Ornata wrote:
Welsh Witch wrote:
We've nearly finished this pool (on web below) which is 20 yards by 15. I
have looked at hundreds of pools and the planting round the edges and my
mind is always drawn to the exotic like those in ancient Egypt and Mexico.
I know I can't grow such things but there must be something that can be
grown that looks like these plants.
Someone suggesting bamboo, previously is something I thought I could use
hereabouts I have a nigra a large clump..I just hope it will move OK... I
am sure there should be plants that wave in the breeze. The spot is in
full sun from about 10am to 5pm and I'm hoping to be able to use solar to
work the pumps. It seems such a waste to let all this water overflowing
everywhere in this area... so we'll collect sky water as much as
possible.BUT plants I'm completely foxed. I don't want to put their feet
in the water just along the sides which are to be filled with backing
cement/stones and soil. Summer we hopefully can water the vegetables.

http://www.saveoursaxon.co.uk/whatplants.html

One plant you could try is Cyperus involucratus. I grew it from seed
(RHS) this spring and ended up with loads of plants, some of which are
growing as houseplants. Others are outdoors in pots and have died back
for the winter. They should shoot again in spring. I'm not sure
they'd be hardy for you, but they are so easy to grow from seed, very
fast growing, and they thrive in constant moisture, so perhaps it's
worth a try? Take a look at this URL:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/2532/

And Gunnera manicata could make a nice contrast to the swaying,
reed-like plants you're after...?

And -- don't everybody shout at once -- the much-maligned pampas grass
looks very fine reflected in water as long as there's enough of it to
make a good statement. Isn't there one of our number who grows it
behind big gunneras on the far side of a big pond? It's only in a
lonely clump in a suburban front lawn that it looks daft.

--
Mike.