Rosemary Ward, of Gardening Which?, looks at what needs to be done in the July garden

POTTED PONDS: Aquatic plants have a great deal to offer with colourful flowers, architectural shapes and large exotic leaves.

Ponds in pots are a way to enjoy all this without needing the space, or the hard work, to create a proper pond.

Even if your garden is confined to a patio or balcony, watery containers can add a whole new element of enjoyment.

Your pond container should be at least 35cm deep and contain nine or more litres (two bucketsful) of water to prevent the temperature fluctuating too much.

You can use any watertight container, or plug existing drainage holes with silicone sealant.

Terracotta pots should be sealed by painting the inside with PVA, and use the same treatment for metal containers to prevent harmful metal salts leaching out.

Genuine old barrels should be watertight, but if they have been reconstructed they may need lining with pond liner.

Pot your plants in an aquatic mesh basket filled with aquatic compost or garden soil.

Use collected rainwater to fill the pot as this should give less problems with algae than tap water.

Great foliage plants to choose include the paper reed Cyperus papyrus like elegant chimney sweep's brushes, taro with huge heart-shaped leaves (you can grow this from the edible tubers sold as eddoes by Asian and West Indian grocers) and the reed-like horsetail Equisetum hyemale with black bands on its tough green stems.

For flowers choose one of the miniature water lilies, or a water canna such as the golden yellow Ra.

Jobs for the week

* If containers dry out faster than you can water them, mulching the surface with pebbles or cocoa shell can help, or move them into the shade.

* Propagate azaleas by layering strong shoots growing close to the ground.

* Plant winter brassicas and fit cabbage collars to deter cabbage root fly or cover with insect-proof mesh which will also keep butterflies out.

For the secret of good gardening, subscribe to Gardening Which? For a three-month free trial Freephone 0800 920106 quoting code G_CC04 or visit www.gardeningwhichfreetrial.co.uk

Payment details will be requested for use when your free trial ends.