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A space designed with intention
Some spaces come together slowly – layer by layer, decision by decision – until one day, they feel exactly right.
That’s how this garden came to be.
What started as a treehouse area, then an above ground pool area, this has become a space that feels both beautiful and deeply functional – a place to grow, to slow down, and to enjoy in every season.
This is how I created my dream stock tank garden.
Starting with the Foundation: Underground Irrigation
One of the most important decisions I made early on was how the garden would function day to day.
We used our existing underground sprinkler system and brought irrigation lines up directly into each of the stock tanks. From there, I was able to run drip lines exactly where they were needed within each bed.
We also drilled multiple holes in the bottom for drainage before filling.
It’s one of those things you don’t always see – but it changes everything.
No dragging hoses, overwatering, or guesswork. Just a simple, consistent system that supports the garden quietly in the background.
Be sure to measure, plan, and measure again. Because once these stock tanks are filled, it’s almost impossible to move them!
Stock Tank Garden Ideas: Why I Chose These Beds
The structure of the garden began with steel stock tanks.
I was drawn to them for their durability and clean, timeless look, but they also solved a very practical need – keeping everything contained and protected.
- Keeps planting areas clearly defined
- Durable and long-lasting
- Ideal for maintaining healthy soil
- Adds structure and rhythm to the space
- Keeps edible plants out of our dogs “business range” as they mark just about everything outside
One question I often get is whether metal stock tanks get too hot and “bake” the plants.
In my experience, they don’t. We are in Colorado, so we only get a few days above 100 degrees. If you’re in an area that experiences consistently higher temperatures than us, it might be something to look into. But, from my research prior to installing these tanks, the general consensus is they are great to use as raised beds no matter where you live.
Once filled with soil, the temperature naturally regulates, and with consistent watering from the irrigation system, the soil stays balanced even in warmer weather. The depth of the beds and the moisture in the soil make a big difference, and I’ve found everything grows just as beautifully – if not better – than traditional raised beds.
Also, there’s something about the repetition of the tanks that makes the entire garden feel calm and intentional.
A Simple Detail That Feels Like Home
One of my favorite details is something so simple – but it made the entire space feel more personnal.
We added it along the top edge of each stock tank to help deter slugs, but it also brought in a material I’ve always loved using inside our home.
That soft, warm tone of copper catches the light in such a subtle way, and it ties the garden back to the aesthetic of our home.
It’s practical – but it’s also beautiful. And the patina it develops is stunning!
Adding Height, Structure, and Movement
Once the beds were in place, the garden really came to life with vertical elements.
The arches completely transformed the space – not just visually, but in how it feels to move through it. The arch with the scrolls is from Amazon, and can be found here. The other two with the diamond pattern are from Gardenary and I absolutely love them!
Because these were critical in the garden layout, we did a dry fit prior finalizing the irrigation and measured exactly where each stock tank would go. The arches go all the way to the bottom of the beds and filling the beds with soil locked them into place.
Each one supports something different throughout the season – climbing tomatoes, cucumbers and squash, peas and beans.
As everything grows in, it softens the structure and creates a sense of enclosure. The smallest details are often the ones that makes a space feel complete – like a true extension of our home, even in the garden.
And then there are the obelisks.
Even before anything begins to climb, they add height and architectural detail. In the off-season, when everything else fades back, they remain – giving the garden a quiet structure year-round.
A Fountain at the Center
At the heart of the garden is a simple fountain.
It adds something that plants alone can’t – movement and sound. The gentle water brings a sense of calm, and over time, it’s become a place that draws both us and the birds into the space.
We also had this tied into the irrigation. That way when the garden gets watered, the fountain fills up automatically. It also spills over just enough to water the flowers we planted around the bottom.
It’s not just a focal point – it’s what gives the garden a feeling of life, even in the still moments.
When the Garden Glows
As much as I love the garden during the day, it might be even more beautiful at night.
I am a huge believer in outdoor solar lighting and have it all over our property. And the garden was no different. I added simple solar lighting throughout the space – not anything harsh or overly bright, just a soft glow that highlights the shape of the garden as the sun goes down.
Tucked on either side of each bed, the lights bring everything to life in a completely different way. The structure of the garden stands out more, the copper catches just a bit of warmth, and the entire space feels calm and quiet.
It’s subtle – but it changes everything.
Now, instead of the garden disappearing at the end of the day, it lingers. It becomes a place we can still step into after dinner, a place that feels just as inviting in the evening as it does in the morning.
And I love looking out the kitchen window at night and seeing my dream all aglow. It’s a different kind of beauty – quieter, softer, and maybe even my favorite.
A Garden That Feels Like Home
This garden isn’t just about growing food and flowers for cutting.
It’s about creating a space that reflects how we want to live – slower mornings, more time at home, and a deep appreciation for the everyday.
I love that it’s become a place where my parents come to visit and take home a harvest to make a delicious salad or homemade spaghetti sauce.
And what joy it’s brought to watch the grandchildren seek and discover cherry tomatoes ripe for the picking, snacking on sugar snap peas and munching on the edible borage and nasturtium flowers!
It’s where I step out with my coffee in the mornings, or a glass of wine in the evenings. Where I check on what’s growing. Where I spend time caring for something that gives back.
And maybe that’s what makes it a dream garden.
Not just how it looks – but how it feels to be in it.
A Gentle Place to Begin
If you’re dreaming of creating your own stock tank garden, you don’t need to have it all figured out.
Start with a simple structure. Choose materials you love. Think about how the space will function day to day. And allow it to evolve over time.
The most beautiful gardens aren’t rushed – they’re created slowly, and with care.
And It’s Still Becoming
Like anything worth creating, this garden is still evolving.
Each season brings something new – different plantings, small changes, new ideas.
But the foundation is there.
And it’s become a space that feels just as meaningful as it is beautiful.
FAQs
What size stock tanks work best for a garden?
I think the 2′ tall tanks work best for height. My garden consists of (4) 8’x3’x2′ and (2) 6’x2’x2′ tanks. I sourced them from our local Tractor Supply.
Do metal stock tanks get too hot for plants?
In my experience, no. We are located in Colorado, so our hottest days rarely get above 100 degrees.
Metal stock tanks vs wooden raised beds, which is better?
I think both serve a purpose both aesthetically and practicality. While wooden raised beds are beautiful, they do require maintenance (replacing rotten boards, staining/treating the wood). The stock tanks do not require any maintenance and will develop a beautiful patina over time.
Does copper tape really keep slugs away?
In my experience, yes they do help. I haven’t seen a complete elimination, but the amount that I pull out of the garden is far less after adding the copper tape.
What can you grow on garden arches?
Indeterminate tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, pole beans and peas all work beautifully.
What is a good way to keep weeds out of the garden area?
I’ve used this vinegar method before when the treehouse was here and after we put the stock tanks in. What I plant doesn’t grow directly into the soil so I’m not concerned about the high level of vinegar here.
