Bog Plants
When choosing bog plants, bear in mind that most marginal plants grow vertically. They certainly help in maintaining your pond's balance, but don't really aid in surface coverage. Most bog plants are aggressive in nature. Don't be surprised if by mid-growing season they are bursting out of their pots. When planning a true bog garden, consult one of our staff to help you choose plants that will not take over and push less aggressive plants our of your pond.

Submerged Grasses
Grasses are a must for every pond. They are essential in maintaining a balanced water garden because they increase oxygen levels and absorb nutrients that would otherwise promote an algae bloom. There are several varieties to choose from, but they all serve the same purpose.

Fertilizer
Fertilizer is an extremely important part of plant care that is often over-looked. Aquatic plants are voracious feeders. They will absorb the nutrients out of the soil and pond within a couple of weeks. Fertilizing on a regular basis will ensure maximum bloom and growth. Using Ag-Safe Aquatic Tabs or Highland Rim, fertilize hardy water lilies once a month. Tropical lilies and lotus love fertilizer, and can be fertilized every three weeks. Bog plants should be fertilized once a month. The good rule of thumb is one tab per gallon of pot.

Splitting Aquatic Plants
It is imperative that you split your water lilies at least once a year. Spring is the best time. Hardy and tropical water lilies will crowd their pots within one growing season. When this occurs, it will result in smaller leaves and fewer blooms. Bog plants are less likely to stress when crowded, but can become unruly when not split and transplanted. Refer to Planting Aquatic Plants below. If you are too busy to split your plants, bring them to us and let our experienced staff re-pot them for a nominal fee.

Planting Aquatic Plants
Materials: clay-based topsoil, aquatic pot (no holes), fertilizer and gravel.

• Put about 2 inches of soil in the pot, add fertilizer (1 tab per gallon of pot) and then fill the rest of the pot with soil.
• Hardy water lilies have long rhizomes that grow horizontally across the pot. Place the butt of the rhizome against the pot with the growing tip facing center. Press the lily firmly into the pot being careful not to cover the crown (growing tip.) The crown should be just at the surface of the soil.
• A tropical lily's roots grow downward vertically. Place the plant in the center of the pot and pack soil firmly with fist, making sure to leave the crown exposed.
• Marginals (bog plants) are planted in the same way as common annuals and perennials. Be careful not to cover the crown.
• Lotuses require a little more attention when potting. Lotus tubers grow horizontally. Follow the same instructions for preparing the pot, but use at least a four to five gallon container. With your hand, form a one to two inch trench along one side of the pot and place the tuber in the trench. Be careful not to break the exposed growing tip.
• Cover the soil with about an inch of gravel and then add water before you place the plant in the pond.
• Gently lower the pot into the pond. If the plant begins to float, don't panic. Simply push it back in the soil and add some more gravel.
• Stop fertilizing your tropical water lilies at the beginning of October. This will stress the plant and help the tuber harden. Once the lily is in its hard tuber state, it won't freeze.