We have organized the Van Bloem Gardens frequently asked questions into common categories. Click on any of the following links to see the related questions and corresponding answers. If you still have questions, please contact us.
When do I put new plants in my pond?
See "The Pond Thermometer" under Gardening Tips and Hints : Water Plants
I'd like to start a container water garden. Do I need a special type of container?
No. Half the fun of starting a container garden is experimenting with different containers, plants, and fish. Today's popular containers include ceramic pots, wooden tubs, wheel barrows, horse troughs, and old-fashioned bathtubs. Try our new Bronze Water Garden Container.
Will water lilies grow in colder climates?
Yes, the hardy water lily is everything its name suggests. These perennials live for years in the coldest climates. The plant goes dormant during the winter months, but as long as the tuber is below the ice line it will bloom again the following spring.
Do I want to put my pond in a sunny area?
Water gardens can thrive in sunny or shady areas, however, hardy,tropical water liles, and other flowering water plants need 4-6 hours of sun per day.
How warm should the water be for tropical water liles?
Plant tropical water lilies out when the average water temperature is 70 degrees or warmer. Planting too early will cause dormancy.
How many plants do I need per square yard?
Add two bunches of submerged plants, one floating plant, and one or two marginals plants per square yard of water surface to keep algae in check. Plants should cover 60 to 70 percent of the surface.
Which plants make good Nutrient Filters in a water garden?
Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, Submerged Grasses, Cattails, Iris and Rushes.
What is a "Floater"?
These plants simply float on the surface of the pond. They are not planted, but are laid in the water. They produce roots to absorb nutrients from the water, rather than to attach themselves to anything. Surface floaters are an important element of a healthy pond. They filter the effects of sunlight on the water and remove large quantities of mineral salts.This inhibits the growth of algae. Surface floaters multiply at rapid speed and it is essential to remove plants from the pond regularly to stop the surface from becoming completely covered. We recommend always keeping two thirds of the water surface of your pond free of plant cover.
Why aren't my water lilies blooming?
There are several possible reasons that your water lilies are not blooming. Are your lilies getting enough sun? Most water lily varieties require at least 5 - 6 hours of direct sun to bloom(however, there are some varieties that will flourish in 3- 4 hours of direct sun ). Water lilies should be fertilized regularly during the growing season. Water lilies will bloom infrequently if pot bound. It is best to pot your lilies in a 5 gallon or larger container so that you will not have to divide every year.
Do I need oxygenators in my water garden?
Oxygenators, as their name suggests, puts oxygen into the water, absorb waste and provide protection for fish. They are fully submerged into the water.
Can I grow water plants in containers?
There are some major advantages to container water gardens. First and foremost, they are moveable. You can put them in places you might not ordinarily consider putting a pond, such as a deck and/or a patio area. They are easy to set up, and they are relatively inexpensive. And, especially for someone new to water gardening, they are a wonderful way to learn and experiment before you invest in a larger installation.
How deep under the water should marginals be placed?
The top of the pot should be between 1 and 6 inches under water. Some very tall varieties, such as Papyrus and Cattails, might be placed as deep as 12" after they are well grown.
What is a "Marginal"
Marginal plants are plants that thrive in soggy soils. Soil that is always covered with a small amount of water, or soil that occasionally dries out and then become re-saturated. Most often marginals can be found at the ponds edges. Marginal plants consume excess pond nitrogen.
What kinds of water plants help maintain a healthy water garden?
Your pond should include a mix of submerged oxygenating plants, surface plants such as water lilies and water hyacinths, and marginal plants such as water iris.
