Soni Forsman’s article on do-it-yourself tabletop water gardens was one of the most popular items in the Spring 2023 issue of Northern Gardener® magazine (available in our online shop). We didn’t have room for all of the gardens Soni created, so here are two more you can make at home.

Remember: To create a tabletop water garden, select a watertight container that fits well on your table. Choose plants no taller than 10 inches that like moisture and the light available on your patio or deck. Soni uses only foliage plants in these petite water gardens, particularly water plants. You can experiment with annuals and perennials, too, referring to their identification tags regarding water and light requirements. It’s trial and error—some plants adapt to the wet, small confines of a container better than others.  

White Pottery Planter

Creeping Jenny and golden Japanese sweet flag give the white pottery planter a monochromatic look. Both plants grow in one 6-inch pot. Decorative accents include a few birch sticks and a butterfly pot stake. A bathtub toy frog peeks out from the trailing creeping Jenny, which needs regular pruning to keep its compact look. 

Stylized Fish Planter

A water hyacinth floats in a fish planter bought at a discount store. It’s simple to create—fill a cute bowl with water and add a floating water plant. No planting required. 

Ready to create your own tabletop water garden? Be sure to take a picture and tag us on social media (@mnhort). We’d love to share more ideas with our members and subscribers.