A skimmer in the pond system takes out tree debris. To provide color and interest throughout the year, an assortment of perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees were used. Texture is as important in a shady garden as is color, says Barbara, so she incorporated plants with great foliage if not blossoms. Iris and daylily were planted close to the edge of the garden so they receive more sunlight. The remaining plant material is incorporated throughout the shady areas.
Annuals help fill in.
For pond plants, Barbara chose watermint, water hyacinths, dwarf cattail, umbrella grass, Japanese iris, horsetail rush, parrots feather, pennywort, anacharis and hardy and tropical lilies. Rocks and water plants finish off the new pond at the Cone home. Underwater lights make the pond enjoyable in the evening, too. In the future, low-voltage landscape lighting will enhance plant forms as they mature. A stone waterfall and adjacent stone patio complement each other.