Lao Chan Fei. Photo courtesy of the 2013 Aquatic Gardeners Association International Aquascaping Contest
Most of the plants we enjoy are above ground, but what about the many species that live underwater? A new exhibition opens this week at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park that puts these special hydrophytes on full display.
The Art of Underwater Gardening lets visitors dive into the dazzling world of aquatic plants and the international garden design trend called aquascaping, the art of creating underwater landscapes with plants, stones and wood. These submerged gardens built in large aquariums can mimic everything from primeval forests to verdant valleys as they become sublime works of underwater abstract art.
Aquascaping began with the Dutch in the 1930s but got a huge amount of attention in the 1990s when Japanese aquarist and photographer Takashi Amano introduced the world to his “nature aquarium” style. Amano made use of the Zen aesthetic practice of rock and plant arrangement to create minimal, but gorgeous works of living art. This triggered a huge amount of interest in the hobby and led to the establishment of dozens of international aquascaping associations and huge contests that attract hundreds of entries from around the world each year.
Check out these amazing entries from IAPLC
The Conservatory’s exhibition will feature a dozen tanks ranging from 4 to 6 feet long, set into the walls of a partially enclosed cavern-like setting that gives visitors the feeling of being down in a sinkhole. Nine of the tanks take their inspiration from Africa, Asia and South America, making use of native plants, rock, hardwood and fish to evoke the natural landscape of these tropical places. Three additional tanks are being created by local aquarium experts from San Francisco’s Ocean Treasures and will highlight the more abstract, artistic possibilities of aquascape design.
Timucin Sagel, photo courtesy of the 2013 Aquatic Gardeners Association International Aquascaping Contest
Aquascapes are a fine balance between form and function. An aquascape is an ecosystem in which every living and non-living item contributes not only to the overall beauty of the aquarium, but also to the chemical and biological balance that allows the plants and any animals to live. Consideration must be given to lighting, carbon dioxide levels, filtration, algae control, fertilization and more. Plants and fish work together to process waste and aerate the water. Rocks and gravel provide shelter for beneficial bacteria that reduce toxicity from waste. Even the position of the wood and rock affects the health of the tank by allowing or impeding the flow of water.
The Art of Underwater Gardening opens to the public on November 13, 2014 and runs until April 12, 2015. Entry to the exhibition is included in regular admission to the Conservatory.
Sarah B.
Aqua Forest Aquarium