Container care is easy
Once your water garden has been planted, caring for it is a simple matter. If the plants don't seem to be thriving, more than likely the problem is not enough light. If that's the case, then move the container to a brighter spot. If it's too heavy to lift, remove the plants, empty out the water, move the container, and then rearrange it.
Water plants grow quickly but, even so, I encourage them by using fertilizing tablets. For new plants, I delay fertilizing until they show signs of growth. When a plant gets big, I divide and re-pot it in heavy clay soil with a layer of stones over the top. Dense soils won't cloud the water when containers are moved, and, just to be sure, I always firm the soil fairly tightly before lowering the container back into the water. If the plants seem too robust, I limit their growth by keeping them in small pots and trimming off the oldest and tallest leaves.
There's no need to change the water in a container garden, although you should top it up every few days to replace liquid that may have evaporated. I've never had problems with mosquitoes breeding in containers, but if you want to eliminate any chance of establishing a breeding ground for insects, you might wash the larvae out by overfilling your container with water or add a few goldfish. Goldfish varieties that eat mozzie larvae and are best for outdoors are Comets, Shubunkins and Fantails - all common in pet stores.
Aquatic nurseries have also developed specially formulated products for killing mosquito larvae.
When winter comes, it doesn't have to mean the end of the garden. Most Water Plants will become dormant and re-shoot in spring. Hardy plants can be left in the container but may need protection against freezing. Where winters are severe, aquarium-type heaters can prevent your container water garden from turning into a giant ice cube.
One plant to look out for is the Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos). This plant is one of the few to flourish and even flower in the cold. The white scented flowers and oval shaped leaves float on the water like a water lily.
So give a small water garden a try. First, decide on a spot in your garden and then come in to Bliss to see the great range of water bowls, water plants, and fountain equipment. There you will see small water gardens set up to show you how they are to look, and just how easy it is to create.