A garden pond conjures up lively variety and a natural haven of peace in the private open-air zone. But what if only little space is available? The solution for balconies and 10 m² terraces: a mini pond in a fixed container. Here's a little guide on how to set it up.
A zinc tub is the perfect vessel for a mini pond
Creating a mini garden pond - but please with charm
No matter how small and inconspicuous your balcony or mini-terrace may appear to you - there is always scope for a garden pond in the shape of a dwarf! It not only visually enhances your small outdoor area, but also provides more biodiversity and a lot of spiritual delight - if only it is lovingly conceived and designed.
First of all, you need to find a suitable container. After all, a mini-pond at ground level cannot be created on a floor that is tiled or laid with wooden planks. But that definitely has an advantage - because the vessel itself can radiate a lot of characterful flair. What is particularly suitable for nostalgics is an old zinc tub. These thin-walled, oval handle containers used to be used as washbasins or children's baths. So they bring a lot of retro romance and fit perfectly into basically nostalgic balconies and terraces.
Instructions for the mini pond in the zinc tub
In order to be able to create a mini garden pond in the zinc tub, you need the following material in addition to the zinc tub:
- Coarse river gravel
- plant baskets
- small marsh plants
- Decorative material at will
First select the plants that you would like to have in your small garden pond and place them in plastic plant baskets filled with pond soil. Examples of suitable mini-pond plants are:
- Cyprus grass
- water hyacinths
- water lettuce
- jester flower
After placing the plants, fill the zinc tub about a third full with the washed river gravel. It should be washed to limit the growth of algae from the outset. Then fill up the tub with water.
More design ideas
In addition to the plant design, a mini garden pond in the zinc tub can be expanded with a few decorative elements. How about, for example, light games in the form of underwater spotlights or floating candles? With a larger, roughly structured stone in the middle that protrudes from the water, you can skilfully stage your mini pond and at the same time offer welcome songbirds a place to rest and refresh themselves.