Holm & Olson, Inc.— Home of Flowers —Saint Paul 
A WELL ARRANGED LILY POOL WITH VARIOUS OTHER PLANTS AROUND BORDER 
Water Lilies and Aquatic Plants 
Lily pools and water gardens are now the most popular and desirable feature that one finds about the home grounds. 
The interest in water gardening has increased greatly in a few seasons, and while many of these gardens are only large 
tubs or cut down barrels they add variety and pleasure as well. The larger pool where a number of lilies in different 
colors and other aquatics are planted is most desirable where space and means permit, but even a small pool with only 
one or two lilies will repay the little effort required in constructing it. 
We do want to caution against building the pool too small, nearly everyone that has a lily pool either has rebuilt 
it to hold more plants, or wishes that it had been made large enough in the first place. The reason for this is without 
question the fascination in water gardening and too, the ease with which it may be cared for after the pool is finished. 
Water lilies are easily and successfully grown, even by those who have had no previous experience. By following 
simple directions, they are as easy to grow as the most ordinary garden plant. After planting they practically do not 
need any care, except to replenish water in the pool. 
If the following instructions are followed no difficulty should be encountered in growing lilies successfully. 
CULTURE OF WATER LILIES 
The important requirements for the best success is a sunny exposure as lilies will bloom more freely with plenty of 
sunshine. The proper depth of water is important too; most lilies should be placed in the pool at a depth that will 
keep the top of the plant from six to twelve inches below the water surface. Twenty-four inches deep makes the most 
satisfactory pool, this allows twelve inches or more for the tub, or the soil, though they will thrive in either deeper 
or shallower water. 
Tubs and Boxes—The proper size of the box or tub 
depends somewhat upon the size of the pool. The box 
or tub need not be more than 12 inches deep or even less 
as the roots of water lilies extend laterally rather than 
downward. The diameter should be as great as possible 
so as to allow plenty of root action. While a lily will do 
fairly well in a box or tub 12 inches in diameter it will 
thrive better if planted in wider boxes, providing the 
size of the pool permits. 
Soil and Planting—Any good loam may be used but 
lilies require fertilizer. Well-rotted cattle manure is pref¬ 
erable, about 1 part manure to 4 parts soil is about the 
right proportion; this should be well mixed together. 
Commercial fertilizer of any standard brand or plain 
bone meal well mixed with the soil before planting will 
produce luxuriant growth, from to 1 pound of com¬ 
mercial fertilizer to each tub, depending on the size, may 
be used. 
When planting leave enough space to cover the soil 
with coarse sand or fine gravel, this will serve to keep the 
water cleaner by preventing the loose soil from being 
stirred up and roiling it. 
Care of Plants—As already stated lilies are grown with 
ease. Keep the water at a constant level by replenishing 
it as often as necessary. It will be well to run in water 
occasionally to the extent of overflowing as this will serve 
to cleanse the pool and clear the water, also preventing 
algae from accumulating. 
Planting—Have the tubs prepared and ready to put 
plants into when they arrive. Care must be used so as 
not to allow the tender growth to become dry as this will 
injure the plant. All our plants are well started in pots 
and should be transferred to their permanent place at 
once. In case this is not possible cover plants with wet 
burlap or other moist material. 
Delivery—Water lilies and other aquatic plants should 
not be set out until steady warm weather has arrived 
and danger of chilling is past. From June 1st to 10th in 
our locality is usually the best time. All the plants 
listed will be ready May 15th, but we recommend waiting 
to set them out as chilling is apt to injure them. 
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