Hardy Marginals

Water Iris are considered marginals, but there are so many of them we devoted a page entirely to themselves.

What are Marginals? They are plants that will grow in 0-6" of water

What are good uses for Marginals? placing them in between rocks to soften up the edge will make pond look more natural. Have you ever seen a pond with just rocks around the edge? They are also excellent to use in stream beds. Not only will they make the stream look more natural they will filter the water better then any other filter system out there. They will eat up any excess nutrients wich will keep alge in check. On those same lines they are also great for bog filters...

Can they be taken out of the pots? As with any other plants we would suggest not to...Unless your stream bed is shallower then the pots. But remember any plant will grow very rapidly outside of the pot, so this will require more maintence to keep them under control. If left alone they will be your worst nightmare. By keeping them in their pots or mesh baskets you will be able to grab their pots and trim off anything that is growing over the sides of the pots, which i must say is a lot easier then ripping out a huge root mass.....

There are all sorts of species of marginals such as...

Myosotis palustris 'Water For-get-me-not'

This plant is excellent for softning the edges of the pond and stream bed It grows into a beautiful green mat of small leaves that will give off cute little blue flowers.

 

Lysimachia num. 'Moneywort'

Beautiful green whorled leaves that yeilds to a bright yellow flower. This plant is also excellent for stream beds and for softening up the edges of ponds.

 

The Juncus Family

There are all sorts of varieties of Juncus

Juncus effusa 'Common Rush' - Green pith-filled, round stems that reach 2' with insignificat flowers

Juncus effusa glauca 'Blue Rush' - Blue pith-filled, round stems that reach 2' with insignificant flowers