Pots of Water Treasures

One of my favorite plant features currently in Reiman Gardens is the container water gardens. This unique style of gardening includes the beautiful water and plant features of a pond in a low maintenance option that is easy to incorporate into a home garden. The display includes plants called “floaters,” such as Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), which remarkably obtain all their nutrients from the water. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), and the tiny Helvola Water Lily are examples of plants that are potted within the container in a mixture of top soil, sand, and pea gravel. Bricks, boards, and crates are used to evenly raise the pots so that when the container is kept filled, the water level rises 1-2 inches above the plant’s crown. The wide range of shapes and sizes of containers and plants creates a charming addition to any sunny garden.

This is the second year Reiman Gardens has exhibited this type of gardening. As you enjoy your walk through the Gardens, see if you can find the assortment of twelve containers located around Lake Helen and Town & Country Garden.

Information on creating container water gardens can be found at http://www.pondtrademag.com/water-gardening-containers/

Sarah – Entomology Intern