What is it?

Water gardening is a very beautiful form of gardening that has been present and followed for ages. The Mughal gardens, in particular, have water features in their garden. Water adds life to all the gardens irrespective of its size. The simulation of a natural landscape with a water body by proper planning with the use of the different plants and other features is called water gardening. It helps in breaking the monotony of a large scape of land. These forms of gardens have become popular in the contemporary style of gardening. The water gardens have an endless variety, designs and planting options that make them unique and personalized in their style. Apart from the Mughal style of gardens, the Japanese style of the garden also uses the water component as a very essential part of their gardens along with the koi fishes in it.

 

Where can we design?

The water garden can be designed in either a naturally available water body or in an artificially created body of water. The water garden created becomes complete when it is visible even from our living space and provides pleasure to us. The site should have bright sunlight for at least six hours. It will help in the growth of the plants that have been planted in it. A shady place or a place under a tree should be avoided as it will be a hindrance to the growth of the plants and there are also chances of getting dirty very often. Also, a very high sunny location will  lead to the growth of algae. So, the location is very critical for a water garden to enjoy and maintain it. Access for electricity is also important for providing lights and other features to the water garden.

How to add plants in there?

The plants in a water garden are easy to plant. The plants in a water garden are either completely rooted in the ground or they float in the surface of the water or can even be submerged. The rooted plants can be planted directly in the soil or it can be planted in small pots and kept on the ground surface. The creation of shelf like structures during the construction of a water garden is essential for those plants that are to be placed in the pots. The floating plants have no issues and can be made to float in the surface of the water. The deeper the water garden, the greater are the options for plants and the various features being incorporated in the water garden.

Before planting the rooted plants, soil to a height of about 1 feet is added and manures like compost or cow dung is added for the good growth of the plants. The plants that are rooted are planted and water is being filled till the crown region. Once as the plant starts to grow, the water level can be increased.

  • Rooted plants – Lotus, Water Lily
  • Floating plants – Eichhornia species
  • Submerged plants – Valesneria, Hydrilla

 

  • Water Lily

What are the components of it? 

  1. Pond liners – These help in the construction of an artificial water garden. The liners are available in various materials like rubber, fiberglass, plastic, and concrete. The fixing if the liners will create the basic structure for the water garden. It is available in different sizes and shapes.
  2. Pumps – It helps in the movement of water from one place to another in a water garden or to a fountain or waterfalls in the garden. It also helps in maintaining the water quality by filtering.
  3. Filters – Used for the sole purpose of cleaning water in the water garden. The filters can be either mechanical or biological. The water basically flows through the filter in the water garden and gets filtered in this process. It makes the water safe for fishes and plants. Skimmers are a sort of mechanical filter that cleans the bigger sized debris in the water.
  4. Fountains – They make a very beautiful component in the water garden. They break the monotony of the water garden. The different forms of the fountain and the various lighting adds beauty to the entire garden
  5. Waterfall – The waterfalls create a calm and serene atmosphere to the water garden and it is also pleasing to the eye. The mild sound of the waterfall gives a relaxing effect to the people there.
  6. Lightings – It is used to enhance the beauty of the various features added to the water garden.

      7. Fishes – Fishes create a mobility to the garden. They bring more life to the overall garden and also help in cleaning the algae in the water surface.

Steps to construct the pond

  • Select a suitable site.
  • Dig out the land for the water body.
  • Plan for the electrical and plumbing lines and for the various fixtures to be installed.
  • Place the liner and fasten it strongly.
  • Add the soil and plants.
  • Add the rocks or gravels for beautification.
  • Fill in with the water and fishes.
  • Plan the surrounding landscape to compliment the water garden.

Water garden is one of the most rewarding features you can add to your garden. Whether you choose a small or a full-scale pond, soothing sights and sounds of running water, the colorful and often fragrant water plants, beautiful koi fish and the wild creatures they attract, will bring peace and serenity to your landscape.

 

Happy gardening

 

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