Water Lilies for A Garden 



There are no flowers that are easier to grow than water lilies, and none 

 that equals them in range of color and delicacy of perfume. 



To grow water lilies successfully in a garden, there are three requisites — 

 quiet water, open sunshine, and rich soil. 



If one wishes to add to a garden the charm of water lilies, the simplest 

 method is the introduction of a cement pool. If a carefully selected site be 

 chosen, and the pool built to conform to the rest of the garden, one is sure 

 to be charmed with results. The rectangular pool is the least expensive, but 

 one with a natural outline is more artistic. In either case the pool should 

 be at least two feet deep with sides slightly slanting outward at the top so 

 that the formation of ice will not crack the cement. Always avoid the use 

 of a coping (unless the garden be formal), allowing the grass to come directly 

 to the edge of the water. 



The simplest way to plant in a concrete pool is to provide boxes about 

 two feet square by one foot deep, with rich soil. Cow manure is the best fer- 

 tilizer, but commercial fertilizers can be used. Place one water lily root 

 in each box, covering up to the crown of the plant. Then cover with an 

 inch of sand or gravel to prevent discoloration of the water, and also to 

 prevent the fish digging around the roots. 



Hardy lilies will blossom in about six weeks from the time of planting, 

 and will bloom from May until September. The water should be from nine 

 to twelve inches over the crown of the plants. If tender water lilies be 

 planted they will come to you with the ball of earth in which they have 

 been started. They need only to be placed in the soil, just as you would 

 repot any plant, remembering that the richer the soil, the finer the flowers. 



If it be desired to beautify a natural pond, one must place the roots in 

 the soil at the bottom, being sure that they do not float up, placing stones 

 on them if necessary to insure their permanence. If protected from water 

 fowl or other depredators until established, they will then take care of 

 themselves. 



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