Gardening - Water Gardens, Plants, Ponds (2024)

The water garden represents one of the oldest forms of gardening. Egyptian records and pictures of cultivated water lilies date as far back as 2000 bce. The Japanese have also made water gardens to their own particular and beautiful patterns for many centuries. Many have an ornamental lantern of stone in the centre or perhaps a flat trellis roof of wisteria extending over the water. In Europe and North America, water gardens range from formal pools with rectangular or circular outline, sometimes with fountains in the centre and often without plants or with just one or two water lilies (Nymphaea), to informal pools of irregular outline planted with water lilies and other water plants and surrounded by boggy or damp soil where moisture-tolerant plants can be grown. The pool must contain suitable oxygenating plants to keep the water clear and support any introduced fish. Most water plants, including even the large water lilies, do well in still water two to five feet deep. Temperate water lilies flower all day, but many of the tropical and subtropical ones open their flowers only in the evening.

In temperate countries water gardens also can be made under glass, and the pools can be kept heated. In such cases, more tropical plants, such as the great Victoria amazonica (V. regia) or the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), can be grown together with papyrus reeds at the edge. The range of moisture-loving plants for damp places at the edge of the pool is great and includes many beautiful plants such as the candelabra primulas, calthas, irises, and osmunda ferns.

Herb and vegetable gardens

Most of the medieval gardens and the first botanical gardens were largely herb gardens containing plants used for medicinal purposes or herbs such as thyme, parsley, rosemary, fennel, marjoram, and dill for savouring foods. The term herb garden is usually used now to denote a garden of herbs used for cooking, and the medicinal aspect is rarely considered. Herb gardens need a sunny position, because the majority of the plants grown are native to warm, dry regions.

The vegetable garden also requires an open and sunny location. Good cultivation and preparation of the ground are important for successful vegetable growing, and it is also desirable to practice a rotation of crops as in farming. The usual period of rotation for vegetables is three years; this also helps to prevent the carryover from season to season of certain pests and diseases.

The old French potager, the prized vegetable garden, was grown to be decorative as well as useful; the short rows with little hedges around and the high standard of cultivation represent a model of the art of vegetable growing. The elaborate parterre vegetable garden at the Château de Villandry is perhaps the finest example in Europe of a decorative vegetable garden.

Specialty gardens

Roof gardens

The modern tendency in architecture for flat roofs has made possible the development of attractive roof gardens in urban areas above private houses and commercial buildings. These gardens follow the same principles as others except that the depth of soil is less, to keep the weight on the rooftop low, and therefore the size of plants is limited. The plants are generally set in tubs or other containers, but elaborate roof gardens have been made with small pools and beds. Beds of flowering plants are suitable, among which may be stood tubs of specimen plants to produce a desired effect.

Scented gardens

Scent is one of the qualities that many people appreciate highly in gardens. Scented gardens, in which scent from leaves or flowers is the main criterion for inclusion of a plant, have been established, especially for the benefit of blind people. Some plants release a strong scent in full sunlight, and many must be bruised or rubbed to yield their fragrance. These are usually grown in raised beds within easy reach of visitors.

Contents of gardens

Permanent elements

The more or less permanent plants available for any garden plan are various grasses for lawns, other ground-cover plants, shrubs, climbers, and trees. More transitory and therefore in need of continued attention are the herbaceous plants, such as the short-lived annuals and biennials, and the perennials and bulbous plants, which resume growth each year.

Lawns and ground covers

Areas of lawn, or turf, provide the green expanse that links all other garden plantings together. The main grasses used in cool areas for fine-textured lawns are fescues (Festuca species), bluegrasses (Poa species), and bent grasses (Agrostis species), often in mixtures. A rougher lawn mixture may contain ryegrass (Lolium species). In drier and subtropical regions, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is frequently used, but it does not make nearly as fine a lawn as those seen in temperate regions of higher rainfall.

Ground covers are perennial plants used as grass substitutes in regions where grasses do poorly, or they are sometimes combined with grassy areas to produce a desired design. The deep greens, bronzes, and other colours that ground-cover plants can provide offer pleasing contrasts to the green of a turf. Ground covers, however, are not so durable as lawns and do not sustain themselves as well under foot traffic and other activities. Among the better known plants used as ground covers are Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), common periwinkle (Vinca minor), lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), ajuga, or bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), many stonecrops (Sedum species), dichondra (Dichondra repens), and many ivies (Hedera species).

Shrubs and vines (climbers)

Smaller woody plants, such as shrubs and bushes, have several stems arising from the base. These plants attain heights up to about 20 feet (6 metres). They often form the largest part of modern gardens, because their cultivation requires less labour than that of herbaceous plants, and some flowering shrubs have extended blooming periods. Among the popular garden shrubs are lilac (Syringa vulgaris), privet (Ligustrum species), spirea (Spiraea species), honeysuckle (Lonicera species), forsythia (Forsythia species), mock orange (Philadelphus species), and hydrangea (Hydrangea species).

Bushlike azaleas and rhododendrons (both of which are species of Rhododendron) provide colourful blossoms in spots where there is semishade.

Climbers are often useful in softening the sharp lines of buildings, fences, and other structures. They can provide shade as an awning or cover on an arbour or garden house. Some species are also useful as ground covers on steep slopes and terraces. Among the many woody perennial climbers for the garden are the ivies, trumpet creeper (Bignonia, or Campsis, radicans), clematis (Clematis species), wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), climbing roses, annual herbaceous vines such as morning glory (Ipomoea species), and ornamental gourds, the last of which can provide rapid but temporary coverage of unsightly objects.

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Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article:

Water Gardens:

Water gardens have a long history and can be found in various cultures around the world. Egyptian records and pictures dating back to 2000 BCE depict cultivated water lilies, indicating the existence of water gardens in ancient Egypt. The Japanese have also been creating water gardens with their own unique patterns for many centuries. These gardens often feature ornamental lanterns made of stone or flat trellis roofs covered with wisteria. In Europe and North America, water gardens can range from formal pools with rectangular or circular outlines, sometimes with fountains in the center, to informal pools with irregular outlines planted with water lilies and other water plants. The depth of the water is typically two to five feet, and suitable oxygenating plants are necessary to keep the water clear and support fish.

Herb and Vegetable Gardens:

Herb gardens have a long history and were often found in medieval gardens and early botanical gardens. Initially, herb gardens primarily contained plants used for medicinal purposes. However, nowadays, the term "herb garden" is commonly used to refer to gardens of herbs used for cooking. These gardens require a sunny position as most of the plants grown in herb gardens are native to warm, dry regions. Vegetable gardens, on the other hand, also require an open and sunny location. Good cultivation and ground preparation are important for successful vegetable growing, and crop rotation is often practiced to prevent the carryover of pests and diseases from season to season. The French potager is an example of a decorative vegetable garden that combines both aesthetics and functionality.

Specialty Gardens:

  • Roof Gardens: The modern trend of flat roofs in architecture has allowed for the development of attractive roof gardens in urban areas. These gardens follow similar principles to other gardens but have a shallower depth of soil to reduce weight. Plants in roof gardens are often placed in tubs or containers, although some elaborate designs include small pools and beds. Flowering plants and specimen plants are commonly used to create desired effects in these gardens.
  • Scented Gardens: Scented gardens focus on plants that release fragrances from their leaves or flowers. These gardens are often established for the benefit of blind people. Some scented plants release a strong scent in full sunlight, while others require bruising or rubbing to yield their fragrance. Scented gardens are usually designed with raised beds for easy access to visitors.

Contents of Gardens:

  • Permanent Elements: Permanent plants in gardens include various grasses for lawns, ground-cover plants, shrubs, climbers, and trees. Grasses are commonly used for lawns and provide a green expanse that connects different plantings in a garden. Ground covers are perennial plants used as grass substitutes in regions where grasses do not thrive or as complementary elements to lawns. Shrubs and bushes, which have several stems arising from the base, often form a significant part of modern gardens due to their lower maintenance requirements compared to herbaceous plants. Climbers are useful for softening the lines of buildings and structures and can provide shade or cover on arbors or garden houses.

These are the main concepts mentioned in this article. If you have any specific questions or would like more information on any of these topics, feel free to ask!

Gardening - Water Gardens, Plants, Ponds (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to water plants with pond water? ›

A natural pond is often host to water fowl, which have the potential to spread diseases like Avian flu. Using fish pond water for gardens may also have harmful algae growth and disease.

Which plants are best for a small pond? ›

Best pond plants for small ponds
  • Ceratophyllum demersum Hornwort and/or Myriophyllum spicatum Spiked Milfoil as submerged oxygenating plant.
  • Caltha palustris Marsh Marigold in 11cm Mesh basket.
  • Iris versicolor Purple Iris, Iris versicolor Mysterious Monique or Lythrum salicaria Loosestrife in 11cm Mesh basket.

What are the best pond plants to reduce algae and clear green water? ›

Submerged plants like water lilies, hornwort, and water hyacinths play a vital role in oxygenating water and shading the pond. By limiting sunlight penetration, these plants create less favorable conditions for algae to thrive.

What eats lily pads in a pond? ›

What is eating my water lilies? The holes could be from terrestrial snails, aquatic snails, fungus or moths. In the following we will address the moth problem. Especially in the warmer summer months in Hawai'i, you may find moth larvae eating holes in your lily pads.

Can I water my vegetable garden with lake water? ›

Concerns with Using Untreated Water for Gardens

Untreated water can be a source for carrying several different harmful things including E. coli, viruses, and other pathogens. Ponds and lakes are very open to contamination from water runoff and live animals living in and using the water.

Do pond plants clean the water? ›

The right pond plants can improve the water quality by removing contaminants, absorbing nutrients, and oxygenating the water. While plants help your pond look more aesthetic, they're actually essential for the ecosystem and make maintenance easier.

How many plants should a small pond have? ›

Number of Plants: Covering around half of your pond's surface area with plants will help reduce excess nutrients, control algae blooms, and provide cover for your fish. For example, in ponds up to 50 square feet, we recommend 6-12 floating plants, 2 bog plants, 5 submerged plants, and 1 water lily.

What is the easiest pond to maintain? ›

Koi and goldfish ponds are some of the easiest-to-maintain additions you can make to your landscape. Of course, we're more than a little biased. We've been designing and installing eco-friendly backyard water features for more than 30 years.

Where is the best place for a small garden pond? ›

Where to put your pond. Ideally, put it somewhere that gets a good amount of light, but isn't in full sunlight all day. Foliage and low bushes around a pond will be a great habitat for wildlife, and especially good cover for birds and amphibians. It can be a good idea to avoid trees.

What stops algae from growing in a pond? ›

When looking to prevent algae blooms, you must focus on phosphorus, which is the primary limiting nutrient in the proliferation of nuisance and harmful algal blooms. Lanthanum-modified clay can permanently remove phosphorus from the water column and lock all available phosphorus in the muck on the pond's bottom.

What pond plants get rid of algae? ›

Floating plants, such as lilies and lotus, provide shade and reduce direct sunlight in the pond to control the growth of algae. Add submerged plants that release oxygen to the water, such as anacharis, hornwort and parrot's feather.

What plants can be submerged in water? ›

Aquatic Plants: Submerged Plants
  • Broad-leaf pondweeds.
  • Bushy pondweeds and naiads.
  • Canada waterweed.
  • Coontail.
  • Curly-leaf pondweed Invasive aquatic plant.
  • Diverse-leaved Pondweed Rare aquatic plant.
  • Eurasian watermilfoil Invasive aquatic plant.
  • Narrow-leaf pondweeds.

Are plants good for a pond? ›

In addition to looking attractive, pond plants can provide useful surface cover and shelter for aquatic wildlife. Oxygenating plants can also help to keep the water clear. Grow pond plants in aquatic compost, topped with grit, and choose plants that are suited for the space you have available.

Can you put aquatic plants in a pond? ›

You need to consider different factors depending on the type of aquatic plants you want to add. For example: Floating Plants - Place them in the pond, and they will freely float on the pond surface. Submerged Plants - Grow them underwater in plant bags and fill your containers with planting materials.

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