In our main pond mine are like Esther's, just in the rocks. In the new lilypond I do not have rocks on the bottom, and only some of the shelfs have rocks. I planted in pots, with and without holes, I think I prefer the no holes as the roots on those that are fast growing stay contained better. I recently purchased a bunch of black dishpans from Wal-mart and come spring will repot my lilies in these at present they are in small buckets/and 8"-10" hanging type pots, but again I'm not fond of the holes.