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E-46 Texas Agricultural Extension Service The Texas A&M University System

Water in Texas

Texas Agricultural Extension Service • Zerle L. Carpenter, Director • The Texas A&M University System • College Station, Texas Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1 Design Consideration ...... 1 Site Selection ...... 2 Construction Methods ...... 3 Construction of the ...... 4 Flexible Liners ...... 4 Fiberglass Pre-formed ...... 6 Construction of Barrel Water ...... 7 Construction of Concrete Ponds ...... 8 Construction of Earthen Bottom Ponds ...... 8 Life...... 8 Planting the Pond ...... 12 Wildlife ...... 12 Maintenance ...... 13 References and Acknowledgments...... 14 Bibliography ...... 14 Water Gardening in Texas Water Gardening in Texas Larry J. Shoemake, Michael A. Arnold and William C. Welch*

Introduction There are many considerations maintenance hazard. In most before the process can commence urban areas, any pond over a Civilization’s first settlements including major decisions about depth of 18 inches requires that it sprang up around due to design, size of the pond, site be enclosed in or the yard sur- irrigation and transportation selection, materials, and methods rounded by a fence 6 feet or needs. Later these peoples pro- of construction. taller. If space for adequate sur- duced such technologies as canals face area is not available, this can and aqueducts to bring water to Design be offset to some degree by lands further removed from the increasing the depth of the pond. rivers. Water lilies, lotus, , Consideration arrowheads and cattails, as well If you cannot afford much The design of the pond is of as numerous grasses, trees, and space or the digging is too great a utmost importance. First, ask other found these new job, all is not lost. Consider a bar- yourself, “What role do I want oases as inviting as the people rel water . With proper this pond to fulfill in my land- who built them. plant selection and winter main- scape?” Whatever the answer tenance, this can be a viable solu- Water gardens thus had their may be, the design of the pond tion. See construction of a barrel beginnings in the fabric of both should take into account: in “Construction human history and the processes ■ The pool’s intended place in Methods.” of Mother . As civilizations your overall ■ grew and segregated into classes Shape design of the wealthy and the workers, If the pond is to achieve its those who could afford to began Designing an entire landscape potential for your landscape, the to have homes built away from including a pond would be ideal; shape of the pond should comple- the farming areas but wanted to however, the majority of the ment the shapes dictated in your bring with them the beauties of ponds installed are retrofitted to landscape. If your landscape is these areas. These gardens, an existing landscape. The rela- formal in style then the angles, though at first for food and medi- tionship, therefore, of the pond to lines, and smooth curves should cinal herbs, soon became elabo- the rest of the landscape should be repeated in the shape of the rate display areas. Eventually the be carefully considered before pond, preferably in a concentric upper classes and royalty built beginning. A list of questions to arrangement. If your landscape is gardens to bring the whole realm consider before starting is given informal, then this freedom of of the world to their front door. under “Site Selection.” line and form should be reflected Gardens like Versailles in France ■ Space available by a less geometric design. If the soon stood for the opulence of pond is constructed of flexible the elite. This opulence is still a The size of the pond is very liners, your options are almost much sought pleasure, but today important. The smaller the pond, limitless; however, if you elect to anyone with the determination the greater the impact seasonal use a pre-formed shell liner, your and a little money can have a and diurnal temperature fluctua- options are more limited. tions have and the less stable the water garden in his or her own ■ Size . overall pond environment will be. Minimum size for a healthy bal- Size of your pond should be a Thanks to modern plastics, anced pond is considered to be question of proportion and is an the back breaking, time consum- about 50 square feet of surface important design consideration. ing, labor- and skill-intensive area (a 10 foot X 5 foot rec- If the pond is to occupy a place processes of building a beautiful tangular pond or an 8 foot circu- of prominence, such as the cen- water garden have been reduced lar one). tral theme of the landscape, then to a weekend job with only a ■ Depth its size should reflect this by tak- minimum of easily learned skills. ing a greater proportion of the Another important factor in area allotted to hardscape. If the the overall health of the pond is pond is a nuance or an accent, *Graduate student, ; assistant the depth. Depth of the pond professor, horticultural sciences; and should range from 18 to 24 inch- professor and Extension horticulturist, es. Greater than 3 feet of depth is The Texas A&M University System. not necessary and would prove a then it should be in proportion to substantially impacts the con- concert with existing plants in the the other accents of the garden. struction phase. landscape. Some design aspects to Also, in deciding on the size of ■ Local regulations keep in mind when attempting to match or contrast the pond to the pond, consider the amount of Some local governments have work to be done. This may help your landscape are: overall plant no restrictions on pond construc- texture, color and length of determine whether you will tion. However, most require attempt the construction yourself bloom, foliage type and texture fences around the yard of any (including the effects of variega- or hire the work done. For one of pond 18 inches or greater in the minimum sized commercially tion), height, evergreen vs. decid- depth. Many municipalities uous, and overall form. If you do available pre-formed shell liners require recirculating pumps and of 50- to 65-gallon capacity, have the luxury of designing a filtration systems. If garden hoses landscape to include a water gar- approximately 6.7 to 8.7 cubic are used to fill the ponds, they feet of soil must be removed, or den, read the section on “Plant must be equipped with an anti- Life” before choosing your plants. 0.25 to 0.32 cubic yards (only siphon device. Some city and about 2 to 3 wheelbarrows full). county governments require that Site Selection ■ Soil removal all ponds be inspected after con- In selecting the site for the gar- What is to be done with the struction for these and other sani- tation issues. Some municipalities den, consider the plants that you soil removed to make the pond? intend to grow in the pond, the If need be, arrange for its remov- require building permits. Check with dealers in your area carrying soils on the site, how level the al, but better yet, find a project grade of the site is, surface drain- such as a raised bed to build with water garden construction sup- plies about specifics for your area age of the site, the view of the the soil. After figuring out the pond site from the house, the gallonage of the pond, use this or call the local authorities if you are unsure. overall fit of the pond in the number to determine the amount existing landscape, and anticipat- ■ of soil that you must remove. For Construction material ed maintenance requirements. every 1 gallon of water in the selection pond, there are 0.134 cubic feet Choice of materials should General site selection of soil to be removed, in addition take into account the cost, life requirements to soil removed for edging and expectancy of the material, instal- sand cushioning underneath. A water garden should be lation requirements, availability located: Thus, for a 100-gallon pond more in your area, and how these than 13.4 cubic feet of soil must materials may blend with the ■ In full sun, or as much as is be removed, enough for a 5-foot existing materials in your land- available. square bed raised 6 inches. scape. The liner is generally the ■ At the most level site avail- ■ Edging most important and most expen- able. sive component of the water gar- Edging materials help to tie ■ Within easy access to water the into the overall den. Some examples of liners in order of life expectancy from and electricity. scheme of the garden. A coping ■ such as brick, rocks, steel edging, shortest to longest are: Where it can be appropriate- or wood around the pond can be PVC ( grade)—7 to 15 years ly viewed from the house. ■ used to accent the pond. Alter- Butyl or Rubber (fish grade)— Where the water can reflect natively, inappropriate edging 30 years the beauty of the surround- materials can diminish or over- ing landscape. Fiberglass—50 years state the pond’s importance in A water garden should not be the landscape. Concrete—Lifetime, if done located: Use the colors, textures and correctly, but very difficult and ■ much skill required. Where it is in a position to form of the individual pieces of catch leaves falling from edging material to complement or ■ Plants trees. reinforce the position that your Plant selection for the pond is, ■ pond occupies in the overall hier- In a low spot in the yard of course, one of the major design where heavy rain could archy of your landscape. These considerations. However, as stat- materials, in any case, should flood it. ed earlier, most ponds are retro- ■ complement any edging materials fitted to an existing landscape, so Where soils are prone to sat- already in use. Decide early on in for best results, the plant material uration which could cause the design phase what type of chosen for the pond must be in the liner to float. edging will be used. This decision

Water Gardening in Texas 2 Effect of plant selection How the pond fits into Construction on the location of the the overall landscape Methods pond Once the exposure, soils, If you want any flowering drainage, and views have been Tasks and tools needed: aquatic plants such as water lilies worked out, consider how the ■ Digging: shovels—round point in your pond, these dictate the pond will fit into your existing and square point, picks, crow site be in full sun for optimum landscape. Are there any tree bar. roots nearby from shallow rooted flowering. Some exceptions are ■ Leveling: carpenter level, plants such as elms (Ulmus spp.) such water lily cultivars as string, stakes, and a long 2X4. ‘Comanche’ and ‘Graziella’, and willows (Salix spp.), or trees which flower with as little as 3 that do not tolerate root distur- ■ Packing: a tamping tool. hours of direct sunlight. For the bances like post oaks (Quercus ■ Hauling materials: wheelbar- best growth and establishment of stellata)? Will there be any trees row, plastic sheets. If the waste all of your water garden plants, a close enough that leaves, fruit or soil is to be used on site then minimum of 5 to 6 hours of twigs will present a maintenance remove it in a wheelbarrow as direct sunlight each day is recom- problem? Are any of the trees it is dug. If it is to be removed mended. walnuts (Juglans spp.)? These from your residence, store it trees have a chemical in their If none of these conditions can on a large plastic sheet or an roots that inhibits the growth of be met, then consider a quiet, old quilt until it can be neighboring plants. Will the cool garden. Far from a dark, removed. reflection of existing plant materi- dank, mosquito infested , ■ als in the pond add to or diminish Finishing concrete: wooden a properly designed and main- its overall appearance? Will the float, trowels. tained can be a cool surrounding plants eventually Materials needed: green retreat in a shady summer grow large enough to shade the garden. ■ Liners: order whichever type pond? Will construction of the chosen, well ahead of the pro- Effect of the existing soil pond necessitate construction of a posed construction date. fence? Will the pond cause prob- and grade lems in the overall pattern of sur- ■ Sand: a 2-inch layer of sand For the best results and ease of face and/or subsurface drainage? should be included beneath construction, a site with a well any flexible liner to cushion it drained surface and subsoil is Maintenance concerns from sharp objects in the sub- soil. best. A sandy-loam textured soil The site of the pond should will prevent soil saturation from facilitate its management. If the ■ Chemicals: Most cities treat floating the . If the area pond is sited too close for its size their water supply with chlo- has good surface drainage there to a wall or other obstructions, rine. If you use a municipal will be fewer problems with this could cause a problem reach- water supply to fill your pond, runoff of chemical and ing all of the pond’s surface for call the city water department fertilizers into the pond from the cleaning and removal of dead and ask if they add chlorine surrounding land. The more level leaves. If the pond is to contain dioxide or chloramines. If so, the site the less work in con- tropical water lilies or other non- there are compounds on the structing the pond. hardy plants, it is helpful to market that can be used to locate it close to the selected stor- eliminate these. If chlorine is View of the pond from age facility or close to a level the only additive, then fill the the house or decks hard path leading there. The site pond and wait 24 to 48 hours When deciding where to place should have access to water for it to evaporate before stock- the pond, consider the place from sources for filling and “topping ing. which you will most often view off” the pond and close electrical ■ Pumps: Though a pump for it. If this is a or , be outlets if there are to be any recirculating the water in your sure that this view is not or filteration systems pond is not necessary, they obstructed by or other tall included in the design. are strongly recommended by landscape features. Remember most professionals and that the pond is in the ground required by health depart- and even tall grass or ground cov- ments in many cities. The size ers can completely obscure the of pump for your pond will view.

3 depend on several things, but number of plants to be placed Construction of the Pond for the best results and the in the pot. Plastic is the best clearest water the pump material for pots. Pots for Flexible Liners should be capable of circulat- aquatic plants may be pails, ■ Step 1: Lay out a garden hose ing the entire volume of the buckets, baskets, or pans. or string where the pond is to pond’s water through a filter Baskets are often the best be located and in the desired in 1 to 2 hours. The faster the choice as they allow more sur- shape of the pond. Stand back better. If a water feature such face interface of soil and water and view it from the surround- as a is to be included for gas exchange. Baskets, how- ing garden, deck, and house. It in the water garden, the pump ever, must be lined with a is easier to make changes now must be of a size capable of burlap type material to prevent than once you have started dig- carrying the extra load and fast the soil from clouding the ging. enough to handle the transit water. Once you are satisfied with the time of the water in the fea- ■ Media for plants: Potting position and shape of the pond, ture. The faster the water falls media for all pond plants remove the turf and any topsoil (the steeper the grade) and the should be fertile heavy clay from the outlined area adding 2 greater the amount of water loam. This soil should be free inches to the width for a layer of falling in the feature, the from fertilizers, and cushioning sand to be included greater the capacity of the other pesticides. These chemi- beneath the liner. If any edging pump needed. cals, if not directly toxic to the such as rock or brick is to be laid ■ Pump filters: These remove plants, can leach out and around the pond, remove the turf particulate matter such as cause damage to fish and ani- and soil from this area as well. , sediments, and fish mals living in the pond. Soil Then remark the actual area of wastes from the pond’s water. should also be free of any the pond. There are two main types of fresh organic matter such as It is easier to level the edge of filters, mechanical and biologi- peat (fresh organic matter will the pond at this point using the cal. The mechanical filters are tend to float out of the soil and soil as it is removed by raising less expensive but require cloud the water). All media the lower end. It is extremely more maintenance. Mechanical must be covered with a 1- to 2- important that the edge of the filters require the entire vol- inch layer of coarse gravel or pond be level since the water ume of water in the pond to rocks (not sand) to prevent the inside will always be level, thus circulate through them at least clay from dispersing into the revealing to the eye and exposing once every hour to be effec- pond water and to prevent the to the sun any liner that is not tive. These filters are easy to fish from roiling in the soil. covered by water or in the shad- install and generally lay on the ■ Fertilizers: Fertilizers used ow of an overhanging edge. Using bottom of the pond, but may should be special aquatic pel- a carpenter level and as long a need cleaning as often as once letized slow release form 2X4 as needed (Figure 1), lay the every few days. The biological pushed in at the base of the board across the pond and the filters are more expensive but plants. You may also use a well level on top of this. Check the need less care. Biological filters balanced fertilizer mixed into pond in all directions to make are more difficult to install but the soil and then packed into sure it is level all the way around may need attention as seldom the middle of the rootball at the edge. It may be helpful to use as once a month. the bottom of the pot to pre- short wooden stakes to mark the ■ Edging materials: If edging vent it from leaching. Caution level spots as you go around. Use materials contain concrete or if should be used as any fertilizer these stakes as a reference to blocks used in raising the pot- leaching out into the water level the next one all the way ted plants contain cement, will cause an algae bloom. around the pond, removing any these materials must be ■ Maintenance tools: A long soil above the stakes as you go. leached with an acidic solution poled dip net is handy for the Once the rim of the pond is level, or soaked in several changes of removal of leaves and other the rest of the pond’s dimensions water for one week before fallen materials. Garden shears can be measured using it as refer- being added to the pool. Con- facilitate of water ence. crete is basic in nature and plants. A pH meter or testing ■ Step 2: Spread enough poly- will have a detrimental effect kit is useful but not necessary ethylene plastic to hold the soil on life in the pond. as the test can be performed being removed (Figure 1). ■ Pots for plants: Pots for the by the larger garden centers or Next, begin digging from the plants vary in size and increase the county agent. center of the pond toward the in direct proportion to the size edge. Remember to allow for of the mature plant and the shelves if these were included

Water Gardening in Texas 4 at a time using the other half to follow the grade (Figure 2). ■ Step 3: Once all of the soil has been removed, all surfaces are as smooth as possible, and the sides are all set to grade, check the walls, base of the pond, and shelves for rocks, sticks, glass, roots, and any other sharp objects that might puncture the pond liner. Next, Figure 1 begin placing the 2-inch layer of sand in the pond. The sand in the design. It is easier to inch toward the center for should be moist and packed in maintain shape and monitor every 3 inches down. Thus, if as tightly as possible. depth if the entire pond is dug the overall depth of the pond is ■ Step 4: Roll the liner out on out at once to the depth of the 24 inches plus 2 inches for the driveway or any non-turf shelves first (about 9 to 12 sand and there is a 9-inch deep area; allow time for it to warm inches). Then start digging out shelf plus 2 inches for sand, enough to become flexible (less again from the center of the the wall for the shelf will come time may be needed if it is a pond, leaving the width of the in 3.5 inches from top to base. particularly hot or sunny day). shelves, 9 to 12 inches. If an Then, move out the width of Once the liner is workable, re- edging other than grass is to be the shelf and cut the wall at a roll it and carry it—DO NOT used, account for this portion slope down another 15 inches DRAG IT—to the pond; a as well. Flexible liners must be to the bottom coming in anoth- wheelbarrow is helpful with lapped under soil to hold them er 5 inches. large liners. Unroll the liner in place and prevent subsur- ● Hint: when digging out the and position it over the hole so face drainage into the pond major portion of the soil use that the lengths and widths (Figure 3). A slight fall of 1 a round point shovel. Then, match those of the pond. Care- inch per foot away from the after getting as close as pos- fully push the liner into the pond is all that is necessary sible, cut the slopes for the pond trying not to disturb the and looks best for the edging. walls using a square point sand. It is not necessary to The walls of the pond should shovel. Once you have cut mold the liner exactly to the slope from the shelves to the two widths of the shovel to pond’s shape, but it is helpful bottom of the pond at about 20 grade, cut the remainder to approximate it. The water degrees off vertical, that is, 1 with only half of the shovel will finish the job as it fills the

Figure 3

Figure 2

5 pond. Lay some stones on the is highly alkaline and reaction maintain either an obviously ends of the liner to produce with water could create a intentionally irregular edge and some tension as it fills with severe pH problem. If enough surface or a perfectly straight and water (this will prevent unnec- falls in, it may necessitate flat one. String lines, carpenter essary folds in the liner) draining and washing, before levels, long boards, and pre-cut (Figure 4). refilling the pond. curved forms are useful here ■ Step 5: Begin filling the pond If edging the pond with bricks (Figure 1). Allow ample time, 48 with water (Figure 4). This will or other rectangular materials, hours, for concrete to dry before take some time. As the liner orient them with their length any foot traffic or potted plants begins to fit the pond, excess towards the center of the pond. are allowed on the edging. liner will begin to gather natu- Be sure to allow for at least a 2- Fiberglass Pre-formed Ponds rally in certain areas. As the to 3-inch overhang to hide and pond fills draw these areas protect any exposed liner (Figure ■ Step 1: Place the pond liner in tight and simply fold the mate- 5). This gives the best appearance the spot where you want the rial over into as many flaps as and stability to the surface which pond. Outline this area in the needed. Use of more and must be constructed well enough same shape and size as the pond shell with a garden hose or rope. Once you select a fiberglass shell it is too late to change its shape. Remove the pond shell to a safe distance. Add about 2 to 4 inches to the width of the pond outline for room to add and tamp the back fill (Figure 6). Further, add enough distance to the area of turf removed for the addition of edging material if any is to be used. Lay out Figure 4 enough plastic to hold all of the excavated soil (Figure 1). Remove any turf from the smaller flaps is best. The water to support occasional foot traffic. enclosed area. At this point use will eventually cover these and The material should be laid with the top soil removed to level they will become unnoticeable. approximately 1 inch per foot fall the area that is to be the rim of As the pond nears full capaci- away from the pond, thus pre- the pond. Use wooden stakes ty, start to cut the excess liner venting surrounding surface to mark the desired level and from the edges. Save these runoff from entering the pond. then carry that grade around pieces for patches later if the Edging looks best if you can the pond. It is better to add fill pond needs some repair, or place them under heavy pots and bricks (Figure 5). ■ Step 6: With the pond full of water, the final step is to install any edging (Figure 3). Edging the pond should wait until it is full so that water pressure will aid the wall in withstanding any weight of material or people. A also keeps the liner in place and well fitted before the edg- ing seals it in place preventing any further changes. If the edging contains mortar, it is most important to avoid Figure 5 spillage into the pond. Cement

Water Gardening in Texas 6 Construction of Barrel Water Gardens Barrel water gardens are an excellent alternative to in-ground ponds if space or physical con- straints are limiting your alterna- tives (Figure 7). In addition, bar- rel water gardens are less expen- sive, quick, moveable, and require no edging. The basics of the barrel water garden are just like those of the in-ground ponds. These can be as simple as putting a flexible PVC liner in a whisky Figure 6 barrel, filling it with 6 inches of a to the low side than to cut the (Figure 6). Once the high side. water inside and soil ■ Step 2: Begin digging soil from outside are about the center of the pond outward level (this could take (Figure 2). Dig down first to some time depending the level of the shelves (if any). on your water pres- If edging other than grass is to sure) start tamping be used, excavate this area as the soil with the han- well. Shelves should be dug 2 dle of your shovel or inches deeper than the actual some other smooth shelf to allow for a cushion of blunt tool. If your sand. Slant the surface where water runs slowly the edging is to be approxi- there is no need to mately 1 inch per foot away turn it off while from the pond. Finish digging tamping. Do not over- the soil adding 2 inches to the compact the soil depth for a cushioning layer of which could damage sand. If the pond has a grass the shell. Repeat this edge surrounding it, leave the filling and tamping level of the pond above the process until the pond is full of water surrounding surface at 1 1/2 Figure 7 inches so the drains away and completely back- from the pond. filled. Remember to continue to recheck that the good loam soil and planting lotus. ■ Step 3: Level and pack the pond remains level as you Instead of planting into soil bottom of the pond and backfill it. So long as you do directly, choose some of the shelves; cover with a 2-inch not backfill too quickly, the dwarf water lilies and put them layer of sand. Pack and level liner should remain level. in the barrel in their pots. Add the sand. Set the pond shell in ■ water and snails and the pond is the hole and check the level of Step 5: Once the pond is ready. If you live in the southern the pond itself. Make any filled, edging may be added. If half of Texas and use hardy water adjustments needed to obtain the edging includes concrete lilies, they should overwinter suc- perfect leveling. do not drop any in the pond water. If much falls in the cessfully in the barrel. However, ■ Step 4: Once the pond is level pond, it should be drained and if you live in areas where the make sure that it is centered in washed before refilling. Edging water in a barrel may freeze the hole; begin filling with the pond must wait until after solid, or if you chose to plant water and backfilling. Add filling since edging effectively tropical water lilies, you must water at the same time as the seals the pond in place and overwinter the plants in an area soil. Backfilling should be done prevents any further adjust- that is cool but not freezing. 4 inches at a time. Add 4 inch- ments. Refer to Step 6 of es of soil (or sand if your soil is “Flexible Liners” for further too heavy to work easily) into instructions on edging a pond. the area outside the pond shell

7 Construction of Concrete changed for the pond to look The basic construction of Ponds right. Apply a pool paint or earthen bottom ponds starts with Concrete ponds, if properly masonry sealant containing a size and shape designs. Once constructed, can last a lifetime. dark pigment. This will conceal these factors are determined, In addition, they can be con- the bottom and moderate the pH remove the soil plus 6 inches for structed with vertical walls to of the pond. relining. Bring back onto the site increase the ratio of gallonage to enough of the heaviest (highest Construction of Earthen clay content) soil that you have surface area. However, this mate- Bottom Ponds rial is generally expensive and and line the bottom and sides requires much skill to install. If Earthen bottom ponds have with a 6-inch layer. This soil must hiring the work done, ask for ref- several advantages. They are rela- be wetted as it is returned and erences and check them. Hire tively simple to build, inexpen- rolled until all of the structure is experience! Whether you or sive per unit of surface area, and broken down and the soil someone else builds a concrete if well constructed, of low main- becomes slick. This is called pond, a poorly constructed pond tenance and usually long lasting. “puddling” the soil and creates a will cost more to maintain, repair However, there are many draw- layer almost impervious to water. or replace than it did to install. backs to these ponds that make Then wait for enough rain to fill This is the main reason for the them a less advisable choice. the pond before planting. popularity of the new synthetic Earthen bottom ponds require a construction materials. great deal of land as small earth- Plant Life en ponds do not maintain them- Plants available for use in The basic construction of a selves well. Small natural ponds concrete pond follows that of the water gardens are many. Choos- never clear properly due to the ing these is a pleasure, but there liner ponds. The concrete should slow but invariable dissolution of be 4 to 6 inches thick. Once the are certain considerations to be soil into the water and the diffi- taken into account. Most consid- dimensions are established and culty of underwater shelf con- an outline laid out, dig out the erations, such as water depth, struction with clay soils. In addi- amount of sunlight, and how soil for the entire pond. Forms tion, any of the natural occur- must be built in place to hold the each species relates to its sur- rences such as moles and insects roundings should have been con- concrete while it dries and cures. digging into the pond will have a Concrete reinforcing bars must sidered during the design phase. greater effect on smaller ponds. Floating leafed and submerged be cut to size and fitted into the Most plants in earthen ponds are construction. The pond must usu- plants are necessary for a healthy planted directly into the soil, as pond and must be included in ally be poured all in one day and plant roots often creep over the in one piece, or if large, in sec- your selection. The following is a edge of pots and escape. Once partial list of cultivars of readily tions. Start with the bottom, then out of the pot, most aquatic the sides, shelves, and, lastly, the available plants by use group. plants become very aggressive For more information and prices, top and any coping around the with their spread being checked edge. Any junctions of ponds go to your favorite garden center only by water depth. For these and look at the stock, or write for poured in sections are critical as reasons, earthen bottom ponds, the site of future leaks and weak- catalogs from the many mail especially small ones, are not rec- order growers found in garden ness to the shifting aspects of the ommended. soil. An alternative is to pour the magazines. If the decision is made to build pond without forms and simply Floating leafed plants slope to the walls and pour the an earthen pond, the soil must concrete thicker to hold the con- have a relatively high clay con- Usually water lilies. Plant crete in place. However, this pro- tent which makes the soil more enough to cover 50 to 75 percent cedure can produce weakness in difficult to work. Due to the of the surface area of the pond, the concrete itself due to low required size and land needed, or approximately one for every density and air pockets as well as they are more expensive per 10 square feet of surface area being a problem to plant and pond. Plants in them are prone to (there are dwarf varieties for bar- maintain. grow more vegetatively and rel gardens). Floating leafed flower less. Plants, fish, and other plants will cover the surface of Once the pond is built, it must wildlife are harder to maintain. the water to a point that will, if be treated to correct the basic Unwanted guests to the pond will done correctly, limit the amount nature of concrete which would be more common and much of light reaching the depths of the affect the pH of the water. The harder to control. The water may pond holding algae growth in pH of the water may need period- often be muddy in appearance. If check. Thus, Lotus (Nelumbo ic adjustments for some time fish are included in the pond, spp.), which hold their leaves after construction. Lastly, the they will keep the water muddied above the surface of the pond, do color of concrete must be as they forage on the bottom. not contribute to this mainte- Water Gardening in Texas 8 nance tool and are considered divided into day and night adding to the character of these under Bog or Marginal Plants. bloomers. Hardy water lilies are unique plants termed Water lilies ( spp.) are all day bloomers. Some hardy “Changeables.” Some available of two types, tropical and hardy. water lily flowers change color water lilies cultivars include: Tropical water lilies in turn are shades over the life of the bloom,

Tropical Day Bloomers ‘Albert Greenberg’ Yellow, may be overwintered in southern half of state. ‘Blue Beauty’ Deep blue, very fragrant, old stand-by. ‘Colorata’ Deep blue, free flowering, African species, overwinters well here. ‘Daubeniana’ Light lavender, fragrant, small, does well in barrels. ‘Director George T. Moore’ Deep violet blue, with yellow centers, takes shade. ‘Evelyn Randig’ Deep magenta, fragrant, variegated foliage, slow to increase. ‘Marian Strawn’ White, large flowers. ’Mrs. Martin E. Randig’ Deep violet blue, fragrant, increases well. ‘Pink Capensis’ Pink, prolific bloomer, easy to grow, generally seedlings so may vary. ‘Robert Strawn’ Lavender flowers held tall above water, overwinters in southern half of state. ‘St. Louis’ Light yellow, large flowers. ‘Tina’ Purple blue, may overwinter. ‘White Delight’ White, very large flowers. Tropical Night Bloomers ‘Mrs. Emily Grant Hutchings’ Deep pink, takes some shade, prolific bloomer. ‘Red Cup’ Red cup shaped flowers, may overwinter. ‘Red Flare’ Dark red petals and maroon stamens, foliage tinged red, flowers flat. ‘Texas Shell Pink’ Light pink, generally comes true from seed, overwinters southern half state. Hardy Lilies ‘Charlene Strawn’ Fragrant, yellow, long season, one of most popular. ‘Gloriosa’ Red, good for small ponds and barrels. ‘Gonnere’ White, double, good cut flower, best in north, maintain good fertility. ‘Marliacea Albida’ White, prolific bloomer. ‘Red Laydecker’ or ‘Laydekeri Fulgens’ Red, one of best, good in barrels. ‘Red Spider’ Red with narrow petals. ’Sunrise’ Yellow, large, long season. ‘Yuh-Ling’ Deep pink, cup shaped, free flowering. Changeables ‘Aurora’ Yellow to apricot, smallest, good in barrels. ‘F.C.N. Forester’ Yellow to golden bronze. one of the best. ‘Solfatare’ Small, coppery pink.

9 Submerged plants These aggressively spreading and request information. Roots of Submerged plants are the oxy- plants are considered noxious these plants are not used for genators of the pond—a must if weeds. The import, sale, pur- nutrient or water uptake, but for your pond is to be healthy and chase, propagation, or possession anchorage, so oxygenators may support fish. Submerged plants of any plant or its seeds on this be potted in gravel. Submerged may become aggressive if planted restricted list is illegal without plants should be stocked at a rate in earthen ponds. Especially the proper licensing and permits. In of one bunch per 2 square feet of first three listed which may take fact, many of these same plants surface area, in groups of 6 to 12 over a pond. The Texas Parks and are sold in the water garden cata- per pot depending on the size of Wildlife Department and the logs since they are not restricted the pot. Caging these pots is USDA have listed 12 species and in states with colder winters. If often advisable if the pond is to one entire genus of plants on a you are unsure of the plants you contain fish, which tend to forage list of restricted aquatic plants. are interested in, call the nearest on submerged plant foliage. Some Texas Parks and Wildlife office available cultivars are: Submerged plants Cabomba caroliniana Foliage fine spreading, small white flowers. Too aggressive for earthen ‘Cabomba’ ponds. Elodea canadensis var. gigantea Fern-like, small flowers. Too aggressive for earthen ponds. Egeria densa, ‘Anacharis’ also called ‘Anacharis’, is a RESTRICTED plant. Myriophyllum spp. Foliage very fine texture, covers stems. M. spicatum ‘Eurasian Water ‘Water Milfoil’ Milfoil’ is a RESTRICTED plant. Sagittaria subulata Small, grass-like plant for shallow areas like shelves of the pond. Better ‘Dwarf Sagittaria’ choice than the species. Vallisneria americana Large, grass like plant, takes shade. Better choice than the species. ‘Vallisneria’

Extras breeze and produce an ever (Spirodela oligorhiza), Water changing appearance for the Hyacinth, and Water Lettuce are Free floating plants pond. Functionally, they add to restricted plants in the state of Free floating plants such as the oxygenators and produce Texas. Some examples of these duck weed, water lettuce, and varying casts of shadow that the interesting plants are described water hyacinth, though not neces- pond owner and the fish will below as well as one commonly sary, add the finishing touch to a appreciate. Though in colder cli- available one that is not restricted natural appearing water garden. mates these plants are excellent in the state of Texas: These plants move with the choices, Giant Duck Weed

Free Floating Plants Pistia stratiotes Unusual ribbed foliage looks like lettuce. Warning RESTRICTED! Shell Flower or Water Lettuce Pale blue flowers, bulbous foliage bases. Warning RESTRICTED! Water Hyacinth Hydrocleys nymphoides 2” deep yellow 3 petaled flowers. This plant may legally be used in Texas. Water Poppy

Though these plants may be Bog or marginal plants There are many different species available, be aware when order- Though most are not grown for of bog plants with varying ing from mail order catalogs that their flowers, some bog plants heights, textures and colors to they are illegal in Texas even offer help for those unable to site their foliage. Plants for the bog though advertised in many water their pond in sufficient sunlight garden or for margins of the pond garden catalogs and usable in for the majority of water lilies. add height and drama to the other areas of the country. If you Some plants can tolerate as little water feature; lotus, sagittaria, are unsure contact your local as three hours of direct sunlight. and dwarf bamboo add unique Agricultural Extension Service. Some grow best in constantly foliage, where iris, cattails, and moist to soggy soils, while others sweet flag have unmatched actually grow in standing water. upright linear texture. Some selections of bog plants are: Water Gardening in Texas 10 Plants for Bog and Adjacent Areas Lotus varieties, most are for larger ponds. ‘Alba Grandiflora’ White, fragrant. ‘Empress’ White with blue edges, fragrant. ‘Momo Botan’ Deep pink, double, fragrant; small; useful for striking barrel gardens. ‘Mrs. Perry D. Slocum’ Changeable from pink to yellow to cream, very fragrant; hybrid N. nucifera N. lutea; use in any sized pond, or in small containers. ‘Rosea Plena’ Deep rose pink, large flowers, very fragrant. ‘Angel Wings’ White, hybrid, great for barrel gardens. Iris spp. Iris fulva Red iris, coppery red, 8” - 24” tall, a species. Iris pseudacorus Yellow flag, yellow, 4 feet tall, a species, can be aggressive. Iris versicolor Blue Iris, various colors of blue, 3’ tall, a species. Louisiana Iris selections Many natural as well as hybrid cultivars. ‘Bryce Leigh’ Pale lavender, late bloomer. ‘Her Highness’ Hybrid, white flowers, 2’ tall, excellent if “true to type.” ‘Marie Caillet’ Violet blue. ‘Roy Davidson’ Golden yellow, striped, pond or garden. Selected Perennials There are many perennials that do well in or around water features. Starred names may be grown directly in the pond, others are excellent in moist soils. Acorus calamus* Sweet flag, linear foliage, variegated form also. Adinantum Capillus-Veneris Southern maidenhair fern, native Texan. Canna hybrids* Garden cannas, tropical appearance. Colocasia esculenta var. fontanesii* Violet stemmed , heart shaped leaves, Z. 9-10. Crinum americanum* Bog lily, Texas native, 2’, Z. 9-10. Crinum hybrids Many pink, white, rose, and striped types. Cyperus alternifolius* Umbrella palm, sedge-like foliage. Cyperus haspans* Dwarf papyrus, Z. 9-10. Cyperus papyrus* Egyptian papyrus, 6’ - 10’ tall. Dryopteris normalis Wood fern, feathery foliage, deciduous. Dulichium arundinaceum* Dwarf bamboo, 1’- 3’ tall, not true bamboo. Eupatorium coelestinum Hardy ageratum, blue flowers in fall, native. Hibiscus coccineus Texas star hibiscus, rose mallow, star shaped leaves, red flowers, native. Hibiscus mosheutos Many colors, giant flowers, heat tolerant, native to southern U.S. Hemerocallis spp. Daylilies, there are many varieties. Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal flower, red spikes, native to shade, native to southeastern U.S. Physostegia virginiana Obedient plant, lavender and pink spikes in summer and fall. Pontederia cordata* Pickerel rush, pretty flowers in purple, blue, or white. Rosa palustris var. scandens Swamp rose, flowering rose, very thornless! * Arrowhead, interesting leaves and dainty white flowers. Thalia dealbata* Thalia, 7’ tall flowering spike. Typha spp.* Cattails. Dwarf selections available.

11 Plants to surround the pond wide shallow tubs or baskets. Floating Plants The rhizome should be placed in Many of the bog plants can be o These plants should be rinsed used in areas surrounding a the soil at a 45 angle and cov- well before placing them directly pond. Other plants for use ered with soil and 1 inch of grav- into the pond. around the pond should be of a el. Be sure to leave the growing character that their reflection tip above the soil and gravel. Wildlife lends drama to the pond. Colorful Tropical and hardy water lilies Fish: Fish are not necessary flowers, attractive bark or fluted should be covered with 6 to 18 for the balance of the pond, but trunks, or other winter aspects inches of water. their presence will greatly can add to the seasonal interests Lotus (Nelumbo) increase the speed that it is estab- of a pond. Avoid plants such as lished. Further, fish eat many of walnuts and willows that have Water lotus should be consid- the undesirable visitors to your leaves with allelopathic character- ered a bog plant, as they do not pond, keep submerged plants istics. contribute to covering the surface of the pond as do the floating pruned, recycle nutrients in the Planting the Pond leafed water lilies. Water lotus system, and add immeasurably to grow from large vigorous banana the beauty of the pond. Fish Planting the pond is the most shaped rhizomes and must have should be stocked at a rate no exciting time and one of the most at least two nodes (the pinched more than 1 inch of fish per 3 to crucial. Spring is the best time to looking area of the rhizomes) left 5 gallons of water in the pond. complete this task. Plants bought on them when divided in order to Fish attain a greater size, do less for the pond should be in top survive. Their roots are brittle damage to submerged plants, and condition and installed immedi- and can easily be broken, killing remain healthier if stocked at ately upon receipt if possible. the plant. Lotus should be grown rates below the capacity of the Therefore, do not purchase the in large tubs or baskets no less pond. Thus a small circular pond plants until you are ready to than 32 quarts in size. Place the 5 feet in diameter and 18 inches plant, or if ordering through the rhizomes shallow in the pot and deep holding around 160 gallons mail, plan their arrival carefully. cover with soil and 1 inch of of water will accommodate from Many mail order dealers ship gravel. It may be necessary to put four to five 10-inch fish. When their plants at only certain times a rock or brick over the tubers of first introducing fish to the pond, of the year. these plants until rooted to pre- put the fish still inside their Plants bought from a garden vent them from floating out of sealed bag into the pond allowing center are often potted and ready the soil. Lotus should be placed 15 minutes for the temperature to to be placed in the pond. If not, in the pond about 4 inches below equalize between the bag and the or if you purchase your plants the water surface. To place the pond before releasing the fish. If from mail order houses, they will lotus in deeper portions of the it is a sunny day cover the bag to come to you bare root, wrapped pond, put them up on blocks or prevent overheating. in plastic containing moist organ- bricks to achieve the proper ■ : Japanese koi are carp. ic media or paper. These plants depth. Place scraps of liner under These fish are generally should be removed from the the bricks to guard against punc- expensive, but range in media, washed, and potted imme- tures (Figure 5). mature size from 2 to 3 feet, diately upon receipt. Plan ahead come in many colors and and have your soil, fertilizer Oxygenators live for a very long time. tablets, pots, and burlap, if you These plants often arrive in Koi are best suited to ponds are using baskets, ready ahead of bundles of cuttings and should be larger that 6 feet minimum time. planted as they are into pots and diameter and at least 18 placed on the bottom of the inches deep. Lilies (Nymphaea) pond. Their roots are merely for ■ : Are smaller and Tropical lilies form crowns anchorage so they can be placed by far the most popular fish and should be planted in deeper in sand, soil, or gravel. for pond use. They are less pots. The crown should be placed expensive, come in many in the soil near the top and cov- Bog plants colors, and range from 10 to ered with only as much media as These plants should be placed 12 inches at maturity. Gold- is needed and then 1 inch of in pails or pots on the shelves of fish will breed in your pond gravel leaving the growing point the pond where the crowns of the thus increasing in numbers above the soil and gravel. plants are covered by about 1 over a period of years. This Hardy lilies grow from rhi- inch of water. may present a problem for zomes and should be grown in small ponds.

Water Gardening in Texas 12 ■ Frogs: Frogs are good for these are only temporary solu- Pumps the pond; they supply tad- tions to a problem only nature Pumps should be pulled from poles which are efficient can correct. When fertilizing the the pond and cleaned regularly. scavengers and food for fish lawn, take care not to contami- The filters may need weekly and dragonfly larvae. Also, nate the pond. Any new nutrients cleaning. The interval will the adults in conjunction introduced to the system will depend on your particular pond’s with the fish control the only prolong the life of the algae ecology. The filter should be mosquitoes and other insect or even start an algae bloom. checked weekly, and the pump problems. Algaecides are of dubious value inspected at these times and ■ Snails: There is some con- as they kill the algae all at once records kept to build a history of troversy over including instead of the slow natural death your pond. This is the best way snails in the pond. The rate that the pond ecosystem can to know what your pond needs Japanese black snails may handle. When this happens, the and when. not help keep the water microbial population of the pond cleaner, though they do begins a massive degradation of Liners the algae and in so doing uses all slowly eat away at the algae. Liners should last without They are, however, fun to of the oxygen in the pond. This will weaken the animal life in the problem for the time specified by watch for and they will not the manufacturer if they are get out of the pool and dam- pond and possibly result in a fish kill. properly installed and care is age any other plants in your taken not to puncture them while garden. What is turning the pond green walking in the pond to service ■ Unwanted guests: In most are innumerable single celled the plants, fish, and circulation instances, if you have algae. These are present in all system. stocked your pond properly water and will create a bloom in and maintain the health of any water left in the sun undis- Edging turbed. The long filamentous your pond inhabitants, Edging, if well designed and there may be the occasional algae that grow on the bottom and sides of the pond are not constructed, should never need unwanted “Diving Water servicing. If the liner is installed Beetle” or “Water responsible for the discoloration of the pond. These filamentous and does not allow water in Boatman,” but these and under the edging materials, and others pests can be kept in algae are actually good for the pond and aid in concealing the the ground underneath is firm, check by the predation from the stone or brick pond edging larger fish and frogs. liners, shelves, pots, and bricks used to prop up some pots. should give no trouble. If the pond is edged by lawn edging or Maintenance In time the balance of the has no edge, the main concern is pond will shift away from the to avoid contaminating the pond Water green algae, and the plants will with lawn fertilizers and pesti- Clear water is usually the pri- cover most of the pond’s surface cides. mary goal of any water denying light to the algae. The short of the first lily blooms. In a oxygenators and other plants will Plants eventually out-compete the algae new pond, however, the water is As the leaves and flowers of for the available CO and soluble seldom clear for very long. This 2 the aquatic plants die they should nutrients. Sometimes the pond can be rectified easily if the pond be removed. Watch the root balls will suddenly clear overnight as is of the correct depth, has a good and leaves for damage by fish the algae succumb and sink to filtration system, and correctly and insects. Once a year lotus the bottom. chosen plants and wildlife are will need re-potting in the south stocked in sufficient numbers. Occasionally throughout the portion of Texas; in the north, The only ingredient left to clear pond’s life, this may every 2 years. the new pond water is patience. reoccur for a short time. It may The worst thing to do is happen in the spring when the Fish change the water. Replacing the water in the pond has turned Fish should be watched for water will only delay the develop- over (undergone a temperature infections of fungi and other par- ing balance of the new pond’s inversion), the temperature of the asites. If any die, remove them as ecosystem. There are algaecides water is increasing, the nutrient soon as they are found. If any on the market and even dyes to levels are up, and the plants are artificially color the water, but still dormant. Algal blooms of short duration are to be expected.

13 seem particularly intent on eating You do not need to run pumps Lilypons Water Gardens. 1992. your plants, decide which you are throughout the winter as the fish The Water Garden Books most fond of and take appropriate need very little aeration and the Volume 1. Lilypons Water action. algae are not growing at this Gardens, Thermal, CA. time. However, the algae will Winter Porter, Vallery. 1988. The Pond have a spring bloom usually as Book. Christopher Helm Ltd. In winter the pond slowly soon as temperatures rise enough Publishers, Great Britain. shuts down. Any tropical species to heat the pond to any depth. At Russell, Stanley. 1985. The should be stored in the proper this time the pump and filtration Stapley Book Of Water manner for each plant. The fish system must resume its opera- Gardens. David & Charles Ltd. have greatly slowed their intake tion. UK. of food and their actions in the pond. They will need feeding References and Smith, Michael D., and Sally W. only occasionally in the south Smith, editors. 1988. Garden and not at all in the north where Acknowledgments Pools and . Ortho the ponds freeze over for the win- Special thanks must be given Books, Chevron Chemical Co., ter. In the event that the pond to several persons who lent their Consumer Products Division, should freeze over, a hole in the considerable experience; much of San Ramon, CA. ice must be maintained for the their verbal communication was Stapely Water Gardens. 1989. survival of the fish. If the hole is synthesized in this publication. Water Lilies and Other Aquatic not maintained there can be little Marie Caillet of Dallas Plants. Henry Holt & Co., New air/water gas exchange and the York. fish will die as they continue to Rosa Finsley of Kings Creek respire and use all of the oxygen Nursery in Cedar Hill; Swindells, Philip, and David Mason. 1990. The Complete dissolved in the water of an ice Clyde Ikens of the Texas Hill Book of the Water Garden. covered pond. A hole in the ice Country; can be maintained using any of Overlook Press, Woodstock, Dr. Kurt Strawn of College NY. the commercially available elec- Station; tric ice melting devices specifical- Thomas, Charles, B. 1986. Water ly designed for use in pond situa- Bob Webster of Shades of gardens add serenity to the tions. Never use any device not Green Nursery in San Antonio. landscape. American manufactured specifically for that Nurserymen, May 1, 1986, purpose. Never hit the ice with Bibliography pp. 130-132. anything to break it open. The Dunn, Teri. 1993. Step by Step - force from the blow will rever- Installing a Garden Pool. berate as shock waves in the Horticulture. June/July, pond and kill the fish. This is pp. 70-71. one of the major causes of winter death of fish in home ponds. Harris, Charles W., and Nicholas T. Dines. 1979. Time-Saver Another source of problems Standards for Landscape for the plants in winter is the - Design and accumulation of fallen leaves that Construction Data. McGraw may blow into the pond with Hill. every gust of wind. These and any dead fish should be removed Heritage, Bill. 1981. Ponds and immediately. Water Gardens. Bradford Press Ltd., UK.

Water Gardening in Texas 14 Editor: Edna M. Smith Designers: Roxy A. Pike and Vera Johnson Figure Illustrator: Amanda F. Arnold

Printed on recycled paper.

Educational programs of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in and Home Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Zerle L. Carpenter, Director, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System. 10MÐ1-95, New HORT Editor: Edna M. Smith Graphic Designer: Roxy A. Pike Figure Illustrator: Amanda F. Arnold Page Layout: Vera Johnson

Printed on recycled paper.

Educational programs of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8,1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States of Agriculture. Zerle L. Carpenter, Director, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, The Texas A&M University System. 10M–1-95, New HORT