Story: Edible Water Garden For the Foodie
Episode: 4
Presenter: Neville Passmore
Air Date: 23rd March 2024

Neville shows us an unconventional way to grow your food – in water.

• For food enthusiasts, growing super-fresh vegetables can be effortlessly achieved in a garden pond as aquatic plants thrive primarily on water, leading to vigorous growth in some cases.
• Lebanese cress and English watercress, both from the mustard family, offer pungent flavours perfect for various dishes.
• Vietnamese mint, known for it’s strong flavour, is commonly used in laksa curry soups and Vietnamese soft spring rolls.
• Water mint and basil mint, though not commonly associated with water, flourish in wet environments and are versatile for both cooking and beverages.
• Oriental water spinach, also known as Kang Kong, is a fast growing stir-fry vegetable.
• Brahmi (aka bacopa monnieri) believed to enhance brain function, and Gotu Kola (aka centella asiatica) which is used for arthritis, both have medicinal qualities and are staples in Ayurvedic medicine with a long history.
• Chinese water chestnuts are tuberous plants that multiply quickly during the warmer months, and are best harvested in winter.
• Water lily flowers and buds can enhance salads, and can be grown in submerged pots within a pond.
• In conclusion, a garden pond can provide flavour, freshness and colour with a diverse range of edible plants, offering a unique and sustainable way to grow your own produce.