water lilies were sparse this year. Herbicide was introduced into the pond, again this spring, to control invasive plants such as water chestnuts, elodea, coontail and pondweed. These non-native fast-growing species had literally taken over in recent years, threatening the diversity of the ecosystem, and posing a renewed risk of eutrophication.
The water lilies themselves had grown a bit out of control, overwhelming our little cove. By delaying their growth, the treatment seems to have limited, but not eliminated these durable favorites. The lily blossoms open in the morning, and close later in the day.