Creating an oasis of peace and tranquility, water gardens have a beauty all their own. Miniature or large, with aquatic plants blooming on their still surface, or with a trickling stream as part of the landscape, there is a "spirit" to water gardens that just can't be captured in any other form.

Location:

Most aquatic plants love the sun. The warmer the water, the more luxuriant the growth and the greater the number of blooms. If you are planning on having fish or other aquatic creatures, however, be sure to check their requirements regarding temperature and oxygenation before beginning your pool. Water that is too shallow can become too hot in the summer, and freeze solid in the winter, which would also kill the roots of hardy water lilies. Varying depths in which plants can grow and creatures can hide tend to work the best.

Care must also be taken to locate the pool some distance from trees or hedges so that the water doesn't become fouled with...