Lesson 4: A Labor Of Love
Water Garden Maintenance
When I think of a water garden, I instantly get an image of peace and utter tranquility. There is nothing nicer than sitting quietly by a pond and simply watching the movement of light on water and listening to the splash of a fountain or waterfall.
Water gardens can be a real focal point for the home garden. Many projects can be completed in one or two weekends. Thanks to preformed liners and the availability of pond equipment and plants, it is a fairly simple matter to install one.
Ponds do require maintenance. In the Fall, they need to be cleared of weeds and debris. Frost sensitive plants need to be removed for the winter, or a heater installed to provide warmth. If you live in a very cold winter area, the pond may need covering to prevent freezing and cracking. One way to accomplish this is to lay down a piece of fine screening anchored by large rocks. Place burlap sacks stuffed with straw and leaves over that. This will provide enough warmth to protect the pond until Spring. Pumps need to be wrapped and covered or removed.
In the Spring your plants need to be repotted if roots have grown through the bottom. All pond equipment needs to be thoroughly checked before reusing. If wading birds are a problem, placing wire screening around the inner edges of the pond will help. There are larvae you can introduce into the pond's ecosysten which help control mosquitoes. Or, use frogs and toads. Mosquito eating fish are another way to minimize this problem.
A healthy, well maintained pond becomes a miniature ecosystem. If you choose your site, plants, and beneficial helpers carefully, a self-sustaining world of wonder is created. This will provide you with years of enjoyment.
