VAN NESS WATER GARDENS, 
THE CULTURE OF WATER LILIES 
Please Read Carefully 
We are always happy to give any advice possible re- 
garding the culture of Water Lilies and should any prob- 
lem arise which is not dealt with on this page we hope 
you will feel free to ccnsult us. However, before writ- 
ing, please read this carefully, as we have tried to cover 
all of the probiems involved in Water Lily culture as we 
know them. . The following are the questions we are 
called upon to answer very often. 
Should Lilies Be Planted in Soil? 
Most emphatically yes. Water lilies have to have soil 
and it must be rich. Use one-fourth well rotted dairy fer- 
tilizer and three-fourths good loam for best results. Com- 
mercial fertilizer may be used rather than barnyard if 
barnyard is not well rotted. 
How Much Soil Should Each Lily 
Have? 
At least one bushel of soil for each lily of medium size. 
Dwarf lilies will do with less. Tropical lilies should have 
two bushels fcr best results. 
How Deep Should the Water Be? 
The ideal depth of water over the crown of the plant 
is from 8 to 10 inches, although they will give fairly good 
results in water from 6 to 15 inches in depth. 
Should Lilies Be Planted in Boxes? 
They may be planted either in boxes or on bottom of 
pool, but pool is easier kept clean if boxes are used. Place 
fertilizer in lower half of soil, fill box with garden soil and 
cover with 1 inch of coarse sand. If pool is deep the 
boxes should be raised to within 8 or 10 inches of the sur- 
face. Boxes should be 2x2 ft. square and 1 ft. deep for 
best results. 
Do Lilies Like Shade? 
They do not. They will not bloom unless they have full 
sun for at least half the day, preferably morning sun. 
Such lilies as Comanche and the Marliacs do fairly well 
in partial shade. Water Lettuce, Hyacinth and the Taros 
are satisfactory in shady pools, but to try anything else 
is money wasted. 
Can Water Lilies Be Grown in Tubs? 
Yes, the dwarf and semi- -dwarf lilies do well in tubs, 
but the larger varieties will do better in a concrete pool. 
How Much Will It Cost to Build a 
Pool? 
A satisfactory pool may be built for the price of two 
sacks of cement, plus a day’s work. This size will ac- 
commodate three lilies. A 12 ft. pool can be built for 
$5.00 and 15 hours’ labor. Full directions for building 
may be found on page 11. Y 
Should Lilies Have Running Water? 
No, running water is always too cold for lilies. They 
like still, warm water which will not become stagnant 
so long as there is vegetation in the pool. 
a 
“ed upright and at the sarne depth as before being s! 

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Planted? 
Hardy Lilies—In gererally frost-free areas plant at 
any time. In climates subject to freezing weather about - 
April 1 is a safe date; they may be planted up until a 
gust with good results. 
Tropical Lilies—Set out only after minimum ne 
ture of 70° can be Reet te upon. Earlier epee ace 
only to disappointment. 





















Hardy lilies should be planted horizontally, nse g 
crown well out of the soil. Tropical lilies should be pl 
When receiving water ‘plants 
ped as growing plants. 
plac 
not allow them to become dry before planting; 
tub of water or cover with a wet sack. elegy 
How and When Should Lotus Be 
Planted? ) i 
Great care should be exercised in handling a. Lott 
as that renders the bulb useless. The crown should 
placed up, with the bulb laid horizontally. Cover wit. 
inches of soil, leaving growing point exposed. — 
with about six inches of water until growth begins 
While Lotus is hardy it should not be planted too 
as growth should begin at once after planting or bi 
apt to decay. A good time for planting is from Ma. 
to June 1st 
if the roots do not freeze. In pera ot cold clim 
cover with boards and give an extra covering of str 
arrives they may be stored in a cool cellar. Be c 
ful that they do not dry out or dry rot will attack t 
and they will be lost. +) 
When Should Pools Be Cleaned? 
Early in the spring, before the lilies begin to gro 
debris should be cleaned out of the pool. It is not neces- 
sary to drain the pool and remove the soil oftene 
once in two years. Ali cleaning and replanting 
be done early in the spring or fish spawn will be io 
a 
How Do You Keep Mogi ie 
If you have a half a dozen of fish for sar 6 ft. 
pool they wili very effectively keep out eae ann 
Water Clear? | 
Use plenty of oxygenating plants, “such as ose 
Myriphyllum, and Parrotsfeather. Keep a drip 
pool at all times. Have a good supply of snails to 
the water pure. 
