The Backyard Oasis: A Habitat for People, Plants & More

Catalogue of Water Garden Plants

Step into your backyard and imagine what it would be like to rest your eyes upon a tranquil pond, or to hear a waterfall splashing in the distance. Whether you live inland or near the ocean, the sound of water in your garden will draw you and your family into the great outdoors, right in your own backyard.

      Once considered an expensive, high-maintenance hobby only for the wealthy, water gardening has become easier and more affordable. From do-it-yourself projects to professionally designed water gardens, the trend across the country is toward ponds and pools, waterfalls, fountains, wetland gardens and dry creek beds. You can even relax on your patio to the sound of a tabletop fountain or waterfall. Courtyards and patios are perfect places for container water gardens and other small scale water features.

      If you choose to build a pond or have one built for you, you'll need to study your landscape carefully to determine the best placement. Sunlight, shade trees and safety are major factors. As with swimming pools, it's imperative to check your local city ordinances for restrictions, fencing requirements and zoning laws. You'll also want to decide whether you prefer a formal, symmetrical look or a more informal, naturalistic landscape.

      Although water gardening takes minimal effort, it's wise to start small and progress to larger-sized water features. As the seasons change, your pond chores will vary. A small amount of time devoted each week to maintenance is well worth the effort.

LOCATION & PLANNING

      If you wish to grow water lilies, choose a full-sun location (6-8 hours daily), away from young and are/or deciduous trees. Not only do trees block sunlight, but their fallen leaves can create toxic conditions in the pond as they decompose. As the trees grow, their roots can invade and damage your pool. Some other questions to ask yourself: Is there a properly grounded electrical connection available for a circulating pump, waterfall, fountain or lighting? Is the location sheltered from prevailing winds? Is their a water supply for easy filling and a way to drain the pond for cleaning? Do you want the pond to be visible from indoors?

      Then put your plan on paper or computer. Draw to scale all structures, boundaries, trees and any immovable objects. Using a garden hose, outline the pond in your yard. Leave it in place for a day or so. Over a sunny day, observe the site to make sure it's getting full sun. It's easier to make changes on paper, before you begin digging.

INSTALLATION & PLANTING

      A good instruction manual takes you step by step through the installation process, which includes the following:

• Excavate to the correct depth and shape, checking repeatedly to make sure the foundation is level.

• Remove rocks. Cover the bottom with a layer of sand. A fiberglass pools should be positioned and backfilled with soil around the sides. A PVC liner must overlap the edges by at least 6 inches on all sides.

• Finish the pond with plants, fish and decorative touches around the edges. The water may look murky at first but will settle within a few weeks.

      Water lilies are the most common types of aquatic plants grown in water gardens. There are two types: hardy and tropical. The hardy flowering perennials return each year. Their fragrant blooms open early in the day and close in the afternoon, lasting three to five days. After blooming, the plants produce more blossoms. Tropical water lilies are best treated as annuals. They bloom from mid-spring to frost. Most are fragrant, and day or night blooming varieties are available. Companion plants that will thrive either in the water or at the waters edge include irises, reeds, wildflowers and ornamental grasses.

      When purchasing plants, know their mature sizes so that you'll know how many your pools will accommodate. Most plants will fit into one of the following categories:

• Extensive ( covers 12 square feet)

• Medium ( covers 6-12 square feet)

• Small (covers less than 6 square fett)

For example, in an 8' x 10' pools you can grow one "extensive" plant, two to three "medium" plants and two "small" water lilies.