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.
Maintaining Your Water Garden
Preparing Your Pond For Spring
Sunday, March 27th, 2011
Bog Plants for Soggy Lawns
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Four leaf water clover is a fun and playful ground cover that will love the boggy areas of your yard.
It’s raining in Virginia today, and the water is beginning to puddle in the low areas around our property. You probably notice the same thing in your yard — just about every lawn or garden has a low area that gathers water and grows puddles when it rains. Maybe the puddle lasts for days, and the soil always seems a little soggy? If so, don’t fight it. You’ve got the perfect place to plant marginal pond plants, which thrive in shallow water or boggy soil.
Marginal pond plants — also called bog plants — include many of our favorite choices for bright flowers or dramatic foliage. If you want flowers, try any of our iris or canna lilies. Elephant ear (also known as taro) are a great choice for dramatic foliage, and pitcher plants and fly catchers make excellent conversation starters. But these are just a few of your options for your soggy, boggy, puddle-filled lawns. As you browse our selection of marginal plants, be sure to check the planting depth in the plant description. Any plant that specifies a depth of 0 inches, or moist or dry soil, will do great.
With a little creativity you can turn a puddle-prone eye-sore into a thriving and low maintenance bog garden. Need more encouragement? With your plants growing there, you’ll never again accidentally step in that puddle!
10 Steps to Build a Container Water Garden
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009Happy Earth Day! Is there a better way to celebrate Earth Day than outside, in the garden? Flowers are wonderful. Herbs and vegetables are delicious. But, water gardens and pond plants — and the frogs and dragonflies they attract — are our favorite. Not into ditch digging? No problem. Container water gardens are easy and fun. Assuming you already have a water-proof container, you can install a container water garden in an afternoon.
- 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.