I have mine contained in a hula hoop that I wrapped with black electrical tape just because I didn't want a bright pink ring in my pond. I tied fishing line to one edge and the other end to a tent peg that is stuck in the ground outside the pond. The hyacinth will cover the edges of the hoop and can't escape. I put a 4" pond planting basket inside the hoop that is tied to the hoop. It has a hosta in it and some frogbit as I find the frogbit has a tendency to escape the hope and the hosta roots are heavier than hyacinth. I don't have much luck with hyacinth here--probably too cold as they like water warmer than 65F. I use a lot of parrots feather in my pond to give shade and it's a good oxygenator. I have some planted in dirt in a pot just below the waterfall and it has reached the surface now, some in a pot with dirt along the edge and some just tucked bareroot under rocks along the edge. I find it grows much faster than the hyacinth and can tolerate splashing from the waterfall or from aeration. I also find that it grows better for me if planted in dirt--don't know why. The fish won't eat it and it collects algae like the hyacinth but doesn't get that ugly brown bulbs like the hyacinth. I just like the plant better.

z, I don't believe there is any general rule for this sort of thing. You may ask this question in various forums where these types of concerns are common like the Container, Vegetable, Flower and anything grown from seed forums. The only thing I know about this sort of thing is one) the water behaves different in different types of soil Clayey versus Sandy) and 2)that watering from the bottom may dislodge the seed and may damage very tender roots from seedlings. I do use wicking from the bottom into containers via roping in tomatoe container gardening. GL Aloha

Lol Eloise every morning I go out there and there he is all slumped over thirsty..It is a crazy brug...He gets the same amount as all the other ones...He is just a thirsty guy..:)

Yesterday morning I turned my compost pile and planted some perennials, lilies, and other bulbs. Not sure how many I planted yesterday but in the last week I've planted 22 plants and 75 bulbs. I've also moved some perennials. Still have a few bulbs and 2 big flats of annuals left to put in as well as some seeds to throw around. It started raining so that was enough excuse to stop for the day. I try to limit my time in the garden to 3 hours or less. I used to be out there all day but not doing that anymore. I find gardening is easier since I lost weight. I lost 50 pounds over 4 years and now can't even *lift* 50 pounds but packed it around on my body for years. I also take vitamins and eat very carefully as plan to live for a very long time and much prefer health to disease. Since I really dislike “formal exercising” I garden as one of my main ways to keep active and reasonably fit. So far it's working altho on days when I overdo and all my muscles are screaming at me I think I might be satisfied with a half dozen pots on my deck! I'd have to find something else to do then, probably take my dog for long walks, find an exercise program I like, or volunteer more. What I've learned thru experience is that as I age I cannot work for the long hours I used to, at least not without hurting a lot. I used to garden morning and evening as well as working long hours at my job, tending house, and kids. Now 2-3 hours at a time each day is enough. I also hire help when necessary for the heavy work. Occasionally I even hire someone to vacuum my house! Lazy old me! LOL