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A Miniature Water Garden Creates Harmony And Balance
Any container that is capable of holding water can be used to create a miniature water garden. You can use just about anything so long as it’s not porous. Old galvanized water tanks, sinks and bath tubs – provided their outlets are plugged- are very serviceable, and can be made to look quite attractive, especially if sunk well into the ground. Ungalvanised steel tubs and the like are likely to corrode. In time, they’ll leak. However, a good thick coat of rubber-based paint can delay this for a long time, so don’t despair if that’s all you have. Old wine or vinegar casks sawn in half are good. But beware any contaminating oils, tar or wood-preservatives. The residue from such is likely to pollute the water, forming an unsightly scum on the surface. It’s also poisonous to fish. If you find you have well-established algae in the container you wish to use, add enough potassium permanganate crystals to the water to turn it violet. Then, with the aid of a stiff brush, clean off any clinging algae. Make sure it’s thoroughly clean. 
Stumpy’s tip. Soil mixes with added fertilizers should be kept well clear of that miniature water garden. They promote algae growth. So, before planting that container in the ground, or placing it in its final position, make sure that it is thoroughly clean. But when you clean it don’t use detergent, or anything else for that matter, where there might be a danger of traces of it being left behind. Also, ensure that the soil you use for the plants you intend to place to set off the water feature will not induce algae growth along the edges of the water container. Good, rich soil, uncontaminated with fertilizer, water added to make a muddy consistency, and the miniature water garden is ready for the planting stage.
Time of Year? Best in Spring. But early Summer also okay. Choose a miniature water lily such as the canary yellow Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Alba Helvola’ or its white cousin, N. ‘Pygmaea Alba’ as a centre piece. Or you could perhaps use the dwarf version of the yellow pond lily, ‘Nuphar Minimar.’ This last is very attractive with its tiny broken poker heads. Additionally, you could choose the slender, powder-blue flowered, ‘Mimulus Ringens.’ Continuing with suitable plants. What about a Water forget-me-not? Or bog arum may also be tried, although the latter may need controlling towards the end of the season. A restrained, submerged plant like Hair Grass, ‘Eleocharis Acicularis’ can complete the picture. After putting in those plants, and before water is added to the pond or container, cover the entire surround surface with a thin layer of well-washed pea shingle to prevent your fish disturbing the soil in their quest for insect larvae. (and put those goldfish in! They’ll not only give the feature movement and colour - they’ll eat up those mosquito larvae for you) Then, take the end of the hose that is to be used to fill the container and put it in a large polythene bag before placing in on the floor of the container. This prevents disturbance of the compost as the water flows in; keeps it nice and clear. The bag is removed with the hose-pipe when the required level has been reached. As a final touch, add a portion of a floating plant such as Frog bit, ‘Hydrocharis Morsus-ranae. Half-a-dozen Ramshorn snails, a couple of small goldfish that love each other and the water feature is complete. 
Maintenance? Routine maintenance consists of removing fading leaves and flower heads, and regularly topping up the water to offset evaporation (and those sneaky animals that have been drinking it) It is preferable to take the fish indoors for the winter months. Their survival would be precarious in such a small volume of water during the really cold weather.
Stumpy's Tip You have a really small area? Far too small for that old, full-length bath tub? Stumpy recommends the same procedure but use of a ceramic pot or pots. Ceramic pots are fantastic for tiny areas. They look just wonderful. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes Avoid extreme temperature changes for your miniature water garden. In the peek growing season, shade the container with other surrounding plants to avoid over-heating. As the cooler season kicks in, allow more and more light to provide adequate warmth.
I hope you enjoyed our page on miniature water gardens. Happy gardening.
Marty Ware
Often, when water garden design ideas come to mind, a feeling of tranquility flows through us. We envision acquatic- birds, fish, ferns, lilies, the peaceful bubbling, splashing sounds of gently tumbling water and a lovely cool summer breeze. Water is one of the Five Element of Feng Shui and the human race depends on it for life and survival.
In a Chinese Water Garden everything should blend in with its existing landscape and its features, whether large, small or tiny. The materials we use are as important as the setting. Sharp angles may direct "poison arrows" at the house, meditation or sitting area.
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