30 SHALLOW MARGINS. 



circuitous walks should lead to the margin of the pond at different points 

 whence views of some choice variety or groups of plants are prominently- 

 brought into line. Along such walks and under the shade of the trees should be 

 seen groups of native and other hardy flowers, Ferns, Orchids, etc., and if a 

 spring and stream exist meandering toward the pond, the margin of the same 

 should be clothed with such plants as Ferns (See Fern Chapter), Forget-me- 

 not, Cardinal flowers, Impatiens (Touch-me-not), Caltha palustris, Sarracenias 

 and other Pitcher plants. 



Clumps of Cat-tails should be planted near the edge and inward. Ponte- 

 deria cordata delights in shallow water as do all Scirpus, Acorus Calamus, 

 Japan Iris, Sagittaria, Jussiaea, etc. ; these should be planted in large patches 

 in shallow water, which may vary from two to five feet from the edge of the 

 pond; also Papynis antiquorum (see plate facing page 72), the latter is not 

 hardy, and requires protection in a warm greenhouse during winter; here too, 

 is a fitting place for Zizania aquatica, one of the most picturesque of hardy 

 native aquatic plants, but it is an annual and will spread along the whole 

 margin if not pulled out early in spring where it is not wanted, for otherwise 

 it will smother other plants. Another very desirable plant, and one of the 

 grandest of our native flower plants, is Hibiscus moscheutos; this is a strong 

 and vigorous grower and requires room — eight to ten feet for a single specimen. 

 Orontium aquaticum and Peltandra virginica should find a place on the margin 

 in shallow water. On the water edge, on slightly rising ground, bold clumps 

 of Ornamental Grasses and Bamboos should be planted not too close, and for 

 bold foliage efliect, Musa ensete, Paulownia, Caladium esculentum, Fatsia, 

 Aralia, Maranta, and other plants (their name is legion), not included in this 

 list, will suggest themselves. They will, with these, prove most appropriate 

 and will appear as in their native haunts if planted in the water garden. 



Since no two ponds are precisely the same, no absolute guide can be given ; 

 individual taste and judgment must be exercised in the selection of the plants 

 for each individual case. Overcrowding must be avoided ; it is almost im- 

 possible to have each and every appropriate plant represented on the margin 

 of a single pond. 



