The Water Garden:

Add some depth to your background retreat

Picture the scene: Lush aquatic plants, rocks, water lily blooms, a small waterfall, the occasional orange flash of a fish just under the surface. In the background, the soothing music of water, gurgling and trickling among the stones.

Now put the picture in your own backyard, and yourself in the picture - it's easier than you might think.

Water gardens are becoming tremendously popular in Canadian gardens, and it's easy to see why. They're beautiful, restful and very rewarding for the gardener. Because of their popularity, you can find many more specialized sources for water garden plants, supplies and installation than you could a few years ago.

When it comes to planning and installing a water garden you have a lot of options between the two extremes - having a landscape contractor do it all for you, or making it an entirely "do-it- yourself" project. Here too, your local garden supply center can likely help. Many now have a water garden area set aside, with plans, pool liners, pumps, plants and other elements in stock. Don't hesitate to ask for their advice.

As with any other type of garden, it's important to start with a plan. Pay special attention to how the garden will fit into your overall landscape. You want to be sure you can appreciate your water garden to its fullest, enjoying various viewpoints and nearby sitting areas. A natural slope can be used to advantage with multiple levels and water falls.

Experiment by laying out the pool areas with rope or garden hose. If you plan to stock the pond with fish, you'll either have to make a pool at least 3 feet deep in cold areas to allow for ice, or bring the fish inside to a tank over winter. If you have raccoons in the neighbourhood, you might want to forget the fish.

Once you've determined the size of the pool(s), visit your garden center to check out available liner sizes - either flat sheeting that can be contoured to fit your excavation, or pre-moulded containers. You'll also want to look at pumps and filters to keep the water moving aerated and clean ... an important factor for healthy plant and pond life. Once you've selected your liner, you're ready to start digging. Careful installation will help avoid headaches later on, so take your time. When your garden is fully installed and operable, you're ready for the plants.

Water garden plants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from lilies that grow entirely in the water, to marsh-loving plants that will thrive at water's edge. Start with a few plants, and add more as your garden settles in. Many plants can be left in their containers, so they're easier to move or bring indoors if required. Don't add fish or other pond life until the water has settled after planting.

It's just as important to feed the plants in your water garden as it is to feed the fish - you just don't have to do it as often. Vigoro makes a new water garden plant food that's perfect for the job ... just place the required number of briquettes in the plant pots, and forget about them for the rest of the season. They release nutrients slowly and safely, without risk to pond life, filters or equipment. Ask for Vigoro Water Garden Briquettes.

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