Aqua One QuickDrop Carbonate Hardness KH Test Kit

If you're looking for a hardy pond plant that’s as functional as it is fabulous, meet Pink Rotala (Rotala rotundifolia), also known as pink heather.

If you’ve ever dreamed of adding a tranquil pond to your outdoor space but thought it was too hard, too messy or too expensive — think again. Thanks to clever, pre-fabricated pond kits, you can now enjoy the sights and sounds of a beautiful water garden without picking up a shovel. That’s right — you can go from zero to pond hero in a single weekend. Two standout options in this space are the Blagdon Liberty Solar No Dig Nature Pool and the Blagdon Affinity View Half Moon Pond with Inpond 5-in-1 3000 UVC. Whether you're after a solar-powered, wildlife-friendly splash zone or a plug-in pond with all the mod cons, these kits make DIY pond installation quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. No-Dig Simplicity with the Blagdon Liberty Solar Nature Pool Let’s start with the no-dig option. The Blagdon Liberty Solar No Dig Nature Pool is exactly what it sounds like — a pond you can set up with zero digging. Simply choose a sunny spot in your garden, assemble the kit, fill it with water, and you’re on your way to enjoying your very own slice of nature. Because it runs on solar power, there’s no wiring or electrical work to worry about. The included pump helps keep water moving, providing the gentle sounds of flowing water while also helping to maintain water quality. It’s ideal for creating a habitat for frogs, native bees, birds and beneficial insects. And yes — you can even add small, cold-water fish once the pond is established. The Blagdon Affinity View Half Moon Pond – With a Window into Pond Life If you’re after something more substantial, or want to keep ornamental fish, the Blagdon Affinity View Half Moon Pond is a standout. This plug-in option comes with the Inpond 5-in-1 3000 UVC filtration system, which helps keep your water clean, clear, and healthy. What makes this pond really special are the built-in viewing windows. These let you and the kids watch your fish and plants from the side, creating a mesmerising underwater world that becomes a true focal point in your garden. It’s the perfect blend of modern design and natural charm. Assembly is refreshingly simple — no pond liners, no digging various levels and no complicated plumbing. Just slot the panels together, connect the pump and light, and you're good to go.  And like the Liberty Solar Pool, you can also add fish once the pond is cycled and stable. Ideal for patio areas. Add Life with Easy Pond Plants A pond isn’t complete without greenery — and that’s where our 7cm pond plants in floating rings come in. These pre-potted plants are specially selected for pond life and come in a clever floating ring that allows them to drift beautifully across the surface without taking root in the pond floor. They’re an ideal choice for both the Liberty and Affinity setups. The plants help oxygenate the water, shade your fish, and add colour and life to the water surface. They're also great for attracting pollinators and providing natural shelter to aquatic wildlife. If you're introducing fish, these plants play a key role in helping maintain water quality while offering a bit of leafy cover for your finned friends. Why Pre-Fab Ponds are the Way to Go Let’s be honest — traditional pond builds can be a bit intimidating. Digging, lining, plumbing, landscaping — it’s a project. But with these modern pre-fab kits, the hard work has already been done for you. You get a sleek, reliable system designed to slot neatly into your space, whether that’s a small courtyard, patio, or full backyard garden. Not only do these ponds save you time and effort, but they also provide: Low-maintenance water features for even the busiest gardener Flexible options (solar or plug-in) depending on your setup Compatibility with fish and floating pond plants Modern design that looks great year-round Easy upgrades, such as lighting or waterfall features down the track Ready to Create Your Pond Paradise? Whether you want a peaceful corner filled with floating plants and wildlife or a sleek viewing pond with fish and fountains, the Blagdon Liberty Solar No Dig Pool and Blagdon Affinity Half Moon Pond are the easiest way to get started. And don’t forget to grab a few floating 7cm pond plants to complete the picture — they’re the perfect finishing touch for any water garden.   © We Know Water Gardens 2025

There's something magical about plants that combine beauty with flavour, and the Chocolate Water Mint (Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate') might just be one of the most enchanting additions you can make to your water garden. This unique pond plant offers not only visual interest but also a delightful sensory experience that will have visitors doing a double-take when they catch a whiff of its distinctive chocolate-mint aroma. What Is Chocolate Water Mint? Chocolate Water Mint is a fascinating hybrid, created by crossing peppermint with citrus mint and then further developed to produce subtle chocolate overtones. Native to Europe and the Middle East, this perennial herb has found its way into water gardens around the world, delighting gardeners with its unique characteristics.     Quick Facts: Latin Name: Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate' Plant Type: Perennial Mature Size: 30cm to 60cm Position: Full sun to part shade Flowers: Small lavender flowers in mid to late summer Origin: The Middle East and Europe Water Depth: 2cm Edible: Yes Oxygenator: No Growing Chocolate Water Mint in your pond: Simplicity at Its Finest One of the most appealing aspects of Chocolate Water Mint is how incredibly easy it is to grow. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this plant offers a fuss-free experience. Simple Planting Steps Choose Your Location: Find a spot in your pond or water feature with a shallow depth of about 2cm. The plant thrives in full sun but will also perform well in partial shade. Planting: We recommend growing it in the pot and floating pond ring to ensure it doesnt take over! If you were to plant it directly in your pond, it prefers a shallow water depth and would grow well in a  small water feature or container water garden. Watch It Grow: Stand back and watch as your Chocolate Water Mint establishes itself. With minimal care, it will grow to a height of 30-60cm, creating a lush presence in your water garden. Maintenance Made Easy Chocolate Water Mint requires very little maintenance. Like most mints, it's vigorous and hardy, making it perfect for beginners. The plant will reward you with small lavender flowers in mid to late summer, these attract polinators to your pond and garden. If anything, you might find yourself needing to contain its enthusiasm! Like its terrestrial mint cousins, Chocolate Water Mint can spread quite enthusiastically.  Culinary Delights: Using Your Chocolate Water Mint Beyond its ornamental value, Chocolate Water Mint earns its keep in the kitchen. Its leaves offer a unique flavour profile that combines traditional mint with subtle chocolate undertones. Simple Culinary Uses Fresh Teas: Perhaps the simplest way to enjoy your Chocolate Water Mint is in a freshly brewed tea. Just steep a few leaves in hot water for a refreshing and unique beverage. Read more here about Tea's. Dessert Garnish: The leaves make an unexpected and delightful garnish for chocolate desserts, ice cream, or fruit salads. Infused Water: Add a few leaves to your water bottle for a subtly flavoured drink that makes staying hydrated a pleasure. Salad Addition: Finely chop the young leaves and add them to fruit salads for an unexpected twist. Chocolate Pairings: The mint's natural affinity for chocolate makes it perfect for enhancing chocolate-based recipes or creating interesting garnishes. Health Benefits: A Sweet Bonus Like other mints, Chocolate Water Mint offers various health benefits, making it not just a tasty addition to your diet but a beneficial one too. The plant contains essential oils that can aid digestion and freshen breath. Its pleasant aroma can also have a calming effect, making a cup of Chocolate Mint tea the perfect end to a busy day. Simplicity and Delight in One Plant Chocolate Water Mint represents everything we love about gardening – beauty, practicality, and simplicity. It's a plant that asks for little but gives much in return, from its attractive appearance to its culinary versatility. Whether you're looking to expand your edible water garden or simply want to add an interesting conversation piece to your outdoor space, this unusual variety of mint deserves consideration. Its ease of growth makes it accessible to gardeners of all experience levels, while its unique chocolate notes ensure it stands out from the crowd. So why not add a touch of chocolate to your water garden? With minimal effort, you'll be rewarded with a plant that delights the senses and adds a touch of culinary magic to your home.   © We Know Water Gardens 2025