Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#316410 May 4th, 2010 at 06:07 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Here is some backround:

last year I told Lynne that I saw a half barrel that I wanted to buy so I could have a water lily. (I have wanted one since I saw them on the fishing ponds when I was a kid)
This spring I bought the 1/2 barrel and began looking for a water lily.
The one place that had them, a nursery, said they would not be in until some time the first part of May.

So last week Lynne said she would look for me as she thought she could get them at a good price.--WELL!!! Guess what I got in the mail yesterday?? yep!!! a water lily, and a basket to plant it in--and it has nice sprouting growth and the surprise of 2 (or possibly 3) itsy bitsy flower heads!!!

The surprise?? It was all a GIFT!!!---Bless Lynne kissie :ding:

I will begin to give you all a photo narritive on what I did> grin
[Linked Image]

Last edited by JunieGirl; May 4th, 2010 at 06:08 PM.

[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
JunieGirl #316411 May 4th, 2010 at 06:18 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
First I made a base out of 4 - 1 foor pavers, so the half barrel would be stable.

[Linked Image]

next I put the barrel on the pavers and filled it with water to give it time for the chemicals to settle & evaporate.

[Linked Image]

Here is the basket & the lily not quite filled with dirt
[Linked Image]

Story continues in next post>>>>>

Last edited by JunieGirl; May 4th, 2010 at 06:32 PM.

[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
So of course I forgot to take a photo of the basket after I had added the glass rocks & regular rocks on top of the clay soil. so after the water settled I took a photo thru the water--not so bad huh???
Not pictured, as I thought to add them later, are some clear/pearl butterfly shapped glass rocks.
grin

[Linked Image]

here is my last photo of the barrel after I added the basket

[Linked Image]

and the story gets even better--NOT!!!
I left the sides of the mesh and the moss on the tuber so Lynne recommended that I "at least" remove the mesh.--so I took the basket out & I removed the one side of the soil & took the mesh off, but I decided to leave the moss there.
--BUT, did I remember to take pictures before I returned the basket to the water?? nope!!! blush
ah well at least I "kinda" have pictures of what I did, huh???.


anyway you have the idea.

[color:#3333FF]
[b]
Stay tuned >>>>>>[/color][/b]

Last edited by JunieGirl; May 4th, 2010 at 07:05 PM.

[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
30k Posts
Offline
Purl One
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Carol - you did a fabulous job setting it all up!!! clap thumbup Your pictures are all so clear, and really show what you have done, and the barrel looks great!

I especially like the glass stones touch - you can really see them in the barrel - I wouldn't be able to do that in my pond, but I do like that idea for yours. luv

The tuber looks like it made the trip ok, and the leaves look like they actually grew a bit already since I bought it last Thursday! Can't wait to see it when the leaves reach the surface and the flowers follow shortly after! bop


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Lynne you have been a most wonderful friend & help to me on this project, and I REALLY appreciate it. Your kind words are most appreciated also. kissie
I hope it is successful for both of us.

I can't wait !!

PS Rod asked me today if I was going to have a lily pad--- lol
-----Poor boy----


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,027
Likes: 9
California Queen
30k Posts
Offline
California Queen
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 37,027
Likes: 9
That looks awesome, Carol. Gifts are fun.


~Tina
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Drama Free Zone.
What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
Tina #316433 May 4th, 2010 at 09:05 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Thanks Tina--and yes, gifts are fun. thumbup
While I could have found my own lily, I know I would not have planted it corectly, so this was really an extra wonderful gift. grin


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
Northern Star
30k Posts
Online Crazy
Northern Star
30k Posts
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
Oh what great friends we have here kissie

Lovely Carol..I can't wait to see pics of how it grows grin


~~Tam~ You can bury all your troubles by digging in the dirt.
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,737
Likes: 31
Patriot
10k Posts
Offline
Patriot
10k Posts
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,737
Likes: 31
Very nice. Will you have to change the water ever?



Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 30,001
A Gnome's Best Friend
30k Posts
Offline
A Gnome's Best Friend
30k Posts
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 30,001
Originally Posted by Bestofour
Very nice. Will you have to change the water ever?


I agree Very nice! and I have the same question :wink:


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33

Tamara-- thanks so much--and yes we DO have such wonderful friends here. kissie

Sheri--Diane thanks so much for your kind words---

About the water---
you know?? I had not considereed that--BUT I am told I will eventually need to transplant it to A larger basket--
So, If I need to change the water I am thinking that would be the time--??

however, ya know when it rains it will get new water, so perhaps I will not need to???
sounds like a question for the master gardener at my fav. nursery---well unless Miss Lynne knows the answer????

YOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO Lynne......


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
30k Posts
Offline
Purl One
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
I hadn't thought about that, Carol! Not sure if you would need to change it out - I guess if it starts smelling stale it woud be a good idea? But then again... you probably don't want to disturb the lily once it starts growing? I'll look into it and see what I can find out.


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Originally Posted by plants 'n pots
I hadn't thought about that, Carol! Not sure if you would need to change it out - I guess if it starts smelling stale it woud be a good idea? But then again... you probably don't want to disturb the lily once it starts growing? I'll look into it and see what I can find out.


OK, Thanks, Lynne.

ya know I guess I could always empty out say 1/2 of the water & re-add new--that way the chlorine & such would not be as strong for the 8 hrs or so it would take for them to evaporate or settle ???




[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,310
Grande Damme
20k Posts
Offline
Grande Damme
20k Posts
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,310
What a fun project for you, Carol! And how nice of Lynne to help you out so!!

My concern is.... still water is a magnet for mosquitoes... what are you going to do to deter them? (It is shocking how many will breed in an abandoned tire filled with water....)

And my question is... why didn't you fill the barrel further up?


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

We were given two hands to hold, two eyes to see, two ears to listen & two legs to walk. But why were we given only one heart?
The other heart was given to another for us to find.
Merme #316802 May 8th, 2010 at 10:09 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
30k Posts
Offline
Purl One
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Merme - Carol bought a spray for the water that she says is supposed to keep mosquitos away. I have not heard of that, but did recommend mosquito dunks. They sell them here sometimes for people to put in stagnant pools of water.

In the last picture it looks like the water is filled to the top?


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 469
Member
Offline
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 469
I used to put the garden hose in the bottom of my pot and let the water flow out the top- probably about 1/4 container at a time, maybe once or twice a week. That was enough to stop any mosquitoes breeding. Barrel looks great! Look forward to seeing how it does through the Summer- might inspire me to set mine up again ;O)

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Originally Posted by gardeningmomma
I used to put the garden hose in the bottom of my pot and let the water flow out the top- probably about 1/4 container at a time, maybe once or twice a week. That was enough to stop any mosquitoes breeding. Barrel looks great! Look forward to seeing how it does through the Summer- might inspire me to set mine up again ;O)


Thanks for the idea/advice gardeningmomma.

The spray I have is in a small bottle & will work for several hundred gallons of water. it is some natural chemicals that while not harmful to animals, plants or fish, will prevent there from being any tension on the water top.
Flys & mosquitos need tension to land & lay their eggs, No water tension, no landing, so no eggs & thus no larvae, etc.

But for right now my mosquitos have not arrived here yet.

still keeping my eyes out for dunks, though.


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
5-10-10

I took my mom to my favorite Nursery to buy her some flowers for her Mother's day gift--and I bought myself a "Water Hyacinth"
now I know they spread and that I will have to keep it pinched back but hey, How could I say No??? why

Tomorrow after it rains I will take a photo of it and of the progress that my lily has made, OK???


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
Northern Star
30k Posts
Online Crazy
Northern Star
30k Posts
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
thumbup


~~Tam~ You can bury all your troubles by digging in the dirt.
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
below is a picture of my water hyacinth.
It is going to spread like crazy, so I will need to pinch it back. I am told that the parts I pinch off would make excellent fodder for my compost pile--trouble being that I do not have a compost pile--- lol

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
Northern Star
30k Posts
Online Crazy
Northern Star
30k Posts
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
Oh, I can't wait to see how it all grows together. grin


~~Tam~ You can bury all your troubles by digging in the dirt.
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
wel, me either really--so we will be excited together

but the main area is going to be left for my lily--
It is kinda silly but since I was a small girl going fishing with my Dad, I have wanted a lily pad---& now I will have one!!! clap


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Look--Finally one of my lily pads has reached the surface of the water-----there were 2 all ready to rest on the surface & then we got that huge 1 & 9/10 inch rain fall. but now it finally grew enough---
Sorry the photo is not better----the sun was so bright I could not tell where I was aiming at. why


Lynne says it will turn green with some sunlight.


[Linked Image]


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
Northern Star
30k Posts
Online Crazy
Northern Star
30k Posts
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 30,452
Likes: 61
Nice..now all you need is a frog for your lily pad thumbup


~~Tam~ You can bury all your troubles by digging in the dirt.
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
30k Posts
Offline
Purl One
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
That's sooooooo exciting Carol!!! It will definitely turn green once it warms up and stays warm. Remember to cut off the spent lily pads and blooms to make room for new growth.


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 30,001
A Gnome's Best Friend
30k Posts
Offline
A Gnome's Best Friend
30k Posts
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 30,001
Very GOOD Carol,,,,,, clap


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
"Grace without perfection is more to be desired than perfection without grace."
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Thanks Diane & Lynne. kissie

Lynne, keep at me until I get the hang of this stuff.


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,310
Grande Damme
20k Posts
Offline
Grande Damme
20k Posts
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,310
Very nice, Carol! Thanks for sharing.


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

We were given two hands to hold, two eyes to see, two ears to listen & two legs to walk. But why were we given only one heart?
The other heart was given to another for us to find.
Merme #317925 May 15th, 2010 at 01:45 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Originally Posted by Merme
Very nice, Carol! Thanks for sharing.


Thanks much, Merme


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 469
Member
Offline
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 469
Looking good - can't wait to see your progress!

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Originally Posted by gardeningmomma
Looking good - can't wait to see your progress!

Thanks.....
did you look all the way back ??
I have a lily pad now and I also bought a water hyacinth
more photos soon


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 469
Member
Offline
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 469
Yes, it looks great ;O)

Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
I must apologize. Over time I have taken a few photos of the progress on my little half barrel here, but apparently I have not bothered to post them--my bad !!!! blush

so here is the latest pic. so sorry that the pots & such are showing.-
it is my plan to buy some smaller round bricks to put the blue eyed grass on, so it will be back towards the edge of the barrel giving more room to the lily--

---all those lily pads & not a hint of a flower yet--but hey, I can be a patient person--- :wink:

I have 4 pads on the top of the water & 1 about 1/2 way up.


[Linked Image]

Thank you so much everyone---& a special thanks to gardeningmomma
for jogging my memory. teach


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
30k Posts
Offline
Purl One
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Carol - I didn't see this thread before now - it all looks terrific!!! bop Isn't it exciting? The lily pads are looking good, and I love your blue-eyed grass - can't wait to see it in bloom! I think I will have to look for one for my pond - thanks for showing it! thumbup


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
OH Lynne, guess wht???
yesterday when I was removing some water from my barrel (along with the mosquito larva) I saw a lily flower bud--about 1--2 inches off of the pot.

Yea me!!! clap bop clap

I added 1/4 a Mosquito dunk (prescriberd amount) and some tension reliever to the water--hopefully I am safe from such as that now.


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
30k Posts
Offline
Purl One
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Carol - that is soooooooooooooooooooo exciting!!! I am so happy for you!
Can't wait to see it in bloom!!! You have done a great job with your barrel!


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
shots


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Originally Posted by plants 'n pots
Carol - that is soooooooooooooooooooo exciting!!! I am so happy for you!
Can't wait to see it in bloom!!! You have done a great job with your barrel!


Today I got so upset with the murky water that I lifted the pot to the top of the water so I could see the buds.
I have 2 newer pads, about halfway to the top of the water, and 3, count them 3, flower buds. clap bop the last one is just barely above the dirt.


[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Purl One
30k Posts
Offline
Purl One
30k Posts
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31,597
Sorry about the murky water, Carol, but again... so excited about the new growth!!! Have you tried running a hose in it to flush the water, like Esther on the pond forums does in hers?


[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Frogger
40k Posts
OP Online Happy
Frogger
40k Posts
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46,787
Likes: 33
Thanks, Lynne.
Last night I researched the cause because earlier I had read Esther's comments.
When I did flush out my water--well really I replaced half of my water--the algea began to escalte. Well it seems that the ecosystem had not had time to balance itself. They say fresh water is sometimes the cause.--That and too many fish, thus too much fish waste but I have no fish.
So for now I will have patience.
Then if things do not improve, there are other steps in say a week or 2, that I will look into.

now when I say too much fresh water, I mean too much clorinated & treated water.

Last edited by JunieGirl; May 29th, 2010 at 06:23 AM.

[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
[Linked Image from agardenersforum.com]
________



Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!! .....
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
Seasonal Ticker
Gardening Links
Gardening in February
Gardening in March
Gardening in April


Shop at Amazon and Support AGF
Are you shopping online? Click this link first and A Gardeners Forum will receive a commission for your referral at Amazon.com (shopping through this link to Amazon will not have any impact on your prices at Amazon).
Like Us on Facebook
Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics14,312
Posts240,810
Average Daily Posts3
Members16,004
Most Online10,356
Nov 2nd, 2019
Top Posters(30 Days)
Random Gallery Image
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5