The Mesmerizing World of the Water Lily Pond

Water lily ponds have been fascinating people for centuries with their tranquil beauty. As an avid gardener myself, I find water lily ponds to be one of the most captivating features that can be incorporated into a landscape. In this article, I’ll provide a brief history of water lily ponds, examine what makes them so alluring, and offer tips for creating your own water lily pond at home.

A Brief History

Water lilies have been admired since ancient times. They were seen in Egyptian hieroglyphics and were a popular subject in Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. In the late 19th century, the French Impressionist painter Claude Monet became enchanted with water lilies after enlarging a pond on his property in Giverny, France. He went on to paint his famous series of over 250 Water Lilies paintings, devoted to capturing the changing light and atmosphere of his water garden.

Water lilies became popular plants for ornamental ponds in Europe and America during the Victorian era. Wealthy estate owners built water lily ponds and greenhouses to cultivate exotic water lily varieties. With innovations in hybridization new colors and forms became available. Water gardening boomed in the early 20th century. Though its popularity declined mid-century water lily ponds underwent a revival starting in the 1970s, which continues today.

The Allure of Water Lily Ponds

What is it exactly that makes water lily ponds so captivating? Here are a few of the qualities that I find most appealing

• Tranquility – The slow ripples, gentle sounds of water, and unhurried growth of lilies create a serene environment. Time seems to slow down when you’re observing water lilies.

• Reflections – The mirror-like surface of a pond adds to its magic, as it reflects the sky, trees, bridges, and other features. This creates beautiful symmetries and upside-down worlds.

• Natural beauty – Water lilies themselves come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Combined with lush greenery, they create living art. Ponds attract other wildlife too, like frogs, dragonflies, and birds

• Enclosure – Though physically open, ponds feel like an enclosed, private retreat, a garden room unto themselves. The rest of the world recedes.

• Changes – The pond transforms through time and seasons, offering endless variations. Lilies bloom at different intervals, plants grow, light shifts, and reflections change.

Creating Your Own Water Lily Pond

If you have space in your yard, I highly recommend putting in a water lily pond. Here are some tips to get started:

• Pick a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct light per day. Water lilies need lots of sun to thrive.

• Choose a formal geometrical shape or curvy freeform shape. Irregular kidneys and O’s work well.

• Dig a hole 18-24 inches deep, allowing 1 square foot of surface per lily. Build up edges with stones or pavers.

• Add a pump to circulate water and prevent stagnation. Include an external filter and UV clarifier to control algae.

• Place lily pots on gravel or bricks on the bottom so crown sits just below the surface. Add oxygenating plants around edges.

• Introduce fish to help control mosquitoes. Koi and goldfish are nice accents that add movement.

• Consider adding features like fountains, bridges, specimen plants, and statues to complement the pond.

With some careful planning, you can create a gorgeous water lily pond and have your own Monet-like garden. Dipping your toes into the world of water gardening is immensely rewarding. The tranquility of a water lily pond becomes a treasured retreat and a source of daily inspiration.