Graceful Aquatic Plants

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 17 (Supplement)

Graceful Aquatic Plants

CULTIVATION of plants which grow either close to or actually in the water is not very popular. * >er ' ,a P 6 tnfs is due to the fact that the plants lack that gaudiness and brilliant mass of colouring so easilv obtained by many of the different sections of flowers grown in our gardens. If, however, aquatic plants lack colouring, they have a gracefulness which with the reflection from the water provides a picture not equalled by any other section of gardening. Water in various ways e«n add to the enjoyment of a garden, whether as a fountain, ornamental pool, rill or small waterfall or cascade, properly and carefully handled it caji be made" one of the most enjoyable parts of the garden. Of course, like every other phase of gardening, it must be in place, and it will also need Attention, otherwise what might be a pleasure can easily become a damp, wet, evil-smelling, mosquito hatchery. There must be a supply of water, and it must be a continuous supply—a supply which dries out in summer is of 110 value. A large supply is not necessary, but there must be a continuous supply of fresh water. What form the water should take depends upon the circumstances; a small orna-

mental basin with a single jet fountain is not very expensive to maintain, and is sufficient to keep a small ornamental basin or pond fresh and circulating. When it comes to what plants can be grown, there is a fairly large list. Many of the primulas, especially the tall sorts such as Beesiana, Bulla yana, denticulata, Japonica, pulverulenta, rosea, many

of the astilbes, also among bog plants are hardy orchids and insectivorous plants, also ferns. Then among the true aquatics there are the water lilies, a large collection with varieties suitable for a small tub and 12in depth of water to the large sorts which need two to three feet of water and an equally large area of surface.

Another attraction of the email ornamental waterpool is the number of wonderful and unusual varieties of ornamental fishes that can be kept, the plants giving a natural" shelter. Goldfish are the natural enemy of the mosquito larvae, and would be almost essential in every pond or tub.