Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Tropical Gardens and Plants 108, 1 by dyzzypyxxy

dyzzypyxxy wrote:
Mj, I'm certainly no expert, but I've read and learned a lot in the 4 yr. since we bought this house with the little water garden out front.

Believe it or not, the first thing to think about is putting it away from trees. It needs full sun at least half a day for your lotus and water lilies to bloom well. Also, then the tree roots don't become a problem. If you've got an open area that's dry, and where nothing wants to grow that's where I'd put it.

Second interesting thing I learned is that a water garden is quite water-efficient as long as it's not leaking (or you don't let the horses drink from it too often). If you've got the water's surface largely covered with water lilies and lotus in the summer, all you lose is what the plants use and a little evaporation. I have a little pump-operated waterfall to aerate the water in mine, but some people use a fountain. I think you'd increase your evaporation if you used a fountain. Btw. you can get solar-powered pumps that work great, too.

I got a book when we moved here that was - and still is - a great help to me. It's 'Water Gardening for the South' by Teri Dunn. IF you find a spot and are going ahead with a water garden, I'd definitely recommend it. Tells you how to go about the project right from square one, and steers you around a lot of pitfalls, too!