There is a growing interest in the use of water features in the landscape. Area gardeners are adding ponds, creeks, waterfalls and fountains to add to the pleasing sound and cooling look of water. 
“Water gardens,” as they are called, can add another dimension to the landscape; expanding the types of plants you grow adding fish and even birds. There is nothing more soothing than the gurgle of water over rocks or the splashing of a fountain.
Area nurseries and lumber yards have begun to stock up on water gardening supplies making it simple and inexpensive to add these attractive features to any landscape. A water garden can be as simple or complex as you would like to make it.
If you’d like to start out slow and simple, I would suggest trying a tub or container garden. You can purchase a plastic or ceramic container especially designed for a water garden or you can get a plastic liner and line a container like a half whiskey barrel. Place the container in a sunny location on the deck or patio and fill it with water. The size of a container will determine the number and type of plants you grow. Generally the water plants will already be in a container with soil and gravel and can just be submerged into its new home. Place a few mosquito fish, guppies or mollies in the tub to help control the mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects and you are set.
If you want something larger there are a number of prefab fiberglass lagoons and ponds designed to be dropped in the ground. It is important the hole be dug so the pond fits snug and level.
For large water gardens and creeks or falls the use of a plastic pond liner is great. Pond liners are economical and conform to almost any shape. The new materials now available will last for years and are very puncture and tear resistant.
First, find a good, sunny location for your new water garden. Dig the hole to match the depth, size and shape of the pond you want. The depth should be at least 12 to 18 inches. If you plan to grow waterlillies the pond should be deep enough so there is at least six to eight inches of water over the top of the plant.
Once the pond is dug, place the plastic liner down and fill it with water. The water can be used to help determine how to level the pond. The soil removed from the pond can be packed around the edges to raise the lower sides to the proper level. Once the liner is in position and the bank is level you are prepared to trim the liner and edge your new pond with plants and stones. A small pump can be used to move the water, create a fall or fountain. Add aquatic plants, a few fish and you’re done.
Water plants will help keep the pond clean and free from toxins. Submerged plants such as cabomba, milfoil or anacharis are excellent filters and provide food and hiding places for the fish. Floating weeds such as water lettuce, duckweed and a few others, float on the surface, their roots extend into the water and act like a natural filter. Bog plants such as cattail, pickerel rush, arrowhead, umbrella palm, papyrus, horsetail and many others can be planted in containers and submerged in the pond. If the pond is too deep, place the container on a brick or two to get the container to the correct depth.
The area garden centers and lumber yards have fertilizer tables specially designed for water gardens. These slow release products will provide two to three months worth of fertility for the water plants.
There are numerous books on the market to help you with your water garden. They will help answer any questions you may have, give your ideas on design and discuss possible problems and what to do about them. There is an excellent source for information on water gardening at the Aggie Horticulture website that you may what to check out entitled “Water Gardening in Texas” at: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homelandscape/watergarden/index.html
