Aquatic Plants

Working with Mother Nature

AQUATIC PLANTS can make or break the aesthetics and the function of a water garden.  The plants that are placed in and around a water garden determine whether it looks like it belongs, or like it just doesn't fit  Making a water garden look natural is the ultimate goal, and aquatic plants are key to this effort.

Plants are in the water garden not only to provide beauty and naturalization, but also to help balance the pond ecosystem.  They provide valuable biological filtration by removing nitrogen, ammonia, nitrates and other minerals from the water that algae would otherwise feed on.  Aquatic plants also provide food, shade, and protection for the fish and wildlife that live in and around the pond.  Plants aren't just there to help balance the pond ecosystem, they also provide pleasure to the pond lover!  Aquatic plant design and placement possibilities are endless. Random placement of plants with different textures and colors will give the pond a complete, yet unstructured appearance.

Come see us, bring pictures if you like, and we will be happy to make suggestions for additions to your water garden.  We have a large selection of aquatic plants to add to your water scape, whether it be a container garden or a large pond.  We have detailed information following to help take some of the guess work out of becoming familiar with aquatics, and hopefully tempt you to try some new and exciting plants that you haven't had before!

Hardy Waterlilies

A healthy pond is said to be two-thirds covered with foliage.  Waterlilies are the main staple in any pond, and are available in white, pink, red, orange and yellow.  Lilies prefer full sun and no splashing or rapidly moving water.  Flowers last 3-5 days, and if well fed, they will bloom all summer.  Plant 18'' to 24" under water surface.

Tropical Waterlilies

These are the true "lilies of the Nile."  Similar to their hardy cousins, these water lilies differ in richness of color and have highly toothed foliage.  They prefer water temperatures of 80 degrees F.  DO NOT PLACE IN WATER THAT IS BELOW 65 degrees F as this will surely kill the plant.  Blooms all summer with flowers that stand erect 4-5" above the water.  Some varieties are night bloomers, opening near dusk and bloom through mid-morning.  Plant 12-18" below water surface.  Overwinter indoors.

Lotus

Lotus have enchanted the Orient and Asia for more than 3,000 years.  Grown for food and flower, revered as a symbol of spiritual perfection, they are deeply rooted in Far Eastern cultures.  In the Americas, native lotus were used for food and medicine.  In more modern times, they are exotic beauties that grace many water gardens, both public and private.  When grown in a pond, lotus are best contained in pots that prevent their tubers from running rampant throughout the water garden.   They come in a wide range of sizes and colors.

Hardy Marginal Plants

Marginal plants are typically found along the perimeter of ponds, lakes, wetlands and streams.  To create a natural-looking pond, a good selection of marginal plants is very important.  These plants are used to soften the boulder edges and help create a smooth transition from the water in the pond to the terrestrial planting area surrounding the pond.  Most marginal plants like 1" to 8&q uot; of water, making the first shelf in the pond, as well as edges of streams, upper pools and bogs ideal planting areas.

Tropical Marginal Plants

The tropical marginal aquatic plants are those that originally grew in subtropical to tropical regions, and therefore are not perennial (hardy) in cooler climates where frost and freeezing are common during winter months.  Tropical aquatic plants can be treated as annuals or brought indoors during cold periods.

Floating Plants

The floating aquatic plants are just that, they float on the water's surface while their roots hang down into the water below trapping sediment and utilizing many excess nutrients.  Floating plants can be placed in the pond, but need to be situated out of reach of the skimmer.  Tucking floaters into the edges of the pond, or around lily pads can also help prevent the skimmer from drawing them in.  The open top of the Biofalls and upper pools of streams are ideal areas to place floating plants.