My Water Garden

If anything can help to cheer the winter doldrums, it’s visiting the greenhouse and brushing up against the tickling leaves of this lovely water garden. These plants are very happy growing in this long iron trough located in the pass-through between the greenhouse and the potting room. For balance, there are actually two matching troughs on either side of the pass-through. Papyrus is the tall specimen with the fine, hair-like leaves. The leaves of umbrella sedge are a bit wider. The plant with the elephant ear-shaped leaves is called colocasia. And water hyacinth has a flat, round leaf with a bulbous base. The plants are actually growing in black plastic pots, which are submerged in the water. Gravel is mounded around each pot to help keep them upright. Jodi tells me that the plants drink up about an inch of water each week, so it’s important to keep replenishing

Even the surface of the water is covered with these whimsical, tiny aquatic leaves.

Comments

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Oh, how right you are! The best way to cheer yourself up during these long, cold, wet winter days is to visit a beautiful greenhouse or watch "The Martha TV Show" every day. I find inspiration and solace in both. Thank you so much for always being there for all of us. Jan

[Kathy]

Martha,
Such wonderful winners and runners-up in your Big Idea Bake-Off! Congratulations to all.
I can now find more recipes to make for my sister who must eat gluten-free meals.
I can also find ideas and inspiration for my pets---my two dogs---who are also my family.
Thanks also for the ideas about water gardens. I have grown papyrus for years since I received a gift of some from a friend. Now I'll try to add other water plants in the summer.
Kathy

[Alcea Alba]

Martha,

I was thrilled to read that you grow Colocasia. Do you ever cultivate this plant for food? My parents are from Cyprus and one of my favorite dishes growing up was my mother's Kolokasi, made from the root of the Colocasia esculenta plant. Delicious! Mother prepares this dish by peeling and cutting the Colocasia into large chunks, sautéing them in olive oil, celery and onion, and then slowly cooking them in a tasty tomato sauce. Most Cypriots prepare this dish by adding either pork or lamb during the cooking process, but my mother always made some without the meat to cater to my vegetarian diet.

[Make and Takes]

Here in Utah, with freezing weather and snow that won't stop, I am dreaming of Spring. So I guess I need to build myself a greenhouse to keep myself from only seeing the whites and browns of winter. Oh, I have always wanted a water garden. I love yours and I think I is going to encourage me to install some sort of mini pond in my backyard this Spring. Thanks for sharing.

[Margie]

I appreciate your ability to show us how you are. I laughed at how bundled up you were to ride and then to see the next blog of your water garden. Both, brisk air and vibrant green plants make living so much better. Here in the west we are being pounded by brisk air and there is not a green plant to be found.

[bpfster]

I too enjoy my indoor plants in the winter and all the seed catalogs help to pass the cold winter months. Especially since we are in the middle of a big snow and freezing rain storm here.

[irene gulla]

You have inspired me for many years. Thank you

[Kim Wylie]

My father would be sooooo envious of some of your winter water plants! He did all of his own landscaping at my childhood home, including several ponds. Keeping koi was difficult due to sneaky raccoons (terrible little things!), so he reverted to water plants. They never fail to please, and it's always fun to visit in the warmer months when he's just added something new.

[Amy Crawford]

Oh, how nice to see some green - especially when I am surrounded by snow on this blustery evening! I have been poring over the heirloom seed catalogs to keep me going until late March (hopefully) when the ground becomes workable...

[LARRY]

MARTHA,
I LOVE THE WATER GARDENS. JUST BEAUTIFUL! I WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORE OF THE SPECIMENS IN YOUR GREENHOUSE. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION IN REGARDS TO A LEAN-TO GREENHOUSE?
THANKS,
LARRY

[Cydney Wade]

I would love to see more pics of your greenhouse. Maybe on one day of your blogs you could just show us a gallery of shots of your greenhouse with descriptions similiar to your weekend gallery just a few days ago. Thanks, Cydney

[M&Co]

So nice to have a "garden" even in winter! I'm planning a tiny greenhouse to keep the winter blues away myself. What a great idea to have a water garden in the greenhouse!

[Dixie Marsh]

Martha do you have any recipes for my husband who has diabetes,and a very large sweet tooth that really taste good.

[Dixie Marsh]

Martha do you have any recipes for my husband who has diabetes,and a very large sweet tooth that really taste good.

[Patricia]

Martha, I have been watching your show this week and I am very intrigued by your watch. The only problem is when I get a short look at it only the clasp is showing and I really want to see the front.
Could you tell me what kind of watch it is, it's looks very sharp on you from what I can see. I myself am a watch freak and simply must have what you have. So if time permits would you or your staff email me the type and where I can find one to purchase.
Thanks

[Marty]

Martha, thank you so much for inspiring us with your wonderful gardens! I love the water garden. I have a pond and absolutely love it. I had it installed last spring and it is amazing. I wanted to let you know about a beautiful fountain I found that is great for me. It was made for the "do it yourselfer." (which I am) I amso proud that I was able to make it work with no ones' help! It's the Toba Magic Fountain. It changes colors and spray patterns and I am so excited about it. Check it out (you probably already know about it) at www.tobafountains.com.

[Keely Rea]

Do have any information about Twin Hens Chicken Pot Pies. I buy them from the Dean & Deluca catalogue. They are the BEST. I would like to know more about the company and owners.

Keely, Los Angeles, CA

[Deborah, Smyrna ,Maine]

Your water garden is an inspiration for me to add to my houseplant area inside my home. I am unable to get to my greenhouse since the snow is so high here in Northern Maine I can hardly see it. Can't see my grape arbor either. So a water garden taken as an inspiration from yours looks like the perfect project to take on since I foresee the snow to be here probably til May at this rate!

[Chris T.]

Hi Martha,
How nice to have a greenhouse and water garden in it. I uaed to have a greenhouse and I miss it. Now I bring some plants in the house after a summer on the porch or other garden spots. I really needed a plant boost just recently so bought a lovely fern and put it on top of the refrigerator. It cheers up the kitchen and me.

[nancy]

Martha - I just love your water garden and your puppy PawPaw

[Linda Gail]

Martha:)
How I missed this marvelous blog I'll never know, but I'm certainly glad I found it.
Your water garden is so pretty and I can see how it would cheer you up and pull you out of the winter blahs. The plants are so green and ethereal looking.
Thank you for sharing with us and giving everyone a chance to get rid of their winter doldrums also.
Linda Gail

[Kesha Smith]

Dear Martha,

i am in need of information on how to replant my Valentines Day
tulips!