*** I’ve tried a couple of times to establish some water plants that are readily available, problem is that they don’t establish in pure sand coupled with our winters. Dilemma.***
Last Fall we had a stone waterfall feature built for our meditation garden. Rocks hide the plastic liner. It is wet on the rocks and that eventually makes its way back to the pool to recirculate. I have had success growing blue flag iris in next to nothing for soil, but a few inches of water. We had a very harsh winter this past year, to the point that it was more like zone 5 instead of zone 6. Those irises came back in the spring and bloomed beautifully! They are just now finishing with their blossoms. I’m hoping they will spread even more this next year. Such a thrill.
Also we have some little hostas growing near the irises. They did quite well, too. I guess the snow insulated these plants some.
I’m not sure if this is the type of thing you’re looking for.
Yes, have investigated varieties of iris that thrive in a super-wet environment, the problem is it a straight drop-off of a couple feet. Am going to get some anyway and see what happens, thanks!