1. Choose your spot: Your mini-pond will need some sunlight, but make sure it's in shade for some of the time. The best way to create shade is with another plant or two (they can be in pots), perhaps a Japanese maple or some tall grasses.
A patio is ideal as it's where you are likely to spend time watching all the wildlife come and go. But add a wildlife ramp inside and out, and ideally cluster with other pots so amphibians such as frogs have a little cover while coming and going.
2. What type of container is best? Be creative – is there anything you could upcycle, such as a washing-up bowl, wheelbarrow basin, sawn-off plastic dustbin, half barrel, rubber trug, large plant pot or sink?
Unglazed terracotta containers may lose water through the sides very slowly. Your pond will need a wide 'neck' so wildlife can get in and out. Sink your pond or add a ramp for creatures to access.
3. Choose the right plants: Water forget-me-not and flowering rush are pretty. Other suitable specimens include waterlily (Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola'), Lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula) and Starwort (Callitriche stagnalis). Avoid anything that is too invasive or vigorous. Water soldier and sweet flag are unsuitable for small ponds.
4. Place your plants in baskets: Place aquatic plants in baskets lifted up to the correct level of the water by standing them on bricks, stones or other pots. Aquatic baskets are ideal as they allow plenty of water flow around the roots, although normal planting pots can work too. Use aquatic compost, which can be bought from specialist aquatic nurseries.
5. Fill your mini-pond with rainwater: Install a water butt to collect rainwater with which to fill your pond, and continue to use this water to top up if levels drop. Check on levels a couple of times a week in hot weather and top up as needed.
You won't need a pump in a mini-pond to stop the water stagnating. It may go a little green at first or before the plants fill out, but it will settle down.
:: For more information, download the Big or Small, Ponds for All booklet at wildaboutgardens.org.uk.
