Reasons to Use Water Containers on Your Deck

TN Nurseries best selling water plants

Blue Lobelia

Red cardinal

Jewelweed 

Hardstem Bulrush

Having a water container on your deck is like having a small water garden on your porch or deck.

It is a great idea, and you can also create a small waterfall if you would like. You can find several varieties of plants that will grow well in these containers.

It will add a very natural appearance to your deck also. You can use things for a water container that you may have lying around in your yard.

You can use kiddie pools, barrels, bathtubs, and horse troughs. You must ensure a sturdy deck because water can weigh around 8 pounds per gallon. It would help if you also had a sunny spot since most water plants require full sunlight. You can also decorate your water containers with pieces of slate and stone. If you use darker colors, it will not produce as much algae.

You can start by growing your water plants in smaller pots before placing them in your water container. Once you plant your plant in the soil, you can use pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot and keep it from floating to the top. You will need information on your water plants because they may take different sizes of pots.

Some of them may need to be planted more profound than others. Once you get your plants potted and ready, you can start adding them to your water containers. You can also set your pots on bricks to give your plants different heights. Let your water container sit with water in it for at least 24 to 48 hours to let the chlorine evaporate. You can let your imagination go when creating a water container.

Source of Information on Deck Water Container Gardens

Blue Lobelia - TN Nursery

Blue Lobelia

Blue Lobelia has striking blue hues and an attractive shape; this perennial plant can elevate the aesthetics of any garden or outdoor space. It is an excellent addition to any landscape design, from attracting pollinators to providing visual appeal. Blue Lobelia is a fantastic choice when you crave flowers that swirl together showy blue blossoms with vibrant greenery in bright spikes. It's a striking, solidly built plant that delights people and pollinators. The Aesthetics of The Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) Perennial Several large flowers spiral around the stout central stem in an extended cluster. They are positioned most heavily along the upper portion of the stem. The tubular flowers have five petals with edges that curl attractively. Two petals form an upper lip—three fuse together to create a lower lip that is more prominent. Blooms are typically about an inch long and may appear solid or striped. While the bold flowers are the show's stars, the vibrant green foliage shines in its supporting role. The thick, unbranching stem stands firm and tall, allowing the plant to quickly reach two to three feet. Plants reaching four feet in height are not uncommon. The stems are wrapped in alternating leaves with no stalks in varying shapes. Some are shaped like a lance and finely toothed. These can measure up to five inches in length. Others are elliptical and can be between two and six inches long. Blue lobelia are primarily found in shades of blue or purple. However, plants with white flowers are also available. In addition, crosses with cardinal flowers may result in plants that produce pink blooms. Blue Lobelias Blooming Season This wildflower generally unfurls its blooms in midsummer or later and continues the show until fall. In many regions, you can enjoy the flowers from July through October. Blue Lobelia Has Exotic Flower Blue Lobelia are unique flowers that put on a fantastic show, so they're an excellent choice when you want something big, bold, and beautiful. They attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators. They flourish along ponds and water features, are favorites in borders, thrive in rain gardens, and delight when paired with plants like ferns, heuchera, or cardinal flowers.  What is the best fertilizer for the Blue Lobelia  The Blue Lobelia prefers a balanced fertilizer, a 10-10-10 mix that should be applied every month during the growing season. Organic compost also improves the soil and promotes healthy flowers.  Where does blue lobelia grow best?  Blue Lobelia can be grown in moist, well drained soil and partial to full sun. It is suitable for borders, rain gardens, or near streams.  How should I maintain the Blue Lobelia Plant  Blue lobelia require consistent watering as they thrive in moist soil. Remove withered flowers to encourage consistent blooms. Trimming back the stems after the flowering period helps to increase growth.  Can I grow Blue Lobelia in containers?  Blue Lobelia can be grown in containers with excellent drainage and fertile soil. Remember that potted plants need watering more often than those growing directly in the soil since they get dry much faster.  How long does Blue Lobelia last  Blue Lobelia is a short-lived perennial that will only last between 2 and 3 years. But it readily self-seeds, so new plants will sprout season after season.

Cardinal Flower - TN Nursery

Cardinal Flower

The Red Cardinal Flower has vibrant red blooms and tall, erect stalks. It adds color and elegance to gardens, parks, and various outdoor spaces. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for landscapers and gardeners. The scarlet-hued Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial in the bellflower family. Its tall, nectar-filled bloom spikes attract hummingbirds and create a beautiful display in your garden. The plant's common name refers to the red robes a Roman Catholic cardinal wears.      Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a Powerful Pollinator Perennial Lobelia is native to the North and South American continents and blooms from July through September. This moisture-loving plant grows on stream banks and in low woods, marshes, and meadows across the United States. If you want to create a handsome show in your garden, Lobelia will surely delight. The plant's fiery spires yield brilliant red blooms that open gradually from the bottom to the top of their racemes. Each long, narrow, tube-shaped blossom has two flat upper petals and three lower petals at the tips. The delicate plant crown leafy 2’-4' stems, covered with shiny, lance-shaped, bright green leaves that sometimes have a bronze or reddish tint. The leaves alternate as they climb the stems, enhancing the blooms to create a lively riot of color. Add Color To Your Water Garden With Cardinal Flowers  Cardinal Flower is a favorite of gardeners who love adding bold splashes of crimson. This plant is perfect for shady woodland plots, wet meadow plantings, water gardens, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. Its long stems can add height to borders and create depth when placed in the back sections of your landscape. The blossoms are most spectacular from midsummer into fall and make excellent cut blooms. Ecology Of The Cardinal Flower Some people say Lobelia will bring hummingbirds in from the sky. The plant's blooming period coincides with the late-summer migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds traveling south to Mexico. The birds pollinate the plant by dipping their beaks into the plants' long, red tubes. The blossoms are also beautiful to swallowtail butterflies and bees, making them a wonderful centerpiece in a pollinator garden. Cardinal Flower Is A Bold Statement In Any Garden  When you want to make a bold, beautiful statement in your garden, include the Cardinal Flower in your plan and celebrate the summer season. Where Do Cardinal Flowers Grow Best  Cardinal flower grows best in soil that is moist and full of nutrients and partly shaded to fully sunny areas. It typically grows along the edge of streams, at marsh, and in borders of gardens with frequent irrigation.  How do you propagate cardinal flowers?  They can be propagated from seeds, division, or even by the basal shoots. Take seeds from the plant in midsummer or clump in early spring to propagate new plants, which a moist soil should provide for root development.  How do you care for cardinal flowers?  The soil must be moist with plenty of organic content. Deadhead to foster continued flowering and add much to maintain the moisture of the soil as well as protect the roots throughout the winter.  Can You Grow Cardinal Flowers From Cuttings  It is actually possible to propagate cardinal flowers by cuttings. Buddings should be taken from a softwood during spring, put in a moist medium, and in high humidity to promote rooting.  Is the cardinal flower easy to grow?  Yes, cardinal flowers are relatively easy to cultivate. They need moisture in the soil, and grow them in partial shade; once planted in the right habitat, there is very little required care.

Jewelweed plant

Jewelweed Plant

It is known for its vibrant appearance and unique characteristics and offers various landscaping benefits. Its inclusion can contribute to a garden or outdoor space's overall aesthetic appeal and ecological balance.  Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is an annual wildflower known as orange balsam and spotted touch-me-not. Some say it gets its name from the sparkling dewdrops that line its leaves in the morning, while others contend that the brilliant, red-spotted orange flowers glow like bright jewels. These flowers are also famous for their explosive seed pods, which give the plant the name "touch-me-not." Native to northern and eastern North America, it starts blooming in June and continues until it succumbs to October frosts. The flower grows naturally in cool, low woodlands and decorates shady stream banks, creek banks, lakesides, and marshes. The Appearance Of Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) Orange balsam is a lush green wildflower that grows 3'–5' tall. It branches prolifically and produces a profusion of inch-long, spotted orange blossoms with blood-orange or red markings. Each delicate blossom hangs from its stalk among neighboring flowers. They have two lips, five petals, and three sepals, one of which is a pouch-shaped structure with a nectar spur that curves back under the rest of the flower. The blooms form small clusters that rise above the herb's upper leaves. The Jewelweed's round green to reddish-grTNeen stems are smooth, succulent, and semi-translucent. Its toothed, spade-shaped, bluish-green leaves are usually about 2½"–3" long and grow alternating on the herb's upper stems. Jewelweed Is Great In Woodland Gardens  Jewelweed makes a beautiful addition to woodland gardens, shady rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. It's great for ponds, bog gardens, and lowland areas. Although it's an annual, this wildflower tends to return once established. Pollinators Love Jewelweed Plant The blossoms attract butterflies and other pollinators. Hummingbirds and bumblebees, the herb's primary pollinators, find nourishment in its sweet nectar and play a significant role in its successful propagation. It is also a food source for moth caterpillars, bobwhite quail, mice, and deer, and it is fond of its stems, leaves, and seeds. If you'd like to add a bright pop of orange to your summer garden, planting it will bring joy to your landscape with its delightful blooms. What is a Jewelweed Plant Jewelweed, or Impatiens capensis, is a shady ornamental herbaceous plant. It blooms orange trumpet-shaped flowers. The plant will do best around a wetland or a stream.  Why is it called "Jewelweed"?  The name is given because of the beads the water drops make on the leaves, which shine like jewels when exposed to the sunlight.  Is Jewelweed easy to grow Jewelweed is an easy-growing plant and likes moist, shady areas. Once planted, it grows itself, so it's perfect for a natural garden.  Does Jewelweed support wildlife?  Yes, it does. Its nectar is a draw for butterflies and other insect pollinators so that live miracles will be in your compound. It also feeds many insects and, in this way, supplants natural landscapes.  The best fertilizer for Jewelweed Jewelweed is happy in rich soil and does not need to be fertilized. But if you have to put in fertilizer, put 10-10-10 in. Never fertilize too much, or they will produce too much foliage.

bulrush

Bulrush

Bulrush offers a range of benefits when integrated into landscaping projects. These versatile plants, commonly found near water bodies, bring a distinct and natural charm to outdoor spaces while serving functional and ecological roles. Enjoy Color-Changing Foliage Of Bulrush (Scirpoides holoschoenus) Plugs Bulrush plugs have long, floppy, dark green stems that are triangular. The spongy stems support spikey blossoms that occasionally sag and reach just below the stem's tip. Each flower spike usually produces anywhere from 50 to 100 blooms that range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches in length each spring. The leaf blades' characteristic "V" shape gives them a sheath-like appearance as they round the lengthy stem. Depending on the kind, flowers can be any yellow, red, or brown shade. The most color change tends to occur towards the end of fall. Create Dramatic Silhouettes With Bulrush The upright growth of their long, thin stems makes them a dramatic vertical feature in any setting. Their tall stalks provide a striking visual contrast when seen against a water background. The foliage is verdant and showy in the spring and summer, with large spikes of flowers. It can take on a golden or brown hue in the fall, creating a cozy background. The plugs form striking silhouettes against the sky, particularly at dawn or sunset. Bulrush Can Get Up To 10 Feet Tall Their delicate texture produces lots of textural contrast when combined with the robust leaves of broad-leaved plants. They also pair well with the fluffy plumes of ornamental grasses. Their tall, thin stems and growth patterns give their surroundings a sense of height and depth. They can get up to 10 feet tall. Bulrush Is Excellent For Fish Habitats Bulrush has deep root systems that help keep soil in place. This is especially beneficial in areas with freshly exposed soil and sloped banks. Many people use them for wetland reclamation projects. These plants act as wind barriers when grown in clusters or rows, further helping with erosion control. These wind barriers can also double as natural privacy screens. Another way that they improve soil vitality is by absorbing harmful metals and bacteria. This reduces water pollution, making the soil healthier and less likely to erode. What are some interesting facts about the bulrush plant Bulrush is native to marshes and is a water purifier! They also shelter birds and some types of amphibians.  What are the characteristics of a bulrush plant?  Bulrushes are thorny grasses. They're usually round and 1-3 feet high but can grow as high as 5-10 feet, depending on the landscape. They have green stems and seed heads.  What is the lifecycle of bulrush Bulrush plants are perennials and grow up in one year and start off the following year from seed. They are usually cultivated by growth in spring, flowering in summer and fruiting in autumn with root regeneration in winter.  Where is the best place to grow a bulrush plant?  Bulrush will do best in a swampy landscape with waterlogged soils: wetland, pond and marsh, and particularly at the edge of a lake or a stream. It is hardy in full sun or partial shade.  Do bulrushes have flowers Bulrushes are very scarcely apparent flowering plants with paniculated spikes. They usually flower in midsummer and are followed by seed heads that help to spread the plant.

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