Water Hyacinth

                                                                                       Attribution:  Hank's collection
Image:1 The first bloom appeared on Jan 11, 2013
.
There were grass carp and cat-fish at different
times in the enclosure - a  small pond-like thing
at the backyard. The heat was unforgiving and the
fish did not survive for long

A lean-to or a tiny top cover would be ideal
It needed shade. But the backyard was already
cramped. This option was not pursued. Something
to be done to the water surface was the alternative
This enclosure did not cover much space so it
should be easy

It all started with just two tiny stalks
These grew very fast. They spread out with
daughter-stalks in all directions. I was the
culprit who kept throwing in of what were
left of the old fish feed in the initial stages.
These acted as fertilizer and spawned
the growth faster.

On Jan 11, our 'little pond' sprung a surprise
A tiny flower stalk stole out the previous evening
I didn't think much of it. The next morning the
first ever blooms appeared - three little clumps.
The following day more appeared. It was exhilarating!

Water hyacinth is known to block waterways, clogging
the water surface. It prevents sunlight from reaching the
bottom that supports marine life. But for this
enclosure it is a controlled situation. It's all right!

I plan to stock the pond again with only the hardy
cat-fish to help ward off mosquitoes. The water is
cooler now with the surface cover. But I would have
to keep the growth and progress of the water hyacinth
in check.

Note: The prompt calls for something on 'growing up'. It's most opportune
as it was a few months growing and the first bloom appeared at the right time

Written for Stu's hosting at d'Verse, POETICS - 'Growing-up'