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Miniature Ponds
Sometimes a tiny pond is wanted so that a water feature can be added to a patio, or conservatory. Half a rainwater barrel may be considered but it is now possible to buy specially designed plastic ponds that have a shallow ledge on which plants can be stood in the water. If a fountain is required this is easily added, but it will then not be possible to add a water lily because they do not like moving water. However a Water Hawthorn will be safe and this grows very much like a lily with a scented white flower and oval leaves.
A lily can be added if no fountain is installed. A miniature lily must be chosen such as the yellow Pygmae Helvola, or the red Pygmae Rubra. The flowers are only the size of a 5Op but are very attractive. Most pond plants grow far to rapidly for such a small pool, but Syserinchums in either blue, or yellow only grow a few inches tall. Marsh Marrigolds may also be added but the plants will have to be divided regularly to keep the clump small. In such a small pool it is even possible to keep a couple of goldfish for the summer, but it will have to be treated like an unfiltered fish tank. Feeding will have to be kept to a minimum and it will have to be cleaned out regularly.
Sticklebacks, or perhaps Rosy minnows would be a better choice as these fish don’t grow very big and it would be possible to add half a dozen. The main problem with such a small pool is the winter. Because it is likely to be raised from the ground and so small it will freeze solid if left outside in the frost. So the choice is to empty it when winter comes and refill it for the next summer, or to store it somewhere frost-free such as in the garage over winter.
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