Supplies needed for building your island:
Sheets of Styroam – we used several 1/2†thick sheets about 10†x 12†that we collected from packing materials
straight edge
pruners
scissors
twine
greening pins
assorted rocks
assorted moss
moss clumps
Step 1
We are going for a rounded rectangular shape for our island. You can make yours any size and shape you want… what is important is the layering. On the underside you want to start with a large piece of foam and 2 smaller pieces. Center the smaller pieces in the center and pin with greening pins. This will allow the larger base piece to float above the water.
Step 2
Now flip your foam over and break off the corners. Pin the corners to the top. This will create levels for us to build on.
Step 3
Add a few more small pieces to create additional levels, pinning as you go.
Step 4
Once you have everything pinned in place, tie some twine around the center. This will insure that everything stays in place. Leave an extra long tail that can be used to weight your island down.
Step 5
Now lay your island, face down in the middle of a piece of burlap. The burlap will hold everything in place and keep the dirt from getting into your pond filter. Wrap the burlap around to the back leaving the top layers uncovered, and pin in place. We curled up our twine and pinned it down so we don’t accidentally cut it off. Cut off the excess burlap as you go. We are not worried about neatness, folks, no one is going to see this part!
Step 6
When you are done your island will look something like this. This is the top. Notice the crevices which will be perfect for planting.
Step 7Choose your plants carefully. Make sure they can handle the shade or sun and a lot of water. We used mini mondo grass, ferns, begonias, and mazus.
Step 8Begin planting your plants, adding dirt as needed. Use pins to pin plants roots to styrofoam so they stay in place. Continue adding plants, adding dirt.
Step 9
Once you have all your plants in place, cover the entire island with moss and pin in place.
Step 10