Q: Will water lilies grow in colder climates?

A: Yes, the hardy water lily is everything its name suggests. These perennials live for years in the coldest climates. The plant goes dormant during the winter months, but as long as the tuber is below the ice line it will bloom again the following spring.

Tropical water lilies, which come in day-blooming or night-blooming varieties, have taller blossoms in a wider range of colors than hardy water lilies. They often live year after year in mild climates and are treated as annuals where the winters are cold.

Q: How do I keep my pond from turning green with algae?

A: William C. Uber, author of Water Gardening Basics, has this to say, "Don't become alarmed at the sight of green water (algae) in your pond. Algae, simple forms of plant life, naturally occur wherever water and light exist." He goes on to explain that ponds containing natural life--plants and fish--are not meant to be as crystal clear as a swimming pool. Setup chemicals, which may be ordered through Water Visions catalog, will help your pond become established.

Q: I'd like to start a tub garden. Do I need a special type of container?

A: No. Half the fun of starting a tub garden is experimenting with different containers, plants and fish. Today's popular containers include ceramic pots, wooden tubs, wheel barrows, horse troughs, and old-fashioned bathtubs.

Q: How difficult is it for the do-it-yourself homeowner to construct a water fountain or waterfall?

A: During this era of "cocooning" in our homes, many homeowners have discovered the ease of integrating fountains or waterfalls into their overall landscaping designs. Even small yards and patios can usually accommodate small fountains.

You can create a fountain with or without an existing pond. Almost any water-holding container will accommodate the required essentials. However, your container width should be approximately twice the height of a single spout fountain jet.

Waterfalls come in all sizes and shapes. And, according to aquatic consultant Bill Uber, fountains and waterfalls should not be constructed as lifetime, permanent fixtures. "When constructed as an addition to the pond, fountains and waterfalls are two features that can be updated, changed, or remodeled at some later date," he says.

Q: How important are fish in a water garden?

A: Fish are one of the components in balancing a successful water garden. Fish also add color and movement; they bring your pond alive. Fish help the ecological balance of water gardens by acting as pond gardeners. They trim excess foliage and eat algae, mosquito larvae, aphids, flies and other insects. Koi are the most popular pond fish. They are intelligent, hardy, responsive to humans and come in a beautiful array of colors.