Where to Find the Best Water Garden Containers for Sale

Water gardens are a beautiful way to add calming, natural elements to your outdoor space. However, installing a full pond can be complicated, expensive, and require a lot of maintenance. A great alternative is to create a miniature water garden in a decorative container. These enclosed water features allow you to enjoy the sights and sounds of flowing water with less commitment

When shopping for water garden containers, you’ll find there are lots of different styles, sizes, and designs to choose from. In this article, we’ll go over where you can find quality containers for your miniature water garden and what to look for when making your purchase.

Check Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

Your first stop when shopping for water garden containers should be your local nurseries, garden centers, or pond specialty stores. While big box stores may have a small selection, local businesses that specialize in plants and gardening are more likely to have a wide variety of fountains, self-contained ponds, and other water feature containers to choose from.

The benefit of shopping at a physical store is you can see the products in person before purchasing. This allows you to get a feel for the size, material, and overall look. Inspect the container thoroughly to make sure there are no cracks or defects. You can also talk to staff members to get recommendations on which options work best for miniature water gardens.

Some popular national chains like Lowe’s and The Home Depot carry water garden containers in stores during spring and summer months. But for the widest selection, local specialty retailers are your best option.

Browse Online Shops and Marketplaces

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect water garden container locally, the internet opens up many more options. There are a number of online retailers that specialize in decorative fountains, pond supplies, and miniature water gardens.

When buying online, read customer reviews carefully to get a sense of the product quality. Make sure to factor in any shipping costs as well.

Here are some top online destinations for water garden containers:

• Pond and Water Garden Specialty Stores: Retailers like Pond Megastore, Atlanta Koi Ponds, and Paradise Water Gardens have a huge selection of pre-formed pond bowls, fountain basins, and more. You’ll find containers made from materials like fiberglass, stone, and concrete.

• Amazon: Search Amazon for “fountain bowl” or “pond bowl” to find lots of budget-friendly plastic and resin containers. Just be cautious of quality.

• Etsy: This handmade marketplace has an amazing assortment of ceramic, mosaic, hypertufa, and metal water garden pots and bowls made by artisans. You can find lots of unique, one-of-a-kind designs.

• Wayfair: This home goods site offers everything from basic plastic bowls to elaborately-tiered granite fountain basins. Filter the Pond & Water Garden category by price, size, and material.

• eBay: Check eBay for discounted name-brand water garden containers, as well as small pond kits that include pumps and accessories.

No matter where you choose to buy from online, always verify the product dimensions and descriptions carefully before placing your order.

Consider Making Your Own Container

If you want a water feature that’s completely unique, try making your own container! This is a great project for crafty gardeners. Some DIY water garden vessel ideas include:

• Mosaic pots: Decorate terracotta or concrete pots with colorful broken tile, glass, mirror shards, or marbles using adhesive. Seal with grout sealer when finished.

• Tufa bowls: Create a natural-looking stone bowl by forming a wire frame, wrapping it with chicken wire, then applying concrete.

• Whiskey barrel ponds: Cut an opening in the side of a whiskey barrel, line it with plastic, and add a small recirculating pond kit.

• Hypertufa containers: Mix peat moss, perlite, and Portland cement to form lightweight faux stone bowls and planters for water gardens.

• Stock tanks or galvanized tubs: Affordable steel livestock tanks make great pond containers. Just make sure to clean thoroughly before adding plants and fish.

For guidance on DIY water garden projects, check YouTube, gardening blogs, and books. Adding a unique handmade touch makes your container even more special.

Key Features To Look For

Once you’ve narrowed down your source for water garden containers, keep these important features in mind while selecting the perfect option:

• Size: Make sure to pick a container proportionate to your space. Miniature tabletop fountains start around 14-18 inches wide. Larger vessels around 3-5 feet wide work nicely as a focal point in a garden bed. Measure so you have adequate room for plants.

• Depth: Aim for at least 16-24 inches deep to support aquatic plants. Shallow bowls limit your options.

• Material: Ceramic, concrete, resin, and metal last longer than plastic. Consider weight if you need to move the container seasonally.

• Shape: Choose a simple round or square shape for easiest pond maintenance. Multi-level cascading fountains are beautiful but may be tricky for newbies.

• Pump capacity: Pick a pump rated for your container size with adjustable flow control. Too much splashing can waste water.

• Plumbing: Containers should have pre-drilled holes to hook up pump tubing and wiring neatly.

• Price: Water garden containers range hugely in price. Set a budget and stick with it.

With the right vessel selected, you can look forward to enjoying the tranquility of a mini pond or fountain in your own backyard. Just add some plants and fish for a gorgeous enclosed ecosystem. Shopping at a specialty retailer or handcrafting a unique container lets you find just the right look to complement your landscape.

Top Plants for Container Water Gardens

Once you’ve picked out the perfect water garden vessel, it’s time to choose some aquatic plants! Here are great options for miniature ponds and fountains:

• Marginal plants: Grow bog plants like irises, creeping Jenny, and umbrella palms in shallow areas. They help soak up excess nutrients.

• Floating plants: Water lettuce, water hyacinth, and duckweed help shade pond water and prevent algae growth.

• Oxygenators: Anacharis, hornwort, and waterweed release oxygen to keep water fresh.

• Lotus: Dwarf lily varieties like ‘Momo Botan’ and ‘Perry’s Baby Red’ thrive in containers.

• Water lilies: Miniature lily types including ‘Fairy Lily’ and ‘Star Bright’ work well for small ponds.

Group plants with similar light and water needs together in the container. Add a beneficial bacteria product to jump start the ecosystem. Test water weekly and fertilize lightly to maintain a balanced environment. With the right mix of flora, your mini pond will flourish!

Helpful Accessories and Finishing Touches

Don’t overlook the accessories and extras that complete your container water garden oasis. Here are some must-have items:

• Lighting: Submersible LED lights illuminate the pond at night for stunning effects. Go solar for easy installation.

• Tubing: Flexible plastic tubing allows you to quickly drain and move the container. Camouflage it for a hidden look.

• Foggers: Cool ultrasonic foggers add mystical atmosphere to your water feature.

• Filters: External canister filters keep water cleaner in small ponds.

• Rocks and gravel: Line the bottom with pea gravel or stones. Lava rocks hide tubing.

• Water plants: Floating and marginal plants help filter and oxygenate the pond.

• Fish: Small koi and goldfish add life but require additional equipment. Research needs first!

Take time arranging the hardscape and accessories for maximum impact. The right additional touches give your water garden container next-level style!

Get Creative with Water Garden Container Designs

One of the best parts about water gardening in containers is you aren’t limited in design. Let your imagination run wild! Here are some creative ideas:

• Stack multiple containers on top of each other for a waterfall effect. Use plastic liners or aquarium-safe silicone to prevent leaks.

• Incorporate water-loving houseplants like peace lilies and orchids into the pond edge for a tropical look.

• Add interesting statutes, glass art, petrified wood, or bamboo water features for depth.

• Use platforms, stands, or pedestals to raise containers off the ground for easier viewing.

• Interplant pond containers with upland perennials, grasses, and flowering shrubs that complement the water plants.

• Set containers on a patio, deck, or in a pergola or gazebo to get up close.

• Group 2-3 mini pond containers together for a customizable, flowing water effect.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Part of the fun is designing a unique water garden that reflects your personal sense of style.

Maintaining a Healthy Balance

The enclosed ecosystem of a container water garden is more susceptible to rapid changes than a larger pond. Sticking to a regular maintenance routine is crucial.

• Observe water clarity and chemistry weekly. Cloudiness, odor, or excessive algae growth are red flags.

• Test and adjust pH and water hardness frequently. Most plants prefer a neutral pH around 7.0.

• Remove fallen leaves and debris regularly to prevent clogs and rotting. Skim the surface frequently.

• Prune back plants to keep them from overcrowding. Deadhead spent flowers.

• Use beneficial bacteria and enzymes to aid digestion of waste and nutrients.

• Change water monthly or more for very small containers, refilling slowly.

• Clean pumps regularly and replace aging parts to keep water flowing smoothly.

Providing routine care will keep your miniature ecosystem balanced for long-lasting enjoyment!

Enjoy the Soothing Benefits of Water Gardening

Beyond visual beauty, water gardens offer comforting sounds, soothing scents, and places to relax and de-stress. The restorative benefits of being around water are well proven. Miniature container ponds and fountains bring those same perks in an easy, affordable package.

Watching the play of light on water and listening to the gentle gurgling provides instant tranquility. The container pond becomes a sanctuary where you can unwind, lower anxiety, and find creative inspiration.

Scented bog plants like mint further enhance the multisensory experience. The fresh fragrance they release when leaves are lightly crushed or disturbed is rejuvenating.

Place seating like benches or Adirondack chairs around your mini pond to create a designated relaxation nook. The simple act of taking 5-10 minutes a day to sit quietly near this mini oasis can dramatically improve your mindset and outlook.

When designed, planted, and cared for properly, container water gardens allow you to enjoy the appeal and advantages of water features nearly anywhere. They provide a easily managed introduction to the pleasures of water gardening for beginners. But even experienced pond owners incorporate container plantings as accent features in their larger landscapes.

With so many options for enchanting fountains and miniature ponds, you can find the perfect vessel to fit your space and budget. Visit specialty stores, browse online retailers, or make your own custom creation. Then get ready to relax and unwind beside your new miniature aquatic oasis!