June/July 2000 ... June/July 2000 ...
June/July 2000
Water Features ...
For those of us who crave a water feature of our
very own, all is not lost. If your garden consists
of a patio, balcony or less, then a display with
water and plants is still very much possible.
I've found that it is relatively straightforward
to make an attractive pool out of a tub or half
barrel. But, firstly, the barrel needs to be
cleaned thoroughly and checked to see whether they
have been impregnated with oil, tar or any other
noxious materials - these could all pollute the
water. This also goes for those tubs that have
been treated with a wood preservative.
Use a black liner as this will hardly show -
calculate how much liner you require and place in
the tub, making sure to pleat and fold carefully.
Add water to within 5-8cm of the top of the
container and fold the edge of the liner over and
inside itself securing it with battens or even
carpet edging.
With a barrel 60cm deep by 75cm in diameter a
whole range of plants can be used to tickle your
fancy. To create ledges within the pool use up
turned bricks. Adjust the number of bricks
required depending upon the required height of the
plant.
The following would give a great deal of
interest and joy to any small outside living area:
- Nelumbo "Pygmaea Rosea" (the fabulous Lotus
flower, 1 plant),
- Myosotis scorpioides (a great marginal, 1
plant required),
- Eleocharis acicularis (submerged plants, 3-4
required)
Care tips for the Water Garden ...
- Top up the pool regularly with rainwater if
available. If you have to use tap water use
more frequently. Be aware, large quantities of
tap water could disturb fish, e.g., fancy types,
and could lead to swim bladder disorders,
- Remove clumps of blanketweed and silkweed;
either use a blanketweed remover, stick or by
hand,
- Keep the water free from decaying foliage
and this will keep the pool clean.
- Dead head flowers as they fade,
- Tie up sprawling plants,
- Thin out any plants which have become
overgrown, especially clumps of unwanted
floating and submerged plants by hand,
- Remove seed heads,
- Remove any disease-affected foliage,
- Keep the bog garden and any containers of
marginal plants free of weeds.
Have a great time in the garden this month - and
remember to water when dry. If you want a question
answered or wish for Fact Sheet on Water Gardening
why not drop me a line enclosing a sae to: Tom
Cole, c/o Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane,
Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4RQ, or e-mail me on
tcole@cgcs.freeserve.co.uk
Happy Gardening!
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