DIY Network

How To Create a Water Garden

The water garden will be planted in a large decorative pot that has no drainage hole.

More in Outdoors

decorative pot used for water garden
  • Time

    2 hours

  • Price Range

    $1 - $50

  • Difficulty



Step 1: Insert the Plants

Insert pots of dwarf papyrus (Cyperus isocladus) into the pot. A layer of small rocks on the soil surface of the pot will anchor it in the water and prevent it from floating to the surface. Float water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) on the water surface. Lavender blooms will appear late in the season (Image 1). Dig a series of holes in the mulch around the water garden. Install empty 6" pots in the holes. Drop in planted pots of bromeliad (Canistropsis 'Seidelii') (Image 2).

Step 2: Add Some Decorative Touches

Complete your garden with decorative touches, such as the following: Foo dogs (Image 1), glazed Chinese garden bench, or Tiki torches (Image 2).