Event Summary
Starting a water garden? The Colorado Water Garden Society invites you to dive in with the Get Wet! Planting for Success event on April 18 at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Starting at 6 PM, enjoy a slide show, meet and greet, and other events.
Expert Tamara Kilbane will guide you through a talk on aquatic plant care from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, followed by a Q&A session.
- Venue: Gates Hall, Boettcher Memorial Center, within Denver Botanic Gardens
- Time: Slide Show & Meetup (6 PM – 6:30 PM), Talk (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM), Q&A (7:30 PM – 8 PM)
- Highlights:
- Aquatic Care: Learn about planting and nourishment for robust growth
- Expertise On-Demand: Your plant concerns addressed by Tamara Kilbane
- Product Offer: Pondtabbs available for purchase; nurture your aquatics
- Aquatic Care: Learn about planting and nourishment for robust growth
How to Get There: Park in the garage between York & Josephine Streets and head through the Visitor Center. Find Gates Hall towards the Boettcher Center’s south, past the lavatories.
For more info, reach out to Tamara Kilbane at (720) 865-3556 or via email.
Water Planting in Colorado
Water is a delightful way to incorporate the tranquility of water into your landscape. In Colorado, where the climate can be challenging, choosing the right water plants and knowing how to start a water garden are crucial for success.
Best Water Plants for Colorado
Water Lilies (Nymphaea spp.)
These iconic water plants are not only beautiful but also well-suited to Colorado’s climate. They thrive in full sun and can tolerate a range of water conditions. Hardy varieties are ideal for colder regions.
Water Lilies are Beautiful and Provide Flowers in a variety of colors
Cattails (Typha spp.)
Cattails are excellent for naturalizing the edges of ponds and water features. They are hardy and can withstand Colorado’s temperature fluctuations.
Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)
Known for its striking, bamboo-like appearance, horsetail is a hardy plant that can add vertical interest to your water garden. It prefers wet conditions and can grow in both sun and shade.
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
This native plant produces vibrant blue-purple flowers and thrives in shallow water. It’s an excellent choice for adding color and attracting pollinators.
Starting a Water Garden
Before starting your beautiful Colorado water garden, there are a few things you should consider.
Choose the Right Location
Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure that the area is level and has access to a water source.
Plan the Layout
Design your water garden with a variety of plants to create visual interest. Include both submerged and emergent species to provide habitat diversity.
Install a Pond Liner
Use a high-quality pond liner to prevent water from seeping into the ground. This will help maintain a stable water level.
Add Water and Plants
Fill the pond with water and allow it to sit for a few days to reach ambient temperature. Then, introduce your plants, placing submerged plants first, followed by floating and marginal plants.
Fish Appreciate the Cover that a Water Garden Provides from Predators
Maintain Your Water Garden
Regularly check water levels and quality. Remove debris and dead plant material to keep the water clear. In winter, ensure that hardy plants are protected from freezing temperatures.
Creating a water garden in Colorado can transform your outdoor space into a serene oasis. By selecting the right plants and following these steps, you’ll cultivate a thriving aquatic environment that brings beauty and biodiversity to your landscape.
