Water
Gardening for Beginners
by Derek Fell
Softcover
220 x 295mm
120pp
Published by Friedman/Fairfax Publishers.
R.R.P.$24.90
ISBN 1-58663-023-7
As reviewed in House & HOME Issue 66
Derek Fell, in Water Gardening for Beginners points out that even in drought conditions water gardens can be fed by a pump that recirculates the same water, providing an oasis of water and greenery in our gardens. He offers practical advice on how to construct and where to place a water garden, using some of his personal favourites - many of which are from his Cedaridge Farm in Pennsylvania.
Water Gardening for Beginners covers four basic sections which include planning, design, suitable plants and how to grow them. Planning a water garden, according to Fell, raises questions such as whether it will be formal - geometric in shape and an obvious human mark on the landscape - or an informal, more natural style. Other questions concern how big you want the water feature to be, the cost, characteristics of the site such as the lie of the land, shade, and the need to consider groundwater runoff in low lying areas to avoid flooding.
Some of the design suggestions cover planning what type of garden you might consider, its placement and construction. For example, you might prefer a reflective pool with a fountain or a simple waterlily pool in a rock garden. For the smaller city backyard, a wall fountain adds a touch of the Mediterranean or for the home unit, a water garden in a large pot on the balcony requires virtually zero maintenance.
Designing a water garden must also take into account the type of plants to be used. Whether they are floating, shallow or deep marginal plants, bog plants, waterlilies, lotuses or submerged, Fell recommends balance to provide a healthy microenvironment for the plants and a variety of foliage forms.
While Water Gardening for Beginners emphasises planning, design, and selecting suitable plants, it also provides a wealth of inspiration using photographs to depict a wide variety and style of gardens. Although some of these scenes are more reminiscent of a willow pattern plate, others are within the reach of the everyday gardener.
Photos: Colour
Contents
Introduction
Planning a Water Garden
Growing Water Garden Plants
Water Garden Design
The Best Plants for Water Gardens
About the Author
Sources
Index