Transform your patio into a tropical oasis with a water garden! Enjoy beautiful aquatic plants, the gentle sound of water and fish right on your patio.  

Just like the “Thriller, Spiller and Filler” concept for container gardening, there is an easy recipe for water gardens.

• Marginals are plants that live at the waterline. English Gardens has combo pots called Aqua Gardens. Aqua Gardens combine different marginals to add height and shade for other aquatic plants.
• Oxygenators have lush leaves that pump oxygen into the water. Oxygenators keep algae under control. They also provide a great environment for fish.
• Water Lilies add beauty to water gardens. They are stunning and fragrant flowers that float on the surface on round leaves. Choose from pink, white, yellow or red.
• Floaters are amazing plants that have air pockets around their leaves that keep them adrift. Their leaves filter the sunlight and keep the water cool, providing shade for small fish.

Visit any English Gardens and find the different aquatic plants using the symbols below.

 Step 1: Choose your container

Select a leak-proof container that will complement the aquatic colors. A simple and elegant color choice would a neutral color, such as beige or black, so the colors of the aquatic plants pop. Be sure to also pick a good size container, see step two for suggested sizes.

Step 2: Select your plants

Depending on the size of your container, here is what you’ll need:

• For a small size container (18 – 24 in), you will need one marginal (Aqua Garden), one oxygenator, one water lily and two floaters.
• For a medium size container (24 – 35 in), you will need one marginal (Aqua Garden), two oxygenators, one water lily and four floaters.
• For a large container (35 – 50 in), you’ll need two marginals (Aqua Gardens), two oxygenators, one water lily and six floaters. 

Step 3: Fill the container

Tap water can be very cold and often chlorinated. Fill the container and let it sit outside in the sun for 12 to 24 hours before adding the plants.

Step 4: Arrange your plants

Hang the Aqua Garden on the side of the water garden, using the hook provided. The oxygenator will sit at the bottom of the container while the floater and water lily rise above the water.  

Care Tips

• Check the water every 2 to 3 days. Keep it at just above the rim of the Aqua Garden.

• Get the most out of your oasis and add fish! Guppies are great choices for water gardens. Goldfish are not recommended. Ask your local pet stores for suggestions.

•  Add a fish-friendly fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-autumn.

• Floaters will develop side shoots and start to compete for surface space. Every few weeks, snap off these side shoots. You can put them back in the water for more floaters to grow or add them to your compost pile.   

For more tips, visit your local English Gardens to talk to an associate. Aquatic plant selection may vary by store.