In the Water Garden

Preparing Your Pond For Spring

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Spring is the time to inspect and clean the pump and filtration system on your water garden pond. The water flow may be restricted by leaves and other debris that have collected on the intake to the pump. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when servicing the pump and filtration system, and remember to unplug electrical products before servicing. Begin by removing as much large debris as possible from the surface and bottom of your pond by skimming and scooping with a large pond net. This will save your filter unnecessary wear and tear. As you clean your pump, don’t forget to inspect your filter screens and replace as necessary. With the initial spring set-up your pump filter may need to be cleaned every few days until your pond water clears up. You can also use a natural, bacteria-based cleaner like our Microbe-Lift Spring & Summer Cleaner, which accelerates the breakdown of leaves, small twigs, and other accumulated organic waste. All season long, make sure to clean your filter at least once a week to maintain a healthy pond environment and reduce stress on your pond pump, plants and fish.

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Creating A simple Container Water Garden

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Don’t have the space or not quite ready for a full-fledged pond? Container water gardens are fairly inexpensive and only take a few hours to set up. Any no-hole container will work: plastic or ceramic planters, barrels, or even metal cattle troughs or old bathtubs will do just fine! A small container garden for beginners can hold a few submerged plants, a few potted marginal plants, and a lily or lotus.

  • Select a location. Container water gardens can go just about anywhere you like, indoors or out. But, no matter where you choose, you’ll want a spot that is fairly level. Full-sun is best, but part-shade will be fine for many aquatic plants.
  • Pick your container. Glazed pots are an easy choice, but anything that holds water will work. One of the best container water gardens I ever saw was in an old claw-foot bath tub. Be creative and have fun.
  • Water-proof the container. If you aren’t sure about water-tightness, simply fill the container with water and let it sit a day or two. Use water-proof putty or epoxy (available at any hardware store) to seal any cracks or drainage holes. Let dry overnight.
  • Place and level the container. Remember, water always levels itself. So unless you want an off-tilter look, you’ll want your container sitting as level as possible. Use flat stones, pebbles or dirt to level the base. For best results, use a carpenter’s level.
  • Add gravel, pebbles or soil (optional). If you want the hide the bottom of the container, now is the time to add your bottom substrate. Be creative: sand, gravel, pebbles, marbles and more will all work. This is also a great time to add larger decorative rocks or stones.
  • Add a pump, filter or fountain (optional). Generally, pumps and filters are not necessary for small container gardens. But, the effect of moving water can be very pleasing. If you enjoy the sound of moving water, or want to add a small fountain, then now is the time to add the pump.  Pumps are also a good idea if you want to keep a few fish.
  • Prepare your plants. If you haven’t already, pick out some fun pond plants for your container water garden. Almost any water plant will thrive in a container. If your plants are bare-root, just trim their roots and pot them in plastic pond plant containers. Garden soil works fine. If your plants are already potted, simply check to see if their roots are growing out of the container. If they are, you may want to repot them in a larger container. Visit our website for a few more tips on potting your pond plants.
  • Add your plants. Most aquatic plants want to be set 4 to 12 inches below the surface, although lilies and lotus are happy in deeper water too. If the container is deep, you can add bricks or stones to support the plants, bringing their pots closer to the surface.
  • Add water. Slowly fill the container, being careful to avoid tipping your plants or disturbing the substrate.
  • Enjoy!
  • Today’s post is also available at polka dot suitcase, a great blog about finding fun in everyday life.

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    Rembrandt Water Lily: our second (and third) blooms

    Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
    Rembrandt Water Lily in bloom

    Rembrandt Water Lily in bloom

    Our Rose Arrey Water Lily beat it by two days, but the Rembrandt Water Lily made up for its tardiness by producing two blooms at once. We’ve now got three water lilies in full blooms, and dozens of flower buds that will begin to flower in the next few days and weeks. It’s looks like it will be a great year for water lily blossoms here. Can’t wait!

    Rembrandt is an easy water lily, making it a great choice for just about any pond. The outer petals are a delicate pink while the inner petals turn a deep crimsom (easier to see in this photograph). Not only is the Rembrandt Water Lily attractive and forgiving, it is also one of the few water lilies that will flower in part shade.  If your pond — like ours — is surrounded by trees, Rembrandt might be a good choice.

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