Water - the next item on the grocery list.  I needed some bottled water to put into our son's lunch for school.  As I rounded the corner out of the soda pop aisle, there before me were two entire aisles fully stocked with bottled water.  Filtered water, spring water, soda water, water with a touch of lemon.  So many waters, some even imported and costing more than a bottle of beer!  They all taste different - natural "spring water" alkalinity, some with a bit of carbonation, others clean and pure.

The type of water we use to drench our plants can make a huge difference.  Hermann realized this early on in his growing career.  One of the first things he built here at Oak Hill Gardens was a rainwater cistern.  It sits underneath House #1, a huge dark cement swimming pool that can hold up to 32,000 gallons of runoff from the greenhouse roofs.  Natural, pure rainwater is the best possible drink for your plants....and it's free!

Water filtered through a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is another very good source.  An RO system takes your tap water and filters it in a special way, producing very pure water. 

Well water can also be used.  However, often the minerals (Calcium, etc.) present in this source can build up in your bark and soil, and also become evident as white, chalky markings on the leaves, pots and trays.  These mineral deposits are not welcomed by most plants and their root systems (Paphiopedilums would be an exception) and can hinder plant growth.

Filtered water, and water collected by de-humidifiers, are also good choices.  Both of these are relatively pure and plants love them. 
Water from a freshwater fish tank (no salt water, please!) is also a good source of nitrogen.  You would be surprised at the nutritional value of a gallon of "fish droppings!"

NEVER use softened water.  The salts added build up quickly on your plants' leaves and root system and can be fatal to them.

Always try to use the purest water possible when soaking your plants.  It can make a marked difference in their growth and appearance.  You will be rewarded with lush, green, shiny new leaves as well as new root growth and sparkling flowers.

And please, save the beer and wine for yourself!

Happy Watering,
Liese