Plants for the fish

So we keep buying water lilies and plants for the pond (to give the fish some shade) and they keep dying. Too much sun I guess. So I walk outside the other morning and I find these nice big plants sitting in the pond.

J: Where did those plants come from? (I already kinda knew, but totally wanted to hear the story)
R: The Marakina River. (with a big smile on his face)
(Richard lives near the Marakina River which is TOTALLY covered in plants)
J: Really?
R: Yes m'am.
J: So how did you get them?
R: M'am I walked down to the river, pulled them out and put them in a plastic bag.
J: Did people look at you funny?
R: Yes ma'am.
J: How did you get them here?
R: I put them in my backpack.
J: Oh, ok.

Now these plants are pretty large - I am still not quite sure how he got them in his backpack and rode with them on his motorcycle. But I am not going to ask any questions....they look awesome!