Water Gardening in the Shade 
By Debbie Jackson 

      Each day I am approached with the dilemma of what to do with a yard that will not support grass because of too little sun. Well, why not make it a place of retreat? Imagine a nice breeze, the gentle sound of water trickling, birds chirping — and you have entered your own bit of paradise. All the latest gardening magazines have articles on creating ponds, and what a great way to work with a shady spot.
      There are many plants that will tolerate the shade and even those that prefer it. Let me introduce you to some of my favorites. For something to add height to a pondscape, there is nothing nicer than lizard tail (Saururus cernuus). This native has good green foliage which is topped off with white flower spikes. It grows to be about 2 feet tall. Located in shallow water with about 2 to 3 inches above the crown, it will perform nicely for you.
      For a change in texture you may want to add Louisiana iris (Iris louisiana) to your plant list. The long strap leaves of this plant contrast nicely with the softer texture of the lizard tail. As a bonus and with enough light, your iris will bloom in the late spring.
      To help add even more character to your water garden, consider adding azolla to the water surface. This small plant is really a fern no bigger than the tip of your finger. A small cupful will rapidly reproduce to help cover the water surface.
      Please remember to browse our wide range of water garden books.

     Fresh-cut flowers are always a delight and can be arranged in anything from a coffee cup to a crystal vase. Consider a window display of unusual jars filled with cut flowers. A vase of freesia will delightfully freshen a bathroom. Line up flower-filled containers across the mantle for a burst of color. A single stem placed at each dinner place in the dining room makes the table more inviting.
     For your desk at the office, how about a coffee mug filled with fresh flowers to use as a paperweight? Use your imagination to fill your day with flowers in unusual containers and places.
      Visit our NHG Floral Department and pick up your favorite cut flowers available for sale by the stem and by the bunch.

    You don’t mulch? Really??? The benefits of mulch are often forgotten —

• Mulch keeps the moisture in the ground when you water. This helps to conserve precious water and reduce utility bills.
• Mulch protects the soil and plant roots from extreme temperatures. Save your plants from “cooking” or “freezing” each season. You can buy new varieties of plants instead of replacements with the money saved.
• Mulch breaks down into the soil, adding nutrients and attracting worms, which create castings and further enrich the soil. It makes plain soil a gourmet feast.
• It also makes the garden look “finished” and neat for your garden visits and when guests drop in.