Outdoor work today, who's keeping me company?

[Lisak1]

I cut my lilies back two weeks ago... I already have lily pads back at the surface from a couple of them. We're having an unusually warm fall, but I know from many years of experience winter will come in like the door slamming... no gently going into the cold season here!

It's always a strange sight to see my pond without plants after everything gets cut back. Kind of sad, but somehow refreshing, too. Like a pond reset. I always take some time to analyze what I liked and didn't like and make plans for next year while it's still fresh in my mind. I love the fall!

 

[EricV]

I cut my lilies back two weeks ago... I already have lily pads back at the surface from a couple of them.

Your lilies are doing well in my pond too. I dropped them down to the bottom after cutting back some of the leaves. There are lots of pads up to the top already. Anyone have any tricks for cutting them back without getting into the pond? Even with my waders, I'm not sure it will be warm enough in November.

Most other things are still looking good. Only the arrowheads seem to be dying back.

 

[sissy]

The reason I moved to VA still 4 seasons but the snow does not last long which makes me happy .I see it and it is pretty then it gets dirty and is ugly then it is gone and I don't miss it .

 

[Lisak1]

Anyone have any tricks for cutting them back without getting into the pond? Even with my waders, I'm not sure it will be warm enough in November.

They make a long handled clippers for just this purpose. I've never used one so I can't vouch for ease of use. Honestly the few pads that are growing right now I'm not worried about leaving in the pond. They'll rot, but it's not the big of a deal. Now if you haven't trimmed them back at all, that MIGHT GET CHILLY!

 

[addy1]

Mine are regrowing and blooming. But the few leaves get to just die. Not that many.

 

[morewater]

They make a long handled clippers for just this purpose. I've never used one so I can't vouch for ease of use. Honestly the few pads that are growing right now I'm not worried about leaving in the pond. They'll rot, but it's not the big of a deal. Now if you haven't trimmed them back at all, that MIGHT GET CHILLY!

Neoprene chest waders and what I call my "cow birthin' gloves (rubber gloves that go up to your armpits).

Those clippers take forever. I'd rather trace each pad down to its base and gently pull for separation.

 

[Lisak1]

Those clippers take forever. I'd rather trace each pad down to its base and gently pull for separation.

That's kind of my thought, too. Also, my pots tend to move around a bit too much to make it practical to go at them from clippers from outside the pond.