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Water Garden

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-561 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Gardening expert Scott Daigre shows how to build a water garden out of a plastic kiddie pool.

Materials:

kiddie pool (or any large, watertight container)
black landscaping plastic
shovels
metal rake
sand
level
planting mix
low shrubs
varied plants that thrive with roots submerged in water
embellishments and goldfish (optional)

Steps:


  1. Be sure to find an appropriate area of your yard for the plants you'd like to use in your water garden.

  2. Once you've selected a site, cover the kiddie pool with black plastic to serve as an interior liner.

  3. Once the plastic is sized up, remove it to continue creating the water garden.
PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
  • Mark the area around the base of the pool with shovels (figure A), then remove the pool to reveal the perimeter.

  • Dig out the circular area so that the pool will sit in the hole about half-way down, with the top half still visible. Level the area with metal rake (figure B) and remove any rocks or debris that could puncture the pool. Add sand to fill in the cracks and crevices and obtain a tight fit between the pool and the area in which it sits. Use a level to double-check how the pool's balance.

  • Return the black plastic, making sure that the plastic is flush with the surface, then tuck the excess into the hole around the outer edge. Fill in with planting mix--you'll want the dirt to be in good condition all the way around the pool.
    • PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Use low shrubs around the exterior perimeter (figure C). Shrubs won't get too large and will easily disguise the pond. Use different plants in other areas to create a full-looking landscape.

  • Now that the exterior is ready, it's time to add water and water plants, such as the Louisiana iris. Select other plants that can float on the surface, but above all, use plants that thrive with the pot fully submerged in water.

  • Add any other embellishments of your choice. You can treat the water to house goldfish, which can help keep down the mosquito population.

    • Guests
    Scott Daigre
    Landscape Designer
    Powerplant Garden Design
    Phone: 323-363-0844
    E-mail: sdaigre@aol.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-561
    •Clean House at the Spa
    •Water Garden
    •Toddler Snacks
    •Smart Solution of the Day
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