The Grape Hyacinths were lovely this year. They grew tall enough to be clipped and brought in for a flower arrangement. When I created the bouquet, I added Creeping Jenny. The addition of these small pieces of foliage was the right choice for the pint-sized vase.
While walking through a local Goodwill store, my eyes fell on this vibrant yellow vase adorned with a bright blue flower. I was close to being certain it was vintage when I spotted it. Sure enough, when I brought it home and looked up the writing on the back side, Pat Png. Opco Zano, the estimated date of manufacture was the 1950’s. Even better, when I clicked on images, I found that the vase comes in a variety of colors and with different flowers on the front. I will keep an eye out for similar vases.
On a trip to a local garden nursery I noticed pond plants set aside for sale. I was surprised to see Creeping Jenny, a groundcover I grow, being sold as a pond plant. This is a great little plant. My initial purchase of one pot for about $3.99 a few years ago has spread by itself, and by my design, into several areas in my yard. I was immediately inspired to try and adapt a few sprigs of my Creeping Jenny into a pond-worthy plant.
First, I tried planting several stems in a pot with sand and rocks. No success! The fish promptly tugged the Creeping Jenny out of its moorings. I realized I needed a way to contain the roots that would be fish proof. I decided to try growing the Jenny hydroponically, not using any soil at all. The new dilemma in my pond project was how to contain the roots. I knew that if I put the Jenny in the water the fish would nibble away at the roots and the strands would separate into a scraggly mess.
I looked around the house for inspiration and my eyes alighted on a Tic Tac container. Hmmm—if I cut the bottom of the container off would it hold the roots but still allow water to circulate and bring nutrients to the plant? Yes, it was worth a try. I cut away the bottom and also removed the white dispenser from the other end. (scissors and/or a box cutter will work)
The next step was to wash all dirt and debris off the roots of the Creeping Jenny and twist a rubber band around them as tightly as I was able. When this was done I squeezed the sides of theTic Tac container and the top opened up into a circular shape. After I placed the roots into the container, I let go of the sides, and the Tic Tac box snapped back into shape holding the banded roots tightly within the confines of the plastic, but still enabling water to flow in and out.
I placed all of this in the pond. It worked, the Creeping Jenny floated nicely, but the bottom of the Tic Tac box was visible and allowed the plant to float on its side rather than root downwards.
To solve this problem I found the discarded dispenser top and placed a rock in the side without the hole. I pulled away the closure tab leaving an open hole for water circulation, I put this on the bottom of the Tic Tac container and placed it in the water once again.
Success! The plant has been in my pond for two weeks and is thriving. I’ve been saving my Tic Tac containers to use in adapting a few more water-viable plants for my pond. Updates will follow.
I love my groundcover plants. I have quite the assortment. I have found many of these in places people have dumped their lawn refuse. These include: ajuga, vinca, lamium (archangel variety) and ivy. I’ve purchased creeping jenny and sweet woodruff, and the small price I have paid for these has been well worth it as they have multiplied and covered areas that aren’t conducive to growing other garden plants.
