mini pond for balcony

[WriteforFun1]

hi all
I'm thinking of putting one of these on the balcony, just regular plants on there at the mo. I'm confused as to how it works though. I would like to buy one of those wooden barrels as a container but they seem quite pricey, and I gather they need lining so stuff from the wood doesn't leak into the water.

I found this on Amazon - not very attractive but will do as a start, cheap too?
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/wishlist/10ZKU7W33KU0G/ref=topnav_lists_1

then I'm confused what kind of plants to buy. Ideally I'd like to be able to see what I'm buying and I'd like it to be ready with the plants already visible now rather than grow from seed. So I can't do mail order unless they tell me what height the plants are, is that right?

also should I put compost on the bottom, I presume that's how the plants root? I've only ever grown from seed before because it's so much cheaper.

thanks for any tips.

Id be surprised if it takes more than 7 litres of water...
Fourth floor. ponders

You already have the container - why not just give it a go? Fill it up with water, leave it for a week or two to settle like you would a pond (try to put out a container to collect rainwater to top up as tap water has all kinds of things added that aren't good). If it doesn't work, you can try indoors.

Vulcan, I already have a water feature on the balcony

Shove, I haven't decided for sure yet, having to get all the stuff means I have to chose between that and other balcony plants, can't spend much. I'll decide at the weekend.

Sounds like you've got a lovely oasis. Hope the pond works out. I've got my eye on a sphere water feature

Vulcan, I love water features, if I had a garden I would have loads!

Sphere sounds good.

have you seen the Bernini foundtains on QVC? one friend (who has a garden - a rarity among my friends) bought one of those, the sound is sooooo nice.

Just had a look, they have some nice ones, great there's no wiring involved too.