Water. The most abundant compound on the planet, it makes up 70 percent of our bodies; it drives our weather patterns; it supplies nourishing rains for our crops; it allows our bodies to actually function and it’s used in manufacturing everything in some way, shape or form. >> Check out more Water Feature articles and …
There is a style of water feature for almost every garden, no matter how small. All a person needs is some space outside that receives sun most of the day. But how do you build a water garden without a hole in the ground? Just find a container! Even large landscapes will benefit from the …
I’m often asked how I got into building water features. Well, it all boils down to some grass. When I was 13, my brother joined the Army and left me in charge of mowing the lawn every Saturday. Of course, in Central Florida the grass never stops growing. What’s more, in the summer you can’t …
Victoria amazonica [Giant Water Lily] started capturing people’s attention and imagination 165 years ago. Her success began in the late 1880s when she singlehandedly caused a water garden craze in Europe that quickly spread to the U.S. The craze broadened interest in ponds to include the working class, not just the rich. It also started …
Business Tips from a Plant…or a Giant Water Lily Read More »
A well-designed water garden looks natural and organic, as though Mother Nature had lovingly placed each plant. But when you’re building your water garden from scratch, the selection and placement of plants falls to you! John Mark Courtney outlines the characteristics to consider when choosing which plants to use in your naturalistic (and healthy) backyard oasis.
The Hudson Gardens and Event Center in Littleton, Colorado. The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society will hold its annual symposium this summer from Aug. 14 to 17 in Denver. Local hosts for the event will include Denver Botanic Gardens, Hudson Gardens and the Colorado Water Garden Society. Conference attendees will be treated to informative …
Who’s been killing the aquatic plants? If your pond has become a gruesome crime scene with chewed-up leaves and mutilated lily pads left behind, don’t fret. Paula Biles is on the case! Utilizing her forensic science skills and extensive knowledge of plants and insects, she’ll help you investigate the evidence, track down the culprits and bring the victims back to life!
While they may not wine and dine like we do, the plants in your pond reproduce with frequency that would make Hugh Hefner blush! Nature’s bountiful procreation strategy provides big opportunities for growers — if they know how to harness it. Do you know the differences between division, viviparous parenthood and tissue culture? If not, be sure to read Paula Biles’ story on the romance that is plant propagation.
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 how these ugly drainage areas can be transformed into beautiful natural areas that delight visitors and raise property values.
Frost-tolerant, drought-resistant and beautiful, the genus Ludwigia is an attractive and stable addition to any pond planting. David Curtright offers an illuminating overview of these unique aquatic plants.