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| Sunday, 10 March 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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by Gwen Herat Ponds have been popular features in many gardens around the world and if not for them, where would water lilies be? Even in small enclosed gardens, a pond will find a permanent place if the gardener has a fancy for water lilies. Formal ponds create a sense of stillness and discipline and is also a place to attract small-time wild life from around the vicinity.
The pool must be sturdy and built on a medium that will have no leaks in the future. The bottom must have a strong concrete base and perhaps be over layed with ceramic tiles that are manufactured for this purpose. Always use a green tile to create the burgeon effect for the water community that you may decide to introduce later on. In most Sri Lankan ponds, the base is laid down with a thick layer of natural mud which in reality is very good as the water lily thrives on it. But for a neat effect, plant the lilies in a couple of clay pots and place them at the bottom. If the water level is too high, place a couple of bricks under the pots to gain height. In any event, the water lily has the capacity to stretch itself and place the leaves and flowers on the water surface. If tilling the pond is beyond your means, build the whole thing in hard concrete and use a green water paint. Propagation - Plants can be cultivated in baskets, or on a three to four inch loam based compost. To stead the plants in early stage, place a weight around the plants until they establish themselves on the loam base. This is essential because the free water might push the plants to and fro when the wind looms in and prevent rooting. Blooming spectacularly, the water lily known botanically as Nymphaea, provides a significant shade to the pond by its large and unclustered leaves. The water lily species in Sri Lanka are limited but can be found in many garden ponds. In most Asian countries, the water lily is a revered flower, first offered to the Buddha. However, as a cut-flower the water lily or lotus (as known in Sri Lanka) is a failure because of its life span out of water. The bright purple lotus flower found everywhere is a beauty of its class and very Sri Lankan. Even though it is the red lotus that is named as our National flower, the purple one that is often found in temple premises, draws deep admiration from tourists. Growing water lilies is very easy and trouble free. It needs little or no attention once established. It does pose a problem, which is very rare, it can be overcome in no time. However, the correct site, environment and the natural habitat will bring the best out of the water lily. When introducing aquatic life, one has to be careful of the species. Some tend to damage the tender stems of the lotus while others could damage the rhizomatous roots. Most water lilies are the wonderful marginal varieties developed from tubers. The submerged stems reach to an alarming depth in search of clay or compost to stand upon and push up the leaves and flowers to the surface. Some lilies give out a scent while most do not. |
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They can be adapted to any style of garden and needs very little effort
to create and maintain if purely for the water-lily family. A tiny
fountain fixed in the pond and among the foliage of the water lily, will
create a splash that is invaluable for visual effects. the soothing sound
of water, stirs up the lilies and stand as an appeal to the contribution
to an otherwise serene garden.
