Water Lilies and Aquatic Plants for Every Garden 
By Charles L. Tricker, New Jersey. 
IN this age when every man specializes in some branch 
of labor or industry, when men spend all their tir.ie 
and energy to perfect one thing, it is interesting to 
note the progress made along certain lines of horticul- 
ture. To-day we have great ranges of glass and large 
acreages devoted to the production of one man's special- 
ity. So it is with satisfaction that we trace the work of 
illustrious men in the development of the water lily, that 
flower immortalized in ancient history, and which has 
been the inspiration for many a poetic mind. 
These hybridists have gathered together the native 
varieties from all parts of the world and from them have 
developed the wonderful varieties that we have to-day ii 
all colors and many shades. They have not taken away 
mr' 
struction of an artificial pool. It may be of any area that 
your fancy or pocketbook dictates, but a desirable depth 
is two feet. The best method of culture in an artificial 
pool is to employ boxes each two and one-half or three 
feet scjuare and one foot deep. In each box may be 
grown two of the hardy lilies or one of the tender varie- 
ties. .\llow for each box at least twelve scjuare feet of 
surface space. Avoid planting varieties of a spreading 
nature, for they would soon overrun the pool and crowd 
out the more desirable ones. 
The natural pond with its surrounding ground is of 
course ideal. Here may be established,' the hardy varieties 
and in the summer time Can be planted the tender varie- 
ties. Even the victorias and lotus can "be grown thcie 
with success. In the shallow water, at 
the edges, may be /grown the semi- 
aquatic plants and c>li the banks mois- 
ture loving perennials.' Here indeed 
may be perfected one's ideal. Even in 
conjunction with tli* tubs or around 
the pool many of tlfese plants can be 
grown with surprising success. 
A list of varietiesi-suitable for vari- 
ous conditions are : - 
Andreaiia, Aurora, Gloriosa. Graziella, Lay. 
Lilacoa, Lay. Rosea. Lay. Purpurata, Marli- 
acea varieties, Pygmaea and Pygmaea Helvola, 
A barrel may be utilized for an aquatic garden. 
By planting Iris and o'iher moisture loving 
plants around it a pretty effect may be secured. 
Cement construction makes a nn.re substa)itial 
pool for aquatics, and adds greatly to the at- 
traction of a garden. 
the beauty and charm of the native 
lilies, but have simply added color, size 
and more beauty. 
The culture of water lilies is ex- 
tiemely simple, for only three things 
are necessary — SUN, WATER and 
GOOD SOIL. There are no plants 
that will give as much pleasure per 
square foot with so little care as will a 
water lily. A water garden may have 
a very humble beginning in a half bar- 
rel, but in it can be grown one plant 
that will be a joj' to the owner. An excellent soil is 
prepared by mixing three parts of rotted sod or top- 
soil with one part of thoroughly rotted cow manure. 
All ingredients must be thoroughly rotted to prevent 
fermentation. If cow manure cannot be obtained, use 
one quart of bone meal to one bushel of soil. 
For tub culture fill the tub two-thirds full of soil, cover 
with one-half inch of clean sand and fill carefully with 
water, pouring it in gently to avoid disturbing the soil. 
A hardwood barrel sawed in two will provide good tubs. 
Or a wash tub will be eqtially satisfactory. In the tub 
may be planted one plant of a moderate growing variety. 
When you realize that some varieties require as much a'-^ 
50 sq. ft. for their proper development >ou can under- 
stand that care must be exercised in selecting the variety. 
The next advance step in water gardening is the con- 
Doubenyana, Zanzibariensis varieties, alsoj varieties of lotus. 
For the artificial pool any of the \'^ater lilies, except 
the odorata and tuberosa types. 
Perennials suited for growing in moist places : 
Callamns. A. stilbe (the new arendsi hybrids are mngnificent), 
Caltha. Enpatorium. Fiiukiaj Helenium. Ilemeroeallis. Hibiscus, 
Iris, iu mauy varieties, Lob^is^ Lythrum, Jl.vosotis, Spiraea, etc. 
A word as to the expdhse of these plants. The stand- 
ard varieties range in ^rice from 50 cents to $2 each. 
Many of the novelties arie still high in price, but they are 
worth it, all for their wonderful size and marvelous 
colors are an unending charm. Compared with the 
amount of pleasure and their charm the lilies are all m- 
expensive. 
There are two classes of water lilies — hard>- and ten- 
der. The former will survive our winters if protected iu 
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