Water lilies need sunshine to bloom.
Water features add interest to a back yard. They also take up space and can be a safety hazard if the pond is in the ground. A half barrel, available at nurseries and home improvement stores, is a safer alternative. Transforming the barrel into a lily pond takes a little planning but not a lot of work. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Put the half barrel where it will receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight. Water lilies require at least that amount of sunlight to bloom. They will grow and produce lily pads -- leaves -- with less light but will not bloom.
2. Put the liner in the barrel. The liner will ensure that the barrel is waterproof. Wood expands when wet, and eventually the barrel would become watertight without the liner. But the liner also prevents any contaminants from the wood in the barrel or the stays that hold the barrel in place from entering the water.
3. Lay gravel in bottom of barrel. Since the barrel is not very deep, it's easy to see the bottom. A layer of gravel makes the bottom more aesthetically pleasing. It also hides debris from the fish or plant matter.
4. Fill the lined barrel with water. Fill a bucket with water as well. Wait 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate. City water is treated with chlorine to kill off bacteria. While the water lily would survive in plain tap water, the goldfish won't.
5. Choose pygmy water lilies to plant. Standard-sized lilies require the water to be at least 24 inches deep and preferably deeper. The pygmy lilies have slightly smaller leaves and flowers but will do better in shallower water.
6. Put the water lily in a planting basket filled with garden soil appropriate for a water garden. Potting soil is too light and bits and pieces will float to the top of the barrel, which is unattractive.
7. Place the planted basket in the bucket. Wait for it to stop bubbling. Remove and place in the barrel. It's easier to hold the basket underwater in a bucket than it is in the barrel. When the bubbling stops, that means the soil has absorbed all the water it can. The lily and basket won't float to the top.
8. Add fish. You won't need a filter for just a few fish. The fish eat any mosquito eggs. Add no more than four or five goldfish. They will continue to grow and get bigger.
Tags: water lily, half barrel, lilies require, They will, with water