- A half barrel is a perfect small-scale container pond for beginners. Its small size makes it ideal for maintenance. There is no digging and installation required. Although it lacks the features needed for deep-water ponds, it can provide the space for a few lilies and reeds, as well as shallow-water fish such as the beta or a goldfish. A rain barrel can also provide a place for a fountain feature such as a bamboo "deer scarer" rocking fountain or a spitting fish.
- If you lack the space for a large pond in your backyard, consider a stream or a waterfall with no pool. A "poolless" feature circulates water without allowing it to collect. These water features are popular in small spaces, or for people who don't want or can't afford the upkeep that a pond requires. Having circulating water with no deep well is also safer when there are young children in the household. Most of these features can be built so that a pool can be later added to them.
- A bog feature differs from a traditional pond in that it is drier. Instead of filling your pool area completely with water, you will fill it with peat moss, compost and other low-oxygen soil. While there will be some water in the middle of your bog, the area around the edges will be filled with bog plants and marshy soil. Plants for your bog may include irises, bamboo, bee balm, bog myrtle or cranberry.
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