[gardeners] Hydro-poolic gardens

asidv@fbg.net (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Wed, 1 Apr 1998 20:31:49 +0000

Liz's production of seaweed, kelp, and other aquatic life forms 
should inspire us all -- whether we have swimming pools, creeks, 
river frontage or (as in our case) just some old galvanized washtubs 
in which we keep water for the deer, raccoons, armadillos, rabbits, 
snakes, and birds..

As George reminds us all, "Life is Good.!" and of course, 
Water + Sunshine + Time = Life forms.  We should all happily
accept these natural gifts in our water repositories, whether they be 
animal or vegetable in the spirit in which they came to be: happy 
surprises! 

In our own too infrequently tended galvanized tubs we may find 
larvae, mosses, and the occasional drowned insect. One morning we 
discovered an amorphous, gelatinous, irridescent blob of something 
that recoiled when touched. We gave it a decent burial and didn't 
inquire too carefully into its background. Some questions are best 
left unasked; a gift is a gift is a gift.
 
However, if oneis so fortunate as to have a swimming pool, a decision 
must be reached., Is this facility to be used solely for 
swimming or for the production of crops/livestock, or some 
combination thereof? For those who eat catfish, would this be a 
viable crop? For beautification,should we plant water hyacinths? For 
scientific research, take-what-comes andcommit ourselves to the 
making of detailed, periodic reports to the County Agent?

On the answers to these challenges one will makeone's  plans for 
one's water experiences. Think of the challenges! Think of the 
possibilities! 

Let us all put our heads together that we may, as it were, Keep Water 
on the Brain.
			Pat