Water lily and Japanese rush pot display

You will need

Waterlily, Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola'
Japanese rush, Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus'
Washed pea gravel, waterproof paint
Glazed pot, 60cm diameter
All-purpose silicone sealant
Aquatic planting basket, 20cm diameter x2
Aquatic compost or heavy loam
Engineering bricks x2

Pots & container categories

Overview

Don't despair if you only have a tiny garden. Your dream of having a pond is easier to realise than you think. Our mini container pond is big enough to host your favourite aquatic plants and in no time, you'll be able to enjoy watching the wildlife it will attract.

Plant it: April - June

At its best: June - September

Takes just: 30 minutes, plus 24 hours drying time

How to do it:

Container pond feature - planting a waterlily

1Prepare your container by filling in any holes in the bottom with waterproof sealant. Leave to dry, then paint the inside of the pot with waterproof paint. When that is dry, half-fill a planting basket with aquatic compost or heavy loam. Spread the waterlily's roots on top, taking care not to break them.

Container pond feature - weighing down the compost with pea gravel

2Fill in around the roots with more compost or loam, firming it in layers. Weigh it down with a layer of pea gravel.

Container pond feature - lowering plants into the water

3Plant the second basket with the acorus in the same way. Place the bricks in the container, then fill it with water and slowly lower the baskets into the pond.