Why? Because they're so easy to create, look great and can be placed just about anywhere. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Water lilies will thrive in container ponds, as long as they receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

2. Tall cube pots (pictured above) work well as water gardens, too - they're great for narrow areas or side gardens. To create a more landscaped look, set the pot within a garden bed and skirt the base with succulents or low-growing groundcovers.

3. If water lilies are your obsession, then go the whole way and devote a tub to these beautiful summer blooms. For shallow containers, the smaller varieties are the most suitable.

4. A water-filled pot is a clever way to add a favourite aquatic plant to a conventional garden bed. Reeds and rushes, which can be too vigorous for a pond, are kept in check in a container like this one.


5. Goldfish will live happily in a container, as long as it is of moderate size so the water doesn't overheat in summer. They'll also consume any mosquito wrigglers.

6. Seek out unusual containers to give your pond a real edge. This steel trough works beautifully set beside a timber deck.

7. When planting out large containers, always include a few vertical plants to add height. These variegated water irises offer attractive linear leaves, as well as striking spring blooms.

8. It's the most simple water feature imaginable - a water-filled saucer - yet it will add interest to any leafy corner.

9. Choose a container that makes a real statement.


10. Exotic lotuses make a spectacular subject for a water pot, with their broad leaves and gorgeous blooms. Plant one per container - they need lots of space and a warm climate to thrive.

11. Chinese-style blue-and-white pottery looks fabulous in a courtyard - you'll often find large containers like this one in homewre stores. it's planted with large-leaved taro, dwarf papyrus and dwarf Zantedeschia 'White Gnome'. Pink mandevilla flowers add floating colour.

Create a pond in a pot