Swimmin' with the fishes

It was so hot today I couldn't resist a dip in the Lily Pools. . .

I did get a little more than I bargained for though, since my waders leaked. A lot. When I took them off it was like I didn't even use waders. . . the boots were actually filled with water and I had to pour them out. But it was worth it, because I got to see/smell/touch all of this:

Cool things about water gardens:

• They add black dye to the water. It hides mechanics, and lessens the algae.
• To keep down the mosquitoes they apply some sort of bacterial control at the start of the season, and then they have cute little fish that eat what's left for the rest of it.
• There are two main types of water lilies: tropical and hardy. Hardy water lilies only bloom from 9am-5pm. So if you work regular hours and want to see them, don't bother planting these at home :) 
• The huge spiky lily pads are Victoria cruziana and Victoria Longwood Hybrid. They get to be big enough by the fall that they can hold the weight of a person. They flower at night for two nights: the flower opens white on the first night, and purple/pink on the second night. The flower also emits heat when it first opens to better spread its fragrance.

Getting totally soaked was totally worth it. We also got to go on the roof, so we could see the pools from above.

 

 Well I am sold. I must have a water garden some day.