Water gardening is not just for ponds anymore. Aquatic plants are easy to cultivate, arrange and maintain, pond or no pond. There is nothing mysterious or any more difficult about growing aquatic plants than the commonly used terrestrials.
Hydrophytic, or plants able to live in water, are lovely and ornamental. They range from creeping ground covers to 5 or 6 feet tall. They include species of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses and ferns. Many attract local wildlife because they provide food, pollen and cover for butterflies, birds, frogs, turtles and small mammals.
Pond lovers already have the perfect environment for these plants and have firsthand knowledge of the benefits they bestow upon their landscape. Creating a container garden with aquatic plants will add another dimension to your gardening fun.
Patio bowl, large pot, barrel, trough or a lined shallow area in your yard are perfect to showcase these amazing plants. You can garden in water just about anywhere, even in the house. Add a pump and or a spitter to hear the soothing sound of water movement. Fish and fog mists are a perfect addition. Gravel and rocks bring the display to life.
They require nothing more than periodic fertilization, deadheading, removing unsightly foliage, trimming and repotting or division on occasion. Leaving the plants in their pots makes for easy rearranging of the display. Remember to check mature growth size and habitat as well as light requirements when purchasing plants from your local pond store or garden center. The variety of bloom periods, color, fruiting periods and fall color will amaze you.
Aquatic plants are divided into three basic groups: floating, adds oxygen, creates shade; submerged-oxygenator, provides cover for fish; and marginal or emergent, which are the best water filterers absorbing nitrates and phosphates that create algae.
The list of possible candidates for your water garden is extensive and fascinating. As always, choosing the native ones will most benefit the environment and wildlife. Some are perennial and some are annual or tropical. Some can be overwintered easily in your house. A nice mix of both is usually the best option.
There are too many to list here, but a few standouts can be recommended: water hyacinth, papyrus, taro, canna lily, Louisiana iris, blue flag iris, lizard’s tail, water lily, forget-me-not, creeping Jenny, thalia, juncus, pickerel weed, lobelia cardinalis, sweet flag, Mmrsh marigold, parrots feather, sedge, arrowhead, blue-eyed grass and even lotus. The list goes on.
Visits to botanical gardens and pond displays will reward you with countless ideas and information. Also contact Penn State Extension Master Gardeners at berksmg@psu.edu.
Kathryne B. Fetherolf is a Penn State Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
The Link LonkApril 05, 2021 at 04:00PM
https://www.readingeagle.com/living/aquatic-plants-are-easy-to-maintain-pond-or-no-pond/article_39e961c2-9310-11eb-89c8-5f50299c141a.html
Aquatic plants are easy to maintain, pond or no pond - Reading Eagle
https://news.google.com/search?q=easy&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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