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This Reference Book has been prepared for the experienced or novice “‘aqua- 
gardener.” It contains all the information you may need to start a new garden or 
refurbish and enhance an old one. The methods and materials suggested have been 
tried and proved through many years of research and actual use in water-gardens 
throughout the country and other parts of the world. The items described in this 
book represent the finest quality obtainable in keeping with Mr. Lingg’s own 
standards of “Excellence at the lowest cost for every budget.” Our thousands of 
customers express their satisfaction in their orders and happy testimonials year 
after year. 
SUCCESSFUL WATER GARDENS 
by Joseph Lingg 
Prominent Horticulturist and President of Joseph Lingg Aquatic Gardens Inc. 
Water gardens are the “jewels” in your landscaping planning. 
Provide them with a suitable setting and you will be thrilled 
with their resplendent beauty and the many facets of enjoy- 
ment they can give all season long. No other form of outdoor 
designing can offer as much pleasure for so little effort and 
expense. Nothing else appeals so universally to the artistic 
tastes innate in everyone, young and old. It is a realistic oppor- 
tunity to express the intangible beauties of nature. Within the 
framework of a large pool, or even a small tub, you can 
achieve breathtaking designs with your individual choice of 
aquatic plant life and goldfish. 
Preparation for Planting 
Fill the shallow water and bog plant pockets and the water- 
lily tubs with soil topped off with one inch of sand, and place 
the tubs at their proper levels in the pool. Next, fill the pool 
with water and let it stand 3 days before doing any planting. 
In small or shallow pools where it is not practicable to use soil 
containers place about 6 inches of soil, (or enough soil to 
allow for not more than 12 inches of water), over the whole 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joseph Lingg is recognized by horti- 
culturists as a leading exponent of water plants and gardening. 
in a career devoted entirely to horticulture, Mr. Lingg is tire- 
less in his efforts to develop new colors and varieties in aquatic 
plants. Some beautiful examples can be found in leading 
publications. His text ‘‘Successful Water Gardens’’ reflects 
35 years of shirt-sleeve experience providing practical, helpful 
guidance and information, for water garden hobbyists. 
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bottom of the pool. Top off the soil with 1 inch of clean sand. 
Place a large piece of strong paper, or cardboard, or any other 
suitable cover on top of the sand and slowly run the water in 
on top of the cover. Take this precaution so as not to stir up 
the sand and soil on the bottom of the pool. 
Soil and Fertilizers 
Mix 3 parts of good, heavy, clayey top soil (sod preferable), 
with 1 part of rotten cow manure. Dry cow manure, also 
known as shredded or pulverized manure, obtainable in any 
hardware, seed, or garden supply store, may be used if wet 
manure is not obtainable. Add 1 pint of Bonemeal to a bushel 
of soil of the above mixture. Better results may be obtained 
if the above mixture is composted from 3 to 12 months before 
using it, however, for best results, fresh cow manure should be 
used in composting. When composting, and cow manure is 
not available, dry manure, or horse manure, or any other 
manure may be used. Never use swamp muck, soil from woods, 
peatmoss, or sand as a substitute for soil or fertilizer. 
Size and Spacing of Soil Containers 
Medium or small water-lilies will grow satisfactorily in 
wooden buckets which are 10 to 12 inches in diameter and 
10 to 12 inches deep. Large water-lilies (annual or perennial), 
should have at least 1 bushel of soil (or a box at least 
18”x18”x12” deep), for best results. Perennial lilies should 
be planted at least 3 feet apart; annuals should be planted 
4 to 5 feet apart. 
