A small water garden adds a special sparkle to any collection of container plants. As a bonus, the open water will attract birds, insects, frogs and toads.

Water lilies are the most popular water plants. Most are white, red, pink or yellow, and hardy lily blooms open during the day and close in the late afternoon.

Most aquatic plants require relatively warm water, so schedule your installation for a time when the air temperature in your area has reached a reliable 70F (22C).

Fish are an essential element in most water gardens, feeding on the mosquito eggs and larvae that would otherwise collect in standing water.

For narrow stretches of shallow water or streams, stepping stones make the perfect combination of rock and water. You will need a few flat rocks or boulders, and you are ready to go.

Some ponds may not require an annual spring cleanout, but most smaller ponds in colder climates do. You can tell whether your pond needs a spring cleanout simply by looking at it.

In the winter time fish will sleep in a suspended state until the spring. Be sure to feed fish adequately before winter begins.

Skimmer Filters for ponds eliminate routine maintenance by removing debris such as leafs before they sink to the bottom of the pond.

When planting evergreens, stake them to improve perfect vertical during growing periods.

If you live in a very cold climate where the ground freezes, you may have to temporarily house your plants and fish indoors during the colder months. However, a shallow crust of ice will harm neither fish nor most plants.