For smaller diameter Waterlilies:
To make a pond in a pot, you need a corkscrew rush, a dwarf horsetail, 2 water lettuces, washed gravel, 150 cm (20inches) diameter glazed bowl, or the container of your choice, pond waterproofing paint, all-purpose silicone sealant, 1 engineering brick, 2 small pots to stand marginal baskets on.
- Seal up any drainage holes in the pot using an all-purpose, waterproof sealant. Set pebbles or large pieces of gravel into the sealant to bung up the holes more effectively. Leave to dry overnight.
- If the container you’ve chosen isn’t completely glazed or has any porous surfaces, seal these with a clear coat of pond waterproofing paint. Use in a well ventilated place.
- If the base of the container is uneven, pour in a 5 - 7.5cm (2-3 inches) layer of washed gravel. This will make it easier to stand plants up in the container and will help prevent them from toppling over.
- Use bricks sat on the gravel to form platforms and raise your water plants up to the right level. Alternatively, use upturned terracotta pots or pots filled with more washed gravel to weigh them down.
- Carefully lower each plant into the water, adjusting the platforms as necessary. If you’ve chosen a water lily, position it in the centre in pride of place and set the marginal plants around the edges.
- To add even more texture and interest to your pond arrangement , drop in one or two floating plants and an oxygenator, but don’t cover the entire surface area as the reflectiveness of the water is part of the charm of this feature.