LIBRARY
CORNER: Book Reviews by
Debra Kreml Water Gardening; Water Lilies and Lotuses
By Perry D Slocum and Peter Robinson w/Frances Perry
A Book Review by Debra Kreml
Debra's Ratings:
One Fish - Watch Reality TV instead
Two Fish - This book is better than
a water change
Three Fish - A book even your fish
should read
Four Fish - Best In Show!
"Under a microscope, thousands of tiny plants
and animals can be seen in a single drop of pond water."
Finding thousands of plants and animals in the drop of water
from your pond is an incredible thought and you can only wonder
if this is a good thing. The presence of such numbers is proof
of a clean, healthy and well balanced pond.
Every member has their reason for having created, or want
to create, their retreat. Perhaps it is to breed the biggest
and brightest koi, to have a hobby with the spouse, to experiment
with gardening or to add the soothing sounds of water. There
are as many reasons as there are plants, and animals, in that
drop of water.
We need to celebrate, not just admire, what we have produced.
Your habitat is much bigger, and grander, then the water and
filtration system. You may want to ponder the notion that
what you have created, and what you so passionately care for,
is a wildlife environment. It doesn't matter if your pond
is 100 gallons or 20,000. You are surrounded by wildlife and
living microscopic creatures.
While shopping for lilies, lotus or marginals, keep in mind
that the plant not only adds beauty but also adds to the health
of your pond. These plants become safe havens for your fish
and protection from being seen by the heron. Your plants,
in conjunction with your fish and other wildlife, play a role
in the health of your pond.
The Water Gardening book has more information then I ever
imagined regarding lilies and lotus plants. The sheer number
of varieties are in record numbers. But, it doesn't stop at
these beautiful plants, it also is informative about all water
related plants. The book is devoted to pond health and creating
the garden landscape.
Water lilies are interesting, colorful and can be hardy to
our region. There are the tropicals that we can plant as annuals,
as well, or even the night bloomers. You will learn about
all of them in this hardbound. After experiencing this book
it is no wonder that some ponders are huge enthusiasts of
this special plant. Having
experienced our first bloom this season, we cannot wait for
the next blooms to appear! Perhaps with the advice found in
this book we can experience another bloom on our Lotus plant
as well! Didn't realize Lotus are true fertilizer hogs! This
season we are keeping our lilies and lotus well fed!
If you are a true Lily, and Lotus, admirer you will enjoy
this book very much! For those who thought of the lily and
lotus, for their protective pads, take a look at the lily
again. It is just one piece to a healthy well balanced pond.
