How to create a beautiful container pond

Comments · 140

• MA

  @MARQUISEDESADNESS · 3 years ago

  I made a small container pond from a plastic half-barrel. I have a tiny garden space. Well, one year later and it is a thriving scene with flying hedgehogs, red leaf sorrel, forget-me-not all growing. I placed a plank across (palette wood) which allows birds to land and drink. Only had one 'problem' - hair-like algae which I scooped out once earlier in the year. I cannot overstate how much wildlife uses his tiny bucket pond in the middle of pure urbanity. It's awesome.

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• AM

  @ambercm515 · 3 years ago

  Ecologist Ken Thompson did a study on urban gardens that found that ponds with fish had much less value for wildlife (as they ate everything!). The RHS website also states: "Fish – these are top predators in a garden pond, reducing biodiversity, and they also raise nutrient levels, which encourages algae and blanketweed." Just wanted to make people aware that no fish is potentially better for wildlife, but of course any body of water will be better than none- for hedgehogs and thirsty pollinators as you point out!

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• GA

  @gardentours · 3 years ago

  Thanks for sharing ⛲️ I created one last year and got addicted to it and now there are three of them in my garden. It's such a joy to watch the birds and dragonflies that enjoy the pond.

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• GL

  @gloriab.collins6171 · 3 months ago

  I love EVERY show you put out.  Thank you!❤

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• IR

  @irairod5160 · 3 years ago (edited)

  I took a very large galvanized washtub and sank it into the soil, leaving a few inches above ground. I partially filled it up with different-sized rocks (it's in the front of my house, near the sidewalk, cannot have a drowning hazard there) and surrounded it with more rocks and flagstone. Then I took the most powerful solar fountain I could find and created a very small cascade that spills into the tub. Since I'm very intent in keeping my garden mostly native, I searched until I found suitable water plants and added a "floater" and a "marginal". It looks really good! The birds, bees, dragonflies, and butterflies visit frequently. I've seen a few squirrels drinking from it, and I suspect something larger (likely a raccoon) comes at night because I find rocks moved around occasionally. I don't have fish in it because temperatures get low where I am in winter and the tub wouldn't be deep enough for the fish to survive the cold, but I use Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks that are wildlife safe to treat the water. Even at the smallest scale, a reliable source of water truly adds environmental value to a garden!

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• RO

  @ronnieking2753 · 4 months ago

  This is one of the best channels on YouTube. I only came across it a couple of weeks back but I'm obsessed, and you always ask/answer the questions I have when watching

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• LI

  @liammullan2197 · 3 years ago

  Just wanted to add my voice to the others how much I enjoy your channel, thank you so much. I appreciate your no nonsense approach and the way you give really practical and specific advice.

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• AL

  @allenlivera1611 · 3 years ago

  That drinking trough is beautiful.  Lots of good ideas to be had here, as always.  Thank you, Alexandra.

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• JO

  @JoannaLouise200 · 3 years ago

  Thank you Alexandra ~ what an excellent idea for a town garden container pond where space is limited. The agricultural drinking trough is ideal with its narrow profile and cross-brace strengthening integral to its original use. I love what Jane Beadle has done with the boulders and plantings, and because it's all so easily accessible it can be added to or modified, become mature & evolve as a beautiful feature in its own right and as a wonderful wildlife haven. Hope you're keeping well, and having relaxing times in your own beautiful garden x

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• DR

  @drawyrral · 3 years ago

  Birds were bathing in my pond before I finished filling it. A pond is a great attractor of wildlife.

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• IR

  @irairod5160 · 3 years ago

  How wonderful! I always enjoy when the two of you collaborate. 💚

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• 1K

  @1Kent · 3 years ago

  Rice fish is a good idea, but be aware birds love sushi!😏

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