Water adds another new dimension to the landscape. Many are discovering the joys
of the sound of running water, the unique shapes and textures of aquatic plants, and the
accompanying wildlife inhabitants. Whether you are ready to leap into a large pond
project or just a patio pond, The Garden Gate can help you get started. We have one
of the most complete selections of water gardening plants in the area, including blooming,
potted, tropical water lilies available year round!

WATER GARDENS

By Donna Torrey- (as published in The Pompano Pelican newspaper)

February 23, 2000

There is something primeval about water in the garden. Ponds, fountains, even birdbaths,
all bring serenity and completeness to the scenario. Many of us live in homes that have
limited area, zero lot lines and some, alas, have only a balcony or porch to call
their garden. Patio ponds, or container water gardens are a great idea if you just want
to get your feet wet, so to speak. They have all the beauty and mystery of the real thing,
only in miniature, like a model of one. They can be set up quickly, moved
easily if needed and best of all, take up little space. What’s needed is a preformed
patio pond, whiskey barrel (must have a liner or the fish will die drunkards!), or
any container at least 20" in diameter with no hole in the bottom. You can be creative
here: old wheelbarrows that don’t leak, old galvanized tubs or troughs; in fact, garage
sales can yield some whimsical ideas. The key is that it must hold water. The depth
depends on the type of plant material that you want. First, fill the container with water,
then use dechlorinator purchased at the pet store. Now you are ready to "plant" your
pond. There are four major types of aquatic plants: lilies (tropical types in S. Florida), marginal
or edge, surface or floating, and most importantly, oxygenating. If you have your heart
set on a lily, you must have at least 4-5 hours of direct sun. It is potted in its own
pot and placed at the bottom of the container, 6-12 inches below the surface. The
marginals are similarly planted and placed 2-3 inches below the surface, use bricks
or upside down pots to boost them if necessary. The floaters and oxygenators just hover.
Algae is controlled by having at least 50% of the surface area covered by vegetation.
This starves out the algae, which needs light to grow. Also, to control mosquitoes add
a few fish, such as guppies or swordtails, which stay small and tolerate the very warm
water during summer. Filters or pumps aren’t necessary. The right plant combinations
mimic the natural balance in a real pond. Now, sit back and feel the magic of this
little water world.
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MORE POND BASICS

April 12, 2000

Garden Life Column, by Donna Torrey

For those of you who have been bitten by the pond bug, I would like to further your
repertoire of suitable plant materials. Aquatic plants are numerous, and some being
sold are more appropriate for temperate zones. It’s best to stock your pond with tropicals,
as they will have a year round bloom or nearly so, and not go dormant for the winter
season. Today, I want to focus on what is called a marginal. These types are naturally
found along the edges of lakes or ponds and can tolerate totally wet feet to about
2-4 inches of standing water around their stems. Here are the plants that soften the edges
of our water gardens, giving transition between water and land. One of the best edge
plants is iris. They can be Louisiana iris hybrids, which come in a breathtaking rainbow of
colors, and our native blue flag iris, (Iris virginica, I. hexagona, most commonly).
These iris are not to be confused with Dutch iris, or German iris, both of which are
strictly land dwellers. Our mostly Southern natives love the low places where water
stands and the soil is never dry. Iris have that vertical line which is essential in
giving the landscape balance of texture, even after blooming. Flowering is in early
spring to summer although not for a long period. The Iris bloom is so poetically
beautiful and a true treasure of the springtime; something to look forward to in our
gardens all year long. They love the full sun although they will tolerate half a day.
Plant in rich, heavy soil, in a hole-less pot or a wet area. Their height can vary
according to the variety, from 6 inches to 3 feet. Spread by rhizomes, they can achieve
quite a massive clump over time. After flowering, divide iris to increase the loveliness
in another area, or to give lovingly to a friend. So attractive, they can even be
planted alone in a decorative pot as an accent. Every water garden needs an Iris, or two, or
three. This is a plant that the faint of heart should try. It will encourage you to
forge ahead in the wet places.
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LILIES OF THE WATER

March 23, 2000

Garden Life Column, by Donna Torrey

We’ve already started to get a few of those hot, sticky days, that portend the coming
summer in South Florida; you know what they say about "pay backs…" Some of your
annuals may begin to look a bit tired, especially if in the full day’s sun. However, you may
have noticed that the tropicals have kicked into high gear! Many of our native and exotic
plants love the summer heat and humidity. While I am hopeful that we’ll have another
month of temperate weather, the heat is imminent, and I scurry to finish up those tasks
around the yard that have a high sweat factor. If you can commit to daily watering, now
is a good time to plant trees and shrubs; get that digging done while it’s still cool.
Also, it’s a good time to trim trees and shrubs if they’re not spring bloomers. Try to
accomplish those high energy chores now. One plant that is coming into it’s prime and
depends on the high temperatures is the water lily (Nymphaea sp.). If you have a pond
or water garden you may have noticed that the cooler weather caused a considerable
decline in leaf and flower production. Many of the tropical lilies will decrease to a few
tiny leaves. The hardy lilies, ("hardy" meaning able to withstand freezing temperatures,
not to be confused with "hearty", meaning strong), will totally disappear, as will lotus.
This is normal, and the increasing temperature of the water and intensity of the sun,
will cause them to resume their growth for the next season. The tropical lilies will
increase in size and begin to flower soon, if they haven’t already. Repot now, if
extremely pot bound. Remember to give them as much sun as possible, at least 4 hours.
Give pond fertilizer tablets once per month; they are heavy feeders, and restricted
in a pot, will depend on you for sustenance. Be on the look out for a moth caterpillar,
which will devour the leaves and substantially weaken or kill the plant. Look for irregularly
shaped holes and pieces of leaf on the undersides, which the caterpillar uses to hide
from you and the fish. Squish them and let the fish enjoy a tasty treat, or you can
spray the leaves with Bt, which will not harm fish. Water lilies will reward you with their
sweet faces and fragrance on many a sultry morning.
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