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Water gardening is one of the easiest and most rewarding forms of outdoor gardening. It requires more patience than skill; with careful planning, even a novice gardener can achieve spectacular results.
The first step in planning a water garden is to become educated in the art of water gardening. We have a good selection of informative books that will help you find out what your options are so that you will be able to decide which ones will work best for you. You will also need a basic understanding of what goes on in a garden pool, and what you can do to help things flourish.
The ideal site for a water garden...
· Receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight a day.
· Has no overhanging tree.
· Is not on a hill or anywhere that water naturally collects.
· Will complement the surrounding landscape.
Things to think about while planning...
· What size your water garden will be. Generally, bigger is better, but you
don't want to overwhelm a small lot.
· Would you like a formal garden or a natural garden?
· Above ground or in ground? Both have their advantages.
· What features you would like. Waterfalls, fountains, colored lights and ornaments are all options.
· Would you like plants in your garden? Water plants grow quickly, are long lasting and contribute to the well-being of all the creatures that will take up residence in your pond.
· Would you like fish in your pond? Fish have a few more requirements than plants, but are well worth the time and effort.
LINERS
· Preformed liners work well for small ponds. They are easy to install, whether above or in ground, and are very durable. These rigid liners come in a variety of shapes, sizes and depths.
· Flexible liners are also easy to install, and allow you to rely on your imagination when forming your pond.
PUMPS
· Pumps are only necessary if you will add a feature such as a waterfall, fountain, or stream.
· Submersible pumps are easy to assemble and install and run quietly.
· Look for pumps that are magnetic-driven. These pumps use less energy than direct driven pumps.
· Be sure you get the correct size when choosing a pump. To determine the size pump your pond requires you'll need to know the volume of water in the pond. Choose a pump that can move half the total volume in an hour.
· Waterfall and fountains require a pump that's more powerful. Generally, they need a pump that will turn over the total volume of water in an hour. When in doubt, by a more powerful pump.
· Buy the best you can afford. Brass, bronze and stainless steel housings are the most durable.
· Make sure the cord on the pump is long enough to go through the pond and reach an outlet that is a good distance away from the water.
· Avoid extension cords. If you must use one, make sure it's made for outdoor use and is plugged into a ground fault interrupter. This device will shut off an outlet immediately if there is a power overload. Make sure you buy a pump that is made for use in a water garden.
FILTERS
· A filter will keep water clear, and keep pumps from clogging. If having water that's less than clear doesn't bother you, it won't bother the plants or fish. If you plan your pond as a home for fish and not plants, you will need a filter.
· The type of filter you need depends on how clear you want your water to be and what type of water features you have. If you have built your pond to attract wildlife, you will want a little algae in your water.
· Mechanical filters use a variety of materials to strain and trap dirt and debris. Most pre-filters (filters installed to keep larger debris from clogging the pump) are mechanical.
· You'll need to spend a little bit of time weekly cleaning the filter. During the summer your filter might need to be cleaned daily.
· Biological filters contain live bacteria that break down harmful substances in the water into nitrates which plants use in their growth
· Biological filters need to be cleaned every month or two. Rinse off one-fourth to one-third of their elements. If you rinse off more than that, then it will take a few weeks for the bacteria to build back up.
· UV sterilizers treat water passing through it with ultraviolet light, which kills algae, bacteria, viruses and certain fish parasites. A UV sterilizer can be hooked up between the pump and the filter, or after the filter.
· The size of your filter must match the volume of your pool and the power of your pump. Make sure your filter can handle the amount of water your pump moves in an hour.
· You may also want to consider using barley bails to help filter your water.
WATER PLANTS
· There are four types of water garden plants: floaters, deep-water plants, submerged plants (oxygenators) and marginals. A healthy garden pool will have a mixture of all four.
· Floaters, such as water hyacinth, water lettuce and duckweed, float on the surface, their roots hanging loose beneath. They offer shade and food for fish and wildlife. Some are natural water filters.
· Deep-water plants like water lilies and lotus are rooted in pots on the bottom of the pond. Their leaves and flowers float on the surface of the pool, providing shade, which keeps the pond cool.
· Submerged plants grow in pots at the bottom of the pool, and their foliage grows primarily or completely underwater. They add a small amount of oxygen to the water and absorb carbon dioxide and minerals, which inhibit the growth of algae. They also offer good spawning areas for fish.
· Marginals are the ornamental plants that grow in shallow around the edges of the pond. Make sure they are planted in containers that are easy to lift; you'll need to remove the pots when grooming and dividing.
· Make sure you don't over crowd your pool. Find out how a plant behaves before you purchase it; some water plants tend to be invasive.
· Another thing to consider is water movement. Deep-water plants and floaters prefer water that is almost or totally still.
FISH
· Before you add fish to your pond, check your water. Ask the company what chemicals were added. You can remove chlorine with a dechlorinator, or you can let it dissipate by letting it sit for a few days. If you could let the water sit for a few weeks it would be better, because
it gives the plants time to become established.
· Water temperature is another important factor to consider. Some fish prefer cool water, while some must have warm water, and some will do well in either extreme.
· Larger ponds are preferred when housing fish. Water temperatures and oxygen levels are more stable, and they are slower to respond to changes in temperature.
· It's okay to begin stocking your pond when the temperature of the water reaches 50 degrees F.
· When introducing your fish to the pond, take it slow. Let the bag that contains the fish sit in the pond for about 15 to 20 minutes. When the water temperatures are equal, you may release the fish with a net. Don’t dump water into your pond from the bag.
· After releasing the fish, don't feed them for several days. Then begin feeding them daily, but no more than what they can eat in 10 to 15 minutes.
· Do not crowd fish. No more than 1 inch of fish for every 5 gallons of water.
· Fish need shade. If you don't have any plants in your pond, create shady areas by using stones or bricks. Having a UV clarifier will also help your fish stay healthy.
When you're ready to stock your pond, come by Jesse Israel & Sons and pick from our selection of koi, cornets, fantails and shubunkins. We also have a variety of high quality fish and koi foods and treats.
If you've been planning to install a pond, or if you're interested and would like to find more information, come visit Jesse Israel & Sons. We have everything on display that you will need to build your pond. Then when you’re ready to stock your pond, we have a wonderful selection of koi, comets, fantails, and shubunkins as well as plants. We also carry a wide variety of high quality food and treats for your fish.
If you have any questions, talk to our knowledgeable staff. Don or Richard would be happy to help you any way they can. Visit us today. We can help make your dream of a water-garden a reality.
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Building a Water Garden