Lotus Garden
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If you have a low-spot in your garden and can't figure out what to do with it - think lotus garden. Heavy clay soil is no reason to be discouraged, as aquatic plants thrive in wet soil. In fact, one of the gems of the plant world is perfectly suited to this environment.
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The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic perennial plant hardy to zone 5, which goes dormant in cold winter climates. For months the huge fragrant Lotus blossoms fill the landscape with an unequaled beauty. When the flowers are spent, the petals fall away, and are replaced with the beautiful wooden seed head, which is cherished by the flower arranger.
Beautiful round leaves - some over a foot wide - cover the pond like a blanket, providing a restful retreat |
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for your native birds to enjoy. You should know that this plant is aggressive, but pretty much stays restricted to the water's edge. A few shoots will push beyond, but dry soil will limit the plant's spread.
Simply excavate the low spot to create a dirt-bottom holding pond with about 12 inches of water cover.
Of course Lotus will also grow in large pots on the patio or in your pond or bog filter as well.
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