Dragonflies: The Devil's Darning Needle

The Dragonfly shares its nickname of "The Devil's Darning Needle" with Clematis virginiana, a vine native to the United States. Dragonflies are quite beautiful and gravitate to water gardens because their larvae, known as nymphs, are aquatic. Next time you're enjoying your pond or other fresh body of water, be sure to appreciate the flight patterns of this amazing creature.

For more information on dragonflies, read "Acrobatic Artisty," a 3-page article with more great photos of dragonflies.

Amazing Water Plants

Move over Misses Waterlily and Lotus ... there are other budding beauties in the aquatic plant world that are just as capable of strutting their stuff in a pond. Too numerous to post in just one blog entry, you can look forward to future posts showcasing more of these frilly fronds and flowers. But for now, feast your eyes on these stunners that are sure to leave you wanting a water garden of your own ... if you don't already have one. (Note: Many aquatics can be planted in soil as long as you keep their feet wet.)

One look at the dainty, lavendar flowers and it's easy to see why water hyacinth is a favorite among pond hobbyists. But be careful, this little plant is very prolific!

Landscape Transformation: Water Wonderland

An expansive, wooded suburban lot was turned into a watery wonderland by a couple who spent years touring ponds and planning their backyard oasis. They wanted their water garden to possess a magical quality that would entice visitors to linger and explore every twist and turn of the streams and waterfalls.

Mulched pathways and stepping stones invite you to explore every nook and cranny, delighting in all the flora (and fauna) of this wooded paradise. A fire pit is located to the right with ample seating.

The Lovely Lotus

I'm in love with the lotus. Is there any other aquatic plant as beautiful or graceful? It belongs to the genus Nelumbo and consists of only two species ... the yellow-flowered American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) and the pink Asiatic lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). These two species have been grown and bred for centuries, resulting in hundreds of hybrids that range in size and color.

In my mind ... this is what Heaven looks like.

Fountains Aflow in the Garden

We're drawn to the sound of water ... while walking in the woods it beckons us to glimpse a nearby creek. When shopping, we're lured to the center court fountain to sit a spell and rest our weary feet until the next store tempts us to browse new trinkets. In your landscape, a fountain can be tucked into any corner that begs for a focal point.

A grouping of fountain rocks greets visitors near the home's front door. An underground basin holds water that is circulated by a pump up through the rocks, where the water spills over and falls back into the basin, covered with gravel.