Plants with colored foliage are a luxury, an anomaly, and quite often, just the right splash of color or contrast to make magic happen. There are several ways they can effectively transform a display. Foliage, by any definition, has theMore…
2019 IWGS New Waterlily Competition Results
For the first time, in 2019, the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS) held its New Waterlily Competition at Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida. Tim Jennings of Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the host of the competitionMore…
‘Waterlily Timeline’ Adds New Aesthetic to D.C. Building
In summer 2018, Darren DeStefano, a horticulturist at the General Services Administration (GSA) Public Building Service National Capital Region, and Claro Rodriguez from Plant or Transplant collaborated with me to create the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s now prominentMore…
Pond Plants for High Foot Traffic
There’s a lot to be said for all the phone calls and thank-you letters that tell the stories of how much clients loves their pond. But nothing says, “I completed my task and built something my client is totally engagedMore…
Lotus: The Magical Aquatic Plant
Lotus (Nelumbo) and I began a relationship some 30 years ago. Having had a childhood infused with growing things, I have always been intrigued by plants — but lotus is special. It is full of rich history, and for thoseMore…
Preview of the 2017 International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society (IWGS) Annual Symposium
Calling All Lily Lovers.
In 1982, Charles Thomas planted a seed among other waterlily enthusiasts for creating a society. He fertilized it relentlessly, bringing together all facets of water gardeners. Shortly thereafter, the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society was born. The annual symposiumMore…
Meet the Winners from the IWGS 2016 International Waterlily Competition
This year, the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (IWGS) held its annual competition at a new venue — Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Penn. The change comes after Tamara Kilbane at Denver Botanic Gardens passed the torch from herMore…
Light Guide for Plants in the Winter
A quick reference guide on how to care for aquatic plants.
Plants that will perform fine in a very low-light situations or Northern exposure would include: Elettaria cardamomum – Cardamom Echinodorus cordifolius – Sword Cyperus alternifolius – Umbrella Palms East, Southeast, South, Southwest or Western exposure: Bacopa Baumea rubiginosa “Variegata” – Variegated Striped Rush Canna Colocasia – Taro CrinumMore…
Bundle Up | Overwintering Aquatic Plants
Northern gardeners often add tropical plants to the water garden for intense color and bold, distinct foliage. But Northern winters are notoriously harsh, so the two most commonly asked questions asked about these colorful plants are: “Will they die ifMore…
Carpeting the Pond
The benefits of shoreline planting
While our backyard ponds are typically attractive, healthy and well- managed, a neglected stormwater pond offends the eyes and nose in equal measure. But with a little soil improvement and the proper shoreline plantings, Kelly Billings will show you howMore…