Waterfall Wednesday

This morning's news claimed that at least 30 states in the US will be under heat advisory at some point this week. What better way to cool off than with a refreshing waterfall ... or two ... or more? Waterfalls range from sweet and gentle to dramatic and thunderous. You can really set the mood in your backyard depending on what type of waterfall you create. So to help keep you from melting this week, rest your weary eyes on these cool, refreshing waterfalls.

This is a favorite photo for me. I love the mossy rock behind the waterfall and the way the clematis winds its way around the rock.

My Personal Sacred Lotus

Water gardening means different things to different people. For some, it means the soothing sound of waterfalls. For others, it's the joy of keeping colorful koi nearby. For me, it's about gardening ... in the water ... with beautiful plants that can't be grown terrestially. This year I tried my hand at growing a sacred lotus, delivered to me by a dear friend from Alabama (an avid aquatic plant grower who thrives on thrill-seeking adventures like alligator-wrasslin', I might add). His plant provision and careful instructions have resulted in the following ...

Isn't it beautiful? I love the way the creamy petals are tinged with pink at the edges ... and the center appears to be glowing. I visit this stunning creature every morning after my almost-daily run (I'm training for a fall marathon). 

Every Deck Needs a Pond

If you're like most Americans, you probably have a deck, patio, or balcony where you can enjoy the great outdoors from the privacy of your own home. You kick your feet up in your Adirondack chair and enjoy the summer breeze blowing through your hair, but something's missing. All you see from your deck is an expanse of grass and a few trees, and what you hear are the neighbor's kids crying and their dog yapping. Your deck needs a view. And better yet, that view needs to replace irritating noises with melodic sounds. What I'm trying to say is ... your deck needs a pond!

The owners of this deck enjoy a view of a meandering stream that spills into a pond by their lower level patio. A wooden bridge invites you to sit a spell and dangle your toes in the water.

Aqua Terra: Home of The Pond Guy™

Aqua Terra is a private residence gracing the western fringe of the Chicago 'burbs, complete with a one-acre ecosystem pond . The proud and happy owner is Greg Wittstock (aka "The Pond Guy") founder and CEO of Aquascape, Inc. This amazing and expansive water feature showcases a variety of water gardening elements ... too many to post all at once. For now, enjoy the splendor of a just a few highlights of this captivating habitat.

An overhead view reveals the pathway encircling and dissecting the pond. The Pond Guy™ wants visitors to appreciate all views of his personal sanctuary (that's his dad getting ready to feed the fish from the deck).

Pink Waterlilies

Waterlilies are bursting from ponds across the country and today I'm honoring pink waterlilies in particular. July is National Water Gardening Month so if you've been tempted to grow some of these beauties but don't have a pond yet ... this month would be a great time to make your water garden wish come true.

So much beauty resides in this spectacular, aquatic plant. The emerging bud with its hint of pink surprise inside brings you back time and again to check on its bloom.