense of depth and visual interest. And I’m constantly rearranging and tweaking until I get the effect I’m looking for.
Now, you might be thinking, “Wow, that sounds like a lot of work!” But let me assure you, caring for a small water garden is a breeze. Once you’ve got your plants all set up, it’s mostly a matter of keeping an eye on them and making a few minor adjustments as needed.
If the plants aren’t thriving, the most likely culprit is not enough light. Simply move the container to a brighter spot, and you’re good to go. And when it comes to fertilizing, I recommend using fertilizing tablets – just wait for the plants to show signs of growth before adding them.
As the plants grow, you might need to divide and repot them every now and then. But don’t worry, it’s a quick and easy process. Just make sure to use a dense soil that won’t cloud the water when you’re moving things around.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what about mosquitoes? Well, I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve for that, too. You can either wash the larvae out by overfilling the container or add a few mosquitofish to the mix. These little guys are voracious eaters, and they’ll take care of any pesky mosquito larvae in no time.
One of the best things about small water gardens is that they don’t have to be a seasonal affair. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy your water feature all year round.
In the winter, most hardy plants can be left in the container, with a little bit of protection against freezing, of course. And for the more tender varieties, you can simply bring them indoors and use them as houseplants or place them in a cool basement tub.
When spring rolls around, it’s the perfect time to divide and transplant those indoor plants, starting a whole new water garden in the process. It’s a never-ending cycle of inspiration and delight, and I’m always eager to see what new creations I can come up with.
As you can probably tell, I’m utterly captivated by the world of water gardens, both big and small. And while the grand, sweeping displays at the botanic gardens are certainly impressive, it’s the intimate, personal nature of the small-container water gardens that truly capture my heart.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, creating a small water garden is a surefire way to elevate the art of water feature design. With a little bit of creativity, a touch of whimsy, and a whole lot of passion, you can transform a simple container into a mesmerizing oasis that will bring joy and tranquility to your outdoor (or indoor!) space.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, get your hands dirty, and start building your own miniature water garden masterpiece. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are truly pure, unadulterated delight.
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