For this arrangement, I decided to use a plastic basket.

First, I lined it with a knee high hose (since it has holes in the side), tucked the end of the hose down into the basket, and added an inch of topsoil.

I chose sagittaria subulata and laid out a layer of the plants with the roots on top of the soil. Note, the nice root systems.

Then I laid out another layer of the plants on top of the first set and added some shorter plants on top. This will be the front of the arrangement.

Next, I spooned a thin layer of topsoil over the roots.

The next step is to cover the soil with a layer of gravel, making sure to cover the soil well. I prefer pool filter media--it's a very fine gravel. Use your fingers or the spoon to tamp the gravel down firmly.

Next, I moved the tops of plants to the opposite side of the pot,

and filled that side with gravel, making sure to tamp it down well. Then I repeated this process down the middle of the basket, spooning gravel between the plants, tamping and making sure the plants were seated well. I like to cover the surface with gravel around an inch deep.

Since I have goldfish and want the gravel to stay in the basket, I added a layer of polished rocks on top of the gravel. With fish who don't move a lot of gravel, this step is optional.

The finished product turned out well and I think the goldies approve!

Back to Potting Plants in Topsoil

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