A Pretty Problem

   A while back, someone obviously dumped a bunch of pond plants into the Bay.  While this may not seem to be a big deal, it is since most of the plants used in ornamental ponds are not native to the area.  When you put them in an environment that is perfect for growing...they grow...and grow.  The Bay is a lot larger than any tiny pond, so the plants simply multiply to great ends.  This creates problems as now the native plants are squeezed out of their territory and many of the critters that depend on those plants have to either leave or die.   The plants also clog waterways such as the Bayou making navigation by small boats virtually impossible.

  When I discovered a bunch of water hyacinths near the pier, I was quick to fish them out of the water.  All but two were destroyed by composting.  Two went into the little Frog Pond where I could keep track of the plants.  Water hyacinths are an invasive species that are rapid growers and can reproduce like crazy. In fact, they are the fastest multiplying water plants on earth!  Go figure.  

  Those two plants in the little pond did well and by the year's end had multiplied enough to totally fill the pond.  Come next spring (and every spring since), I fished the plants out, returned two and composted the rest.  Hundreds upon hundreds of hyacinths filled the compost pile!  While most others are attracted to the beautiful blooms, I grow them for the composting.  These things make the best fertilizer for the gardens!

  Today, the hyacinths are in full bloom and the pond is a gorgeous mess of purple!  My second cleaning of the pond will be in a couple of weeks since the pond is clogged and most of the frogs are not happy.  The compost pile will be filled again and soon the garden plants WILL be happy!  Folks, don't dump your unwanted plants and critters.  They do, indeed, cause problems for the environment.  Be careful!