Episode: Three
Date: May 2nd (May 3rd in WA)
Story: Edible Water Plants for Ponds
Presenter: Neville Passmore
Neville?s visits one of Australia?s best water lilies and water plant displays.? During his visit he shows you how to grow herbs and vegetables in your pond.
Featured Herbs:

• There are many and varied edible water plants available in Australia, here are just a few.
• Note: herbs can have powerful effects on the body, so please seek professional advice before use.
• English Water Cress- known for its tasty, peppery flavor. Great in salads and stir-fry.
• Bihrami - increasing memory.
• Water Parsley ? a milder version of parsley.
• Water Mint - Great for making tea.
• Lebanese Cress- slightly peppery and very fast growing.
• Arthritis Plant-1-2 leaves a day is said to keep arthritis at bay.

Growing Conditions

• If you are keeping these plants in pots, then ensure that the water level is no higher than the top of the pot.?? All prefer a full sun or part shade position.
• If your pond is too deep then why not plant them in a floating basket, this will ensure that the plants are at the right water level all the time. As the roots extend out of the basket they can take advantage of the nutrient in the water for better growth.
• For the best result, all these plants will grow really fast in shallow running water. If you have a small stream, waterfall or a spill pond, then you can take the plants out of the pots and place them in the running water and watch them go.
• All these varieties are also perfectly suited to growing in plant filters. We have spoken about plant filters for ponds in previous episodes; here is how it works if you missed it.

Plant Filters for Ponds

• When a pond or water feature is being filtered, you can almost guarantee crystal clear water all year round. There are numerous methods and products available to assist with filtration, but one of the best, cheapest and most effective methods would have to be a Natural Plant Filter.
• Nearly any pond or water feature can be converted to incorporate a natural plant filter; all you need is a pump and a smaller shallow, spill pond, perhaps a small creek, or use shallow holding pools in the waterfall or the shallow bowls in a tiered fountain etc.
• ?In these smaller areas of water, bare rooted marginal plants will be placed (think hydroponics) as the water passes through the plants roots, they will be trapping waste, silt, ammonia and excess nutrients.?? The clear, filtered water then returns to the main pond.?
• ?For this method to be successful you would need to have a plant filter that represents 20% of the surface area of the main pond or water feature. To further mimic nature, having a fine gravel base, to the depth of 7-10cm, across the main pond will help with filtering.? This gravel needs to be small enough (4-5ml) for fish to move, they will constantly be picking over the gravel, effectively cleaning it as they go and burying larger particles of waste, which will be consumed by the natural bacteria?s that will form within the gravel bed.
• ?Creating a balanced pond or water feature will take time, new ponds can take up to one year to settle. The change of season can also be a challenge, to correct this imbalance, regular use of the naturally occurring volcanic rock, Zeolite, will be very useful. Zeolite absorbs ammonia and excess nutrients, along with having a blanketing effect on Algae,?? effectively starving the algae of its food source.?
• Regularly adding small amounts of Zeolite will ensure your system will stay balanced and healthy.? Zeolite will work in complete harmony with all wildlife, fish, frogs, water plants and any edible plants.

Pictured - Lebanese Cress growing in a floating basket.? You can get floating baskets and all the water plants plus more at the Woodvale Fish & Lily Farm.?
Water plants $9, floating baskets small $8, large $15.

Contact??
Woodvale Fish & Lily Farm
26 Woodvale Drive
WOODVALE WA 6026
Ph: 08 9409 9248
Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm
www.woodvalefishandlilyfarm.com.au