Bill,
Check out Lance Mindheims "Voodoo and Palmettoes" layout. Lance modeled a canal which is excellent. He also has photos of the construction of the canal less the paint and Envirotex resin which is used to simulate water. The actual canal depth is 3/4". Lance does fantastic detail work.
www.lancemindheim.com
Larry
Noch makes a tree leef product that might work for broad leef water plants.http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/528-7142
Welcome to the forum Bill,
That's an interesting area to model. Remember that parts of that line (hyde park near the yacht club) use five distinct colors of mixed ballast.
You can cut out "lilly pads" with a sharpened piece of brass tubing - kind of like a miniature leather punch. Paint the paper first with several shades of green and use the tube to make the leaves. Sorry, I don't have an image handy.
You can also simulate algae by dipping a toothpick into green paint (floquil reefer green) and touching it to the surface of the envirotex before it dries. The green will spread out and mix. Careful application will simulate algae with animal "tracks" through it.
I simulated cattails for a farm pond with brown nail polish on floral wire (see image).
I hope that this is of some help to you and am sure that others will have further tips.
Karl
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR