Q: I read an article on barrel ponds and it instructed you to get an old wiskey barrel and treat it. They recommended a sealant to prevent leakage. The sealant looked blackish. I have been to the garden centers and home centers and no one has a clue what to seal the barrel with. They all suggest a liner. I don't want to use a liner or a plastic insert because that will take the effect away.....any suggestions on the sealant? Want to have fish and plants in my barrel pond.

A: The simplest way to seal up that whiskey barrel is a liner. Lerio makes an insert that will fit right in and look smart. Other wise fill the barrel with water, let it leak, refill it, continue this until the wood swells and stops the leaks. The wiskey barrel liners aren't bad looking, not at all.

I hope that this is helpful.

Scott Bates