WATER LILIES

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 260, 30 July 1937, Page 18

WATER LILIES

Overhaul Pools Now Start by examining the plants carefully for dead or diseased portions and cut these away. But be very careful not to disturb the roots. If you think it necessary, add a little more clean soil—preferably some river bottom — over the roots of the plants. r A point to remember, too, is that failure with water lilies and other aquatic plants Is often due to their being too shallow or too deep in the pool. The leaves and stems must have sufficient water space in which they can submerge at will but, at the same time, the neck of the root should not be too deep or the leaves will become leggy. Speaking generally, we would say that the dwarf species of water lily and other medium-sized aquatics require 10 to 12in. of water—no more. Larger plants need nt least 24in., sometimes even 30in. of depth. Fallen tree leaves will have collected on the water surface at this time of year, and some will have sunk down into the pool. If the leaves in question are from oak or elm trees, they may be a little beneficial, but in most cases—particularly with poplar atid laurel—they are decidedly harmful and poisonous to the occupants of the pool. Remote the leaves regularly, therefore. A child's ordinary fishing-net is handy for the job or you can float them on to a sheet of newspaper.