Water gardens, also known as aquatic gardens and backyard ponds, have become popular in recent years.

Usually referring to a man-made feature, these gardens usually combine a pool with aquatic plants and often ornamental fish. Fixed items such as rocks, fountains, statuary, waterfalls and watercourses can be combined with the pool to add visual interest and integration with the local landscape and environment.

Typical water garden plants are divided into 3 main categories--submerged, marginal, and floating.

Submerged plants are those that live almost completely under the water, sometimes with leaves or flowers that grow to the surface such as with the water lily. These plants are placed in a pond or container usually 1-2 ft. below the water surface. Some of these plants are called oxygenators because they create oxygen for the fish that live in a pond. Examples of submerged plants are:

Marginal plants are those that live with their roots under the water but the rest of the plant above the surface. These are usually placed so that the water level is just below the rim of the container. Examples of these are:

Hardy and Tropical plants easily cared for. Hardy plants may stay outside during winter and are often left in the pond. Tropical plants are normally brought inside and placed in a warm area, with sunlight, and in about an inch of water.

Floating plants are those that are not anchored to the soil at all, but are free-floating on the surface. In water gardening, these are often used as a provider of shade to keep down the growth of algae in a pond. These are often extremely fast growing/multiplying.

Some areas of the United States do not allow certain of these plants to be sold or kept as they have become invasive species in warmer areas of the country, such as Florida.

Fish: Often the reason for having a pond in your garden is to keep fish, often koi, though many people keep goldfish. Both are hardy, colorful fish which require special heating if your pond isn't at least 3 feet deep. If fish are kept, pumps and filtration devices need to be added in order to keep enough oxygen in the water to support them. In winter, a small heater may need to be used in cold climates to keep the water from freezing solid.

Snails: Aquatic snails are usually in ponds which have plants. They may eat some of your plants but they also help keep your pond clean.

Frogs: Ponds located in suburban and rural areas often attract frogs and turtles. Frogs and turtles usually come and go unless you have a high wall surrounding your water garden.

Predators: Garden ponds can attract attention from predators such as (in the United States) raccoons, heron, snakes, and domestic cats. These predators can be a danger to fish.