If you have a back yard water feature, consider adding aquatic plants to not only enhance the look of your pond, but many plants provide beneficial nutrients and oxygen. We asked local landscapers to share their favorite aquatic plants.

Water Lilies

"Tropical or hardy water lilies are a must for your pond or water feature.  Not only do water lilies bloom all summer long, they also provide shade and protection for your fish and help keep the pond water clean." David Sherwood, Sherwood’s Forest.

​“Helleborus is a winter hardy shade perennial that blooms early spring. This plant is deer resistant and comes in many varieties and colors.” David Sherwood, Sherwood’s Forest.

Karlene Feldker has been a member of the Missouri Botanical Garden for more than 30 years. Her love of and fascination for the Garden eventually led her to a volunteer position as a “Plant Doctor” at the Kemper Center for Home Gardening, where home gardeners bring in all sorts of plant questions ranging from simple identification to diagnosing diseases and pests. Karlene’s earliest memory of the Garden was as a school girl. “I was so impressed that each plant had a label describing the plant, its characteristics and country of origin.

Often one of the first bloomers of the season, pansies are the perfect annual to plant for bright spring color. SLHL asked local landscapers to share their favorite variety of pansy.

Editor’s note: With work done outside, this is the time of year gardeners begin to dream about next year’s plantings. This charming garden began as a personal, then family, project that the parents and also their children now wish to share with a wider audience. To protect their privacy, they have requested we not use their names. You can read more about the family’s gardening adventures, accompanied by beautiful photography, at www.spygarden.com.

Don't let your holiday gift-buying list stump you. For the gardener in your life, consider one of these great gift ideas from local area landscapers.