This small water feature is suitable for a Zone 6 to 9 residential garden in the city or suburbs, where it could be placed on a deck, terrace or patio. Purchase a sturdy wine or whiskey barrel that has been cut neatly in half. Select one that sits steadily on its base and has tight metal hoops. Scrub inside and out thoroughly and wire-brush and repaint the wire hoops; if you paint the barrel, use a marine-grade paint. Seal the inside of the barrel or line it with a plastic or rubber liner attached to the outside of the rim. Drill a half-inch hole about one inch below the rim to act as an overflow in rainy weather. Place clean concrete blocks, bricks or wire shelves at varying heights to support plants that prefer the margins of a pond rather than being submerged or floating. Remember to put the barrel in its final position before you fill it with water; if the barrel is on a wooden surface, place it on bricks to discourage rotting underneath. Alternatively you can use any large watertight container. If desired, add a pump (available in garden centers) to add sound and movement. After frost in cold-weather regions, lift the pots, trim off the foliage and store in plastic bags in boxes in a cool, frost-free place.
Key to Plan
1. Hardy water lily (Nymphaea 'Helvola') 1 plant; 1-foot spread; sunny yellow flowers and olive green leaves. Submerge roots 6 to 12 inches below water level.
2. Variegated Japanese sweet flag (Acorus gramineus variegatus) 1 plant; 8 to 12 inches tall; slender grassy leaves striped vertically in green and white. Place up to 6 inches below water level.
3. Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) 1 plant; 30 inches tall; arrow-shaped leaves and spikes of starry blue-purple flowers in summer and fall. Place up to 12 inches below water level.
4. Parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) 1 bunch; a floating plant with 4-inch-long stems bearing feathery dark green leaves. Does not need to be planted; included as an oxygenating plant to help keep the water clear.
Garden plans courtesy of Country Living Gardener.
Illustration by Michelle Buchard
