Aquatic & Monocot Gardens
Bold tropicals & a tranquil pool
Situated just north of the Wild Garden, these two spaces share nothing with the naturalistic plantings and winding paths there. Here, a formal setting of neatly trimmed hedges and symmetrical stone pergolas provide the framework for a lush display of monocots and a rectangular, shallow pool. Come summer, the monocots are lush and intriguing, and the water garden a rich display of aquatic plants.
Founding Director of Horticulture Marco Polo Stufano devised several teaching gardens in this area in the early years of Wave Hill’s being a public garden—asuccotash garden one year and a planting of a single plant family, the composites (Compositae/Asteraceae), another. But it was a monocot planting that seemed especially appealing to most visitors. Funding, provided by the Rossbachs, a local family, allowed for the construction of the stone retaining walls and the patio between the two beds.
Hardy plants remain in the pool for the winter month. The less hardy are brought indoors.
Aquatic and Monocot Gardens in August
The Monocot and Aquatic gardens' formal arrangement creates a pleasing rectangular symmetry, softened by the abundant foliage of the plantings.
Water lily cultivar
Until the late 19th century all species of hardy water lily—those native to temperate climates with cool winters—were resolutely white-flowered.
Leichtlin's lily
Leichtlin’s lily (Lilium leichtlinii) grows up to four feet high and produces masses of golden-yellow flowers.