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Here is our pond when we first built it. We made a
flagstone sidewalk around it with very small stones. The pond is
approximately 3 feet deep in the middle. It has shelves the whole
way around it. We always have a variety of bog plants to help keep the
biological cycle in balance. |
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Here is a picture of my water garden in the early
spring. This is the time that we start getting it ready for the
new season. |
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Here is a picture of the water garden when the spring
flowers are about ready to bloom. |
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Here is a picture of my Green Smoke water lily that I
ordered from Tricker's. It is one of my favorites because it is
turquoise blue, white and edged in red. There is no water lily to
compare to it. |
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Here is a picture of Spurge. IT is also known as
Euphorbia Polychroma (syn E. epithymoides). It is one of the
finest perennials of a gold theme. In April, chrome-yellow bracts
form. Later, in fall the plant becomes a crimson color. I
have planted these along my front walk. They are beautiful next to
forget-me-nots. |
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In the spring garden, next to the pond, I have planted
many Dianthus chinensis. Also, I have planted the related species,
Sweet William. These plants do best in spring but they do last
into early summer. I consider them both short lived
perennials. They have a nice clove scent which enhances the
garden. I also planted Dutch Iris bulbs in the background. I
replace these every year so that the plants are strong. |
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Here is Sweet Woodruff also know as Galium odoratum or
Asperula odorata. I have it growing the entire way around my house
as a ground cover and all around my ponds. If it likes where it is
growing it will be evasive. It enjoys a woodland setting. It
has a wonderful odor once it is cut. It is used to make May wine
and potpourris. It drops seeds in the fall and they sprout in the
spring. It also spreads by underground stems. It likes
shade and rich, moist soil. |
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In the spring, we have planted a lot of Rhododendron
and Azeleas. Since these are acid loving plants I use a large
amount of Miracid in the spring. I also protect their roots
systems with mulch. In this area they are protected from winter
winds. |
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Here is a picture of the sidewalk around our house.
I have planted Phlox subulata all the way around the house on top of the
foundation stone. I also have it growing around the driveway and
down the driveway by the Pear trees. It spreads rapidly and grows
in full sun or part shade and likes dry, well-drained slightly alkaline
soil. |
