Garden-Lou visits Robert Henson

Robert Henson’s passions are not apparent from the front of his south county home. One glance at his backyard, however, makes it all clear.

Water.

And lots of it.

Layered throughout the yard and among the multiple water features and greenhouses live orchids, tropicals, hardy ferns, carnivorous and water garden plants.

Robert taught chemistry before retiring from the Rockwood School District. Currently, he serves as president of the St. Louis Water Garden Society. He’s the go-to man responsible for finding speakers, conducting monthly membership meetings, and coordinating with fellow board members for events such as Pond-O-Rama, trips, and the annual members-only Tiki Tour.

Robert’s teaching background comes in handy. The favorite part of his job is getting calls for advice. “I receive several requests from the general public asking for help and guidance with their water gardens.”

Robert’s teaching background doesn’t stop at phone calls or visits. The last Water Garden Society meeting combined with the St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society for an in-depth look at the world of carnivorous plants which co-exist beautifully in Robert’s garden. A bog bio-filter demonstration, led by Robert, used a partially constructed bog feature to view the inner workings.

The bog is the newest addition to his garden that includes a large water lily pond, koi, and goldfish ponds. An artist friend of his created the stainless-steel sculptures that enhance the water features. A unique dripping trellis feature simulates a gentle rain shower into a pond where a metal wagon wheel Robert repurposed into a clever fountain takes center stage.

Two greenhouses house the tropicals and orchids. One contains a small waterfall adding to the tropical sights and sounds inside.

Robert credits his mother and sister, who also had green thumbs, and he still has a sentimental small shovel given to his mother many years ago.

Robert didn’t create all this magic overnight. He started the garden 20 years ago by hand digging the largest pond, then adding the other features and areas over the years. “Just maintaining what I currently have keeps me very busy. This year’s construction of a bog biofilter was hopefully the last major project.”

Robert’s garden has been featured on the local Master Gardener’s Tour, and he is a regular on the Water Garden Society’s Pond-O-Rama tour in early summer.

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

QUICK FACTS;

–Favorite garden you’ve visited in person, near or far? Missouri Botanical Garden

–If stranded on a deserted island and could only have ONE plant to keep you company, it would be? (It doesn’t have to be a food-bearing plant since this island has a free buffet!) Tropical water lilies.

-Favorite tool? A small stainless shovel I had given my mother many years ago.

–If you could have lunch with any other plant geek, dead or living, who would it be? Thomas Jefferson or Gregory Mendel.