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Planting and Propagation |
Another, and really the best method, is to plant directly into
the bottom of the pool or pond. This is more trouble but well
worth the effort whenever it proves possible.
The pool must be emptied in some way. This is not so diffi-
cult as it might seem, especially since there are several ways
of syphoning out the water.
Once the pool is empty a good thick layer (up to four or five
inches deep) of prepared loam and cow manure should be
placed on the bottom. On the top of this, place another layer of
loam but no manure. This should be pressed down very
firmly, both to minimise the possibility of cloudy water and to
prevent the soil loosening when water is added. The plants
are then put into the soil, spreading out the roots fully and
leaving the crowns just exposed. This procedure is suitable
not only for water-lilies but for aquatics including the so-called
submerged species. All must be planted very firmly, since
water loosens the roots and plants not properly firmed may
later be seen floating on the surface of the water. Extra
anchorage can be given to plants with large roots by placing
stones around die crowns.
Plants which have long rhizomatous roots must be placed
horizontally. Floating plants are, of course, not planted at all
but are merely placed in the water when the pool is refilled.
Once planting is done, the job of running in the water
should be commenced. This must be done carefully and
gradually, every effort being made to lessen the possibility of
further checks to the plant. It is most unwise to fill the pond
immediately. It should be done gradually, adding more water
every few days until the pool is filled. This usually means a
matter of five or six weeks. At first, let in sufficient water to
just cover the crown of the plants. As the plants grow, more
is added and in this way there is no great and sudden drop in
the temperature. Run the water in slowly. This will avoid
disturbing the plants, while to prevent the mud and soil at the
bottom of the pond being moved, the flow of water should first
be directed into some receptacle such as a flower pot through
which it can more gradually disperse.
When planting lilies or other plants in baskets in deep
water which cannot be taken out, the best plan is to first stand
the baskets in the shallow part and as growth develops, move
them to a deeper spot. Otherwise, they may be stood on bricks
or some similar base, letting them down into the water accord-
ing to the growth made.
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