Choose a Water Bowl based on the look you want to achieve
Water bowls come in a variety of shapes and colours. Some can even be a feature on their own. If you would like your water garden to be an accent feature, choose a striking water bowl with a bit of height. In it you can place tall accent type water plants like Papyrus, Lepiromia, or Iris. This will provide you with a good overall height and real impact.
If you are more interested in the plants and water, choose a water bowl that is low and wide, ensuring the bowl is less of a feature and giving the ability to fit more plants and possibly a small fountain. With a low and wide bowl, not only can you fit more plants, it is a better level for the eye to look down on the water allowing for water lilies and goldfish to be the feature.