Water garden: how to make it and which plants to use

Its origins are ancient, dating back to the Sumerians and Egyptians, although conventionally speaking, the water garden is considered a Japanese specialty. With this invention, they sought to emphasize the integration between man and nature, both in homes and public spaces. Everything flows harmoniously, and not a single inch of available space is wasted.

Index of topics

What

At a time when sustainability is at the centre of our choices, even when we have the classic green thumb, the water garden, with aquatic plants (there are over 650 species and varieties), has become a solution. Possible even in very small spaces, such as a vase or a mini-tub. Without forgetting, however, that even a simple tub, once used as a water garden, is an ecosystem, which only functions if it manages to maintain its internal balance intact.

The water garden in Japan demonstrates that to start off on the right foot, one must keep in mind the symbiosis between the three constituent elements of this particular garden, regardless of its size: water, plants and stonesThere must be nothing geometric, and the water garden is irregular by natureThe Japanese garden is not lacking in bridges, water features and lanterns, with wonderful stone fords.

Features

The main characteristics of water gardens are:

Stagnant or moving waterThere could be a pond with still water or fountains and waterfalls that move the water, creating a dynamic and relaxing environment.
Plants aquaticThere are plants that live completely submerged, such as oxygenating plants, which purify water, and partially submerged or floating plants such as waterlilies.
Aquatic faunaSometimes these gardens house fish, such as crucian carp or koi, which add an extra level of beauty and vitality.
Decorative elementsThere may be stones, bridges, statues or paths that add an aesthetic touch and enhance the enjoyment of the garden.

Water gardens in China and Japan

In Chinese and Japanese gardens, water has played a central role for millennia. Chinese gardens, in particular, are known for their ornamental ponds and lakes, often featuring lotus flowers, fish, and harmoniously arranged stones. In Japan, Zen gardens, which often include streams, waterfalls, or ponds, are designed to encourage meditation and harmony with nature.

How you do it

A water garden can be made anywhere: on the balcony, on the terrace, in the vegetable garden. In a small space, and therefore with mini version, and in a larger areaLet's see what the fundamental choices are for enjoying this little masterpiece of nature.

It starts from choice of containerPlastic tubs or tubs; barrels and vats; stone tubs; terracotta jars; simple bricklayer's buckets.
La size, as we said, varies based on our available space, but the container of a water garden must have an average height of 50-60 centimetres and a height of 60-70 centimetres.
Finally exposureThe water garden needs sun, but not too much. Its ideal location is in full sun during the morning hours and in partial shade later in the day.

How do you make a mini water garden?

There are three fundamental steps to creating a water garden, once you've chosen a container and identified the right location to place it.

At the bottom of the container place one abundant layer of gravel and pebbles
Arrange the plants well: submerged and marsh plants should be placed in perforated baskets or plastic pots with a mixture of 2 thirds clay and 1 third non-calcareous sand and organic soil
Fill the container with waterPour it from one side only, being careful not to disturb the gravel and pebble base. Then let everything settle.

The most suitable plants

Plants for a water garden must have particular characteristics.

They can be floating, and in this case they filter and screen the water. SubmergedThey oxygenate the water, grow at a depth of 30 to 90 centimetres, have floating roots (not anchored to the bottom) with floating leaves and flowers. They have marshy characteristics (these are the ones that prefer partial shade): they produce flowers and purify water from waste substances, they love swamps and marshy terrain where the water doesn't reach half a meter in depth. All the plants in a water garden, if well cared for, can keep algae at bay.

If you have to choose, we suggest five plants for your water garden.

Il Cypereus papyrus (Egyptian papyrus), a perennial herb that also grows wild in some humid areas of Sicily. It has a striking, minimalist elegance.
La Water lily thermarum It can even be grown in a glass and was saved from extinction by the Anglo-Saxon botanist Carlos Magdalena.
La Utricularia, a carnivorous plant that feeds on worms and mosquitoes. It has a beautiful, vibrant flower, resembling a lion's mouth.
La Gregg's Orange Beauty Water Lily which presents itself with a wonderful star-shaped flower with over 35 petals.
La Siam Purple Water Lily, which can withstand temperatures below 20 degrees and has beautiful purple flowers.

Cost

The cost of a water garden can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the size of the garden, the type of aquatic plants, the installation of ponds, fountains, or filtration systems, and whether it is a DIY project or a professional.

Here's a rough estimate:

Small DIY water garden (without complex pond):
- Cost for plants and basic materials (tubs, gravel, soil, aquatic plants): 200-500 €
- Additional costs for filtration system or small fountains: 100-300 €
Medium-sized water garden with pond:
- Materials for the construction of the pond (including liner, pumps, plants, stones): 500-1500 €
- Professional work for design and installation (if necessary): 1000-3000 €
Luxury or landscape-designed water garden:
- Large gardens with elaborate fountains, lighting, advanced filtration systems: 3000-10000 euros or more.

Machine maintenance

Maintaining a water garden is not at all complicated. The important thing is that during the winter, the water circulates abundantly to prevent ice from forming if temperatures drop too low. In summer, however, the water must be changed periodically and weeds pruned. Always ensure that debris does not build up in the water, as its decomposition pollutes the water garden and attracts mosquitoes.

The most beautiful water gardens in Italy

Italy has several water gardens worth visiting. Among the most beautiful are:

Gardens of Villa d'Este in Tivoli (Lazio). This is one of the most famous gardens in the world, renowned for its monumental fountains, water features, and panoramic terraces. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park extends over multiple levels and is decorated with splendid fountains, pools, and water features that are part of an ingenious hydraulic system.
Gardens of Villa Lante in Bagnaia (Lazio). Another extraordinary example of an Italian Renaissance garden. The fountains and water features, spread across multiple terraces, create a truly evocative atmosphere. It's a perfect place for those who love the harmony between nature and architecture.
Sigurtà Garden Park in Valeggio sul Mincio (Veneto). This garden, located near Lake Garda, is famous for its ponds and green lawns, which offer breathtaking views. Each season offers a different palette of colors, but spring offers its most evocative aquatic corners, among water lilies and lotus flowers.
Garden of Ninfa in Cisterna di Latina (Lazio). A romantic garden nestled among the ruins of an ancient medieval village. The garden is crisscrossed by canals and streams that create a magical atmosphere, with exotic plants and flowers reflected in the calm waters.
Isola Bella in Lake Maggiore (Piedmont) The island is famous for its splendid Baroque garden, with flower-filled terraces and fountains overlooking the lake. Its location and aquatic landscape make it one of the most photographed gardens in Italy.
Cavour Water Gardens in Caresanablot (Piedmont) A park dedicated primarily to aquatic flora, including water lilies, lotus flowers, and marsh plants. The gardens are arranged around various ponds and lakes, offering a unique view of aquatic plants in a naturalistic setting.
Gardens of the Royal Villa in Monza (Lombardy) While not strictly speaking a water garden, the Royal Villa is surrounded by ponds and canals that enhance the park's beauty. The waters contribute to creating a relaxing and evocative atmosphere.