Water gardening is a way to grow plants under or on top of water. It can also include housing fish such as goldfish and koi. Referred to as aquascaping, it’s a popular hobby that seems to be growing. Technique, creativity, the right supplies, and a little guidance are all it takes to make it happen.
The best part is that you can do it inside or out. The inside creation usually involves indoor aquarium tanks that range in many sizes, ideal for those who don’t have the outside space. And the outside water garden involves an underwater or floating garden pond perhaps with colorful fish. Either way, there’s a tranquil view.
Specific plants that thrive in this environment blend with decorative touches, which might include moss, driftwood, stones, and underwater formations. Compatible fish might be added, as well as a water fountain. Of course, good water quality and ongoing maintenance are part of the requirements to keep the aquascape in top form allowing the plants and fish to thrive in their environment.
Becky and Terry Keyes started a pond in their backyard about 23 years ago. It has water-loving plants and some fish making their home in the pond. “We’ve added numerous fish as they met various demises: herons and cranes and not getting the chemicals right,” Becky said. “Last fall we didn’t cover the pond with a net and most of them were eaten.” They have added goldfish to replace what was lost.
Other outdoor predators might include owls and raccoons, but netted pond covers and the depth of the pond can help. Sometimes it’s a learning process to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Like many types of gardening, there’s trial and error.
Although there is work involved in maintaining their backyard oasis, the Keyes find that it’s worth it. “We love to sit outside and watch them, and listen to the frogs,” she said. “The frogs added themselves.” Water plants include a lizard tail and a white ginger lily. The ginger lily was planted last year, so it hasn’t bloomed yet. Lily pads “multiply like crazy,” she said; perhaps that’s what draws the frogs, numerous tadpoles, and pollywogs. Layered landscaping slate surrounds the perimeter of their pond.
Interested in giving aquascaping a try?
YouTube videos and online self-help guides are a start. Or try talking to professionals like the folks at Fishy Business in Columbia.
Chuck Maier and Guy Griffin are owners of the large store that has been around since 1986. Fishy Business offers the necessary supplies and plenty of expertise for the beginner or seasoned aquascaper. “It’s the number one hobby for a reason,” Chuck Maier said about aquascaping. “If you’re looking for a family-friendly hobby, aquarium-keeping whether outdoor or indoor is very rewarding. It brings the whole family together.”
Freshwater and saltwater are options. “Saltwater is a little more expensive on the front side,” Maier explained, but it isn’t harder. “It’s more involved. We can teach you how to do it.” As far as their customer base, the percentage of those using fresh or saltwater is about 50/50.
The store services offer installation, consultation, and supplies, including aquarium plants, corals, invertebrates, and ornamental features. “We supply all ornamental fish for the home or garden,” Maier said. “We have a 10,000-square-foot store.” Aquarium tanks on the floor have ranged from 1 gallon to the biggest in the store at 310 gallons, but he said they’ve done bigger than that.
Although indoor and outdoor aquascaping are vastly different, Maier offered a few tips that are helpful for both.
- Get a good source for information – “Get someone more knowledgeable than you,” he said. “The internet can be confusing.”
- Test the water weekly. Water quality is important for captivated fish – “It’s the number one problem,” he said. “It’s not fish disease.”
- Research to determine the best location and design for the aquarium or pond. This is the environment where the plants and fish will live. – “The bigger the better,” he said. “The larger the body of water the fewer problems you’ll have in most cases.”
Follow Fishy Business on Facebook, Instagram, or website for store information and photos of the endless possibilities.
Whether you embrace your inner or outer gardener, there’s a place for you in aquascaping.