Water Gardens

By September 22, 2022 Uncategorized

 

 

Surprisingly easy to build and maintain, water gardens can provide a

welcome, cooling, soothing addition to the Texas garden. Aquatic plants

may be grown in any container that will hold water. Size and shape are not

important. Pre-formed liners, plastic-lined half-barrels, or natural ponds

all make great homes for Water Lilies and other aquatic plants. The water

garden should be located where it receives at least six hours of sun daily.

Consider a location where there is room for a garden bench to sit and

enjoy the plants’ beauty and the water’s cooling effect.

 

Plants should be potted in a heavy clay loam in a container that is wider

than deep. Take care not to cover the growing tip or crown of the plant

with soil. Place one to two inches of pea gravel on top of the soil before

submerging in the pond.

 

Fertilization, removing spent flowers and yellowed foliage is about the

extent of maintenance during the growing season. Consult your Certified

Professional for tips on over-wintering aquatic plants in your area.

For a more interesting water garden, plant a variety of plants from the

following categories:

 

Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical Water Lilies are some more exotic plants to add to the

garden. Large leaves and spectacular blooms in a wide range of colors add

dramatic interest to the water garden. Depending on the variety, the bloom

color ranges from white to purple to yellow. Large fragrant blooms last

up to one month. These frost-tender plants should be treated as annuals.

 

Hardy Lilies

Frost-tolerant plants in a wide range of colors provide spectacular blooms

in summer. These floating plants help stabilize the water temperature by

reflecting heat during the day and holding it in at night. They also help

shade the pool, which helps to control algae. Beautiful blooms last up to

one month.

 

Marginals

These are plants that grow at the edge of the water garden. They can be

grown in water but do not need to be fully submerged. They add depth,

shape, and color to the garden. Popular marginals include Louisiana Iris,

Marsh Marigold, Chameleon Plant, and Cardinal Flower.

 

Reeds and Rushes

These tall specimen plants are for the larger water garden. They make

wonderful spring background plants and add height for vertical interest.

Many varieties are available with a wide range of foliage colors and sizes.

 

Other Floating Plants

These beautiful and beneficial plants provide shade for the pond to help

keep algae under control and provide good cover for any fish in

the pond. In addition to the lilies, floating plants include Water Mint,

Primrose Creeper and Hornwort.

 

Miniatures

These delightful beauties are just the right size for a water garden as small

as a half barrel but may also be added to the larger garden. Water

Poppy, Miniature Cattail, and White Snowflake are examples of miniature

aquatic plants.