JUNE 2003 Water gardens are an excellent way to bring nature to the backyard - birds, ï¬sh, frogs. They provide an interesting focal point in an otherwise traditional landscape. Running water is known to be soothing and relaxing. Aquatic plants are unique. For example, tropical lilies are colourful and fragrant, and many bloom at night when you can sit and enjoy them. Water, come in allizea - from small indoor fountains andeomainez water gardens, to large outdoor ponds complete with waterfalls and babbling brooks. And their gardeniï¬g diagis so appealing;> Water gardens are an excel water lily, lotus and papyrus. Thus, with roots like that, the recent phenomenal growth in water gardening is perhaps not all that surprising. So what is it about water The fascination with water and aquatic plants dam back to ancient civilizations. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built around 6003C. Buddhists belicucd that Buddha was born in the heart of Nclumbo, the Lotus. The Egyptians and Greeks covered their tomb “falls with deings of by Heather Ionian Eng 3ertified Horticulturist, Goodwood Gardens Iquatic greatest appeal is probably the fact that ations. when properly daigned and installed, water incicnt gardens are low maintenance. Water garden maintenance is easy when all the ingredients are in place to' create a naturally balanced ecosystem. Approximately 65 per cent of the pond surface should be covered with floating plants. These plants reduce the amount of light penetrating the water and inhibit the growth of algae. ldeal floating plants are water hyacinth, lettuce, fairy moss and duckweed, plus 'the large leaves of lilies. Submerged oxygenadng plants such as homwort and elodea absorb nutrients that would otherwise feed algae and release oxygen which in turn sustains beneï¬cial bacteria and ï¬sh. Biological ï¬lters provide surfaces on which bacteria grow. The bacteria not only deplete the food source for algae but also break down ï¬sh waste and other organic marten So if ybu want to add something ‘splashy’ to your garden, think Water and take the plunge. WWW“ mmmmnm. Water Gardens RCH-STOU FFVILLE THIS MONTH"