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.
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 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.
Think about planting a few Bald Cypress Trees at the pond's edge. In fact Taxodium distictum nutans, also known as the Pond Cypress will actually grow and thrive in wet, swampy conditions and is a beautiful soft foliage specimen tree. It will eventually form cypress knees, which are unusual root formations that are prized by tree collectors.
Simply excavate the low spot to create a dirt-bottom holding pond with about 12 inches of water cover. Tubers can be ordered on-line. A favorite to look for is Perry D Slocum (see photos below). Note that tubers must not be damaged as the growing tip must stay intact - so handle with care.
Planting instructions will be provided with your purchase and must be followed precisely. You can also email your supplier with your zone details, as this may influence pond depth and planting details. You'll need to keep water in the pond year-round. This keeps the tubers, which are growing in the mud from freezing.
Plants and flowers for wet areas and the edge of the Lotus pond might include:
Coreopsis rosea, Water Cannas, Ogon Acorus Grass, Bear Grass, Swamp Hibiscus, Black Leaf Taro, Japanese Iris, and some of the water -loving Carex Grass species.
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