"Cottage Charm: Cultivating a Classy and Cozy Garden Escape"

In the charming corner of my garden, I've crafted another delightful little micro habitat atop a sturdy planter. It’s truly wonderful and so simple to create. You can use any sturdy vessel—be it a quaint tub, a vintage bucket, or a charming barrel—as long as it doesn’t have any holes in the base.

The beauty of this setup is in its ease. Fill your vessel with rainwater for the best results. Since I don’t have a water butt at the moment, I’ve resorted to using my trusty hosepipe. Just a friendly reminder: please avoid tap water if you can! If you must use it, let it sit outdoors for at least 24 hours—this allows the chemicals to dissipate, making it more suitable for your little wildlife oasis.

My recent project was a breeze, compared to my brick well pond feature!

I ordered the lovely pond plants from Amazon, while the delightful plastic barrel was a thoughtful gift, given to me from my mumma bear during her recent visit.

A few old bricks and stones I had lying around serve as natural decorations. If you don’t have those handy, some old plant pots work just as well!

Arrange them thoughtfully to accommodate your plants’ different zones, depending on how deep the plants like to sit in the water. My new pond plants are all zone 1, so I've positioned them just above the waterline, as they thrive in boggy, marsh-like conditions.

To add a touch of whimsy, I included the spare solar water feature pump for that enchanting sound of running water. Once the sun shines down, everything comes to life! It’s quite the delightful sight, and I can already imagine the joy it brings to birds and bugs alike, especially during these dry and warm days.

Also, who doesn't love to listen to the soothing serenade of gently flowing water in their garden?

Also to note, like I have in the brick well water feature, I do still need to get some floating plants for here 'Salvinia Natans' and some submerged 'Elodea Densa' to help as oxygenators. With those and the constant filtering of the solar power pump, this will keep the water clean, clear and not stagnant or start to smell.

Nestled within this charming water feature are delightful plants such as Anagallis tenella, Darmera peltata, and two elegant Laevigata Iris. These again were all ordered from Amazon and distributed by a nursery called Carbeth Plants. 

Each of these botanical treasures is perfectly suited for small ponds and intimate garden spaces. If you're short on room or time to maintain a traditional pond (they can be quite demanding!), these lovely options bring serenity and beauty to even the coziest corners of your garden.

You don’t even need to invest in elaborate pond plants! A solar-powered water feature pump can easily transform a birdbath, an old bucket, or even a pretty pot into a serene oasis, filling the air with the soothing sound of trickling water.

I chose to add these plants to my little haven not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to attract and nurture local wildlife. After all, there’s nothing quite like a garden bustling with life, where each bloom serves as a celebration of nature's beauty.

You can find solar-powered water feature pumps at places like B&M or Amazon, and I imagine most garden centers would stock them as well. Each pump usually comes with a variety of attachments, allowing you to customize the flow just as you envision it.

In my quaint little barrel, I’ve opted for a simple, gentle trickle that evokes a sense of ease and tranquility. Meanwhile, in my other lovely brick feature, a fanciful spray setting adds an enchanting touch. You truly have the freedom to create a personal style that reflects your garden's character.

Transform any spot into your own slice of paradise, and as time passes, you’ll discover a blossoming sanctuary where nature thrives, enriching the lives of all who visit.

Warmly, Lindsay Blair

Saturday 31st May 2025