Water Gardens and Rain Barrels
What is a water garden in the first place, you may ask. Well, it’s a garden that uses collected rainwater to irrigate.
That’s right! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go garden all day long without having to worry about watering them now and then. So how do you collect the rainwater? Well, there are many methods one can use, but the simplest
(yes, I said simple) is to make a rain barrel.
Now, I’m not saying you need to go out and buy an actual water barrel, but it helps the plant live longer if you minimize the number of times you clean it. An acceptable choice would be a bucket (at least 3 gallons) with holes in the bottom (to release the dirty water).
You can also use a large soda bottle for this! Just cut a couple of inches off the bottom so the water has somewhere to go when you turn it over. If you have one, just place a few rocks or something at the bottom so it does not overflow. This way, if there is too much rainfall it will not flood your garden!
Now, the rain barrels work best if you don’t have a roof that collects all of its water in one place. Otherwise, by the time it hits the barrel, there wouldn’t be much water left. This is very true for those who live in apartment complexes and do not have any gutters. If this does describe your living situation, do not fret! You can place the barrel under a spout where the water flows out.
Water Collection and Ponds
Once you have your rain barrel set up, it’s time to start planting! The best plants to use for a water garden are ones that like moist soil. Some good examples are hostas, lilies, and ferns. You can also use things like flowers, vines, or even vegetables!
I know you’re wondering how to take care of the garden so it will last all season long. The method I used was to plant them in large pots (a very good idea if you only have a balcony) and then bury the pots halfway into the ground. This way, the water will not evaporate as quickly.
You can use moss or rocks to cover any exposed soil at the top of the pot. If you want a very unique look for your garden, consider using a decorative plant stand and burying it halfway in your next project!
Now, having a lot of rain barrels might not be feasible for some, but there are ways to conserve water even if you don’t have one. One way is to place a pot or tray under your plants to catch the runoff. You can then use this water to water other plants in your garden or even your flowers!
Another way is to create a French drain. This is simply a trench filled with rocks and gravel that will collect the water runoff from your house. You can then use a hose to direct the water to where you want it to go.
Water gardens are a great way to conserve water, have a beautiful garden, and show off your green thumb! So go out there and get started!
There you have it – a few simple tips on how to get started with your very own water garden! Now, it’s time to get creative and start planting. Remember to keep an eye on the weather so you can be prepared for all of the rain this season has to offer. And most importantly, have fun!
Thanks for reading at Meyer Aquascapes! We hope you’ve enjoyed our post on garden pond design. Please leave a comment below if you liked it or have any questions. We’d love to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by!
