Planting a Bog Garden

Planting a Bog Garden A bog garden is similar to other water garden environments, but it does demand slightly different cultural practices. The plants should be allowed to grow freely in the soil, u

Planting a Streamside

Planting a Streamside A streamside is a very different prospect from any other aspect of a water feature, for not only must the planting be tasteful and properly executed, but it must also tolerate occasional inundati

Planting Water Garden Plants for Wildlife

Planting for Wildlife A wildlife pool must be more carefully planned and planted than any other water feature. This may seem surprising, since the most successful examples look as if they have occurred naturally, grow

Water Garden Planting Considerations

Practical Planting Considerations For the planting scheme of a wildlife pond to be successful and manageable, the nature of the individual species must be recognized and appropriate conditions provided to accommodate

Planting the Water Garden – Problem Solving

Planting the Water Garden – Problem Solving "I have quite a large natural pond that is at least 90cm (36in) deep in the centre, and I would like to plant it with waterlilies. What varieties should I use a

Molluscs, Amphibians, Reptiles and Snails

Molluscs, Amphibians, Reptiles and Snails There is a multitude of freshwater pond snails, but for the majority of pond owners, only one species is worth considering: the ramshorn snail (Planorbis corneus), which has a

Maintaining a Koi Pool

Maintaining a Koi Pool The care and maintenance necessary for a koi pool differs considerably from that required by a conventional garden pool, for the focus is very much on the fish. Although the aquatic environment

Repairing a Garden Pond

Pond Repairs It is unfortunate that no matter how carefully a pond is constructed and maintained, occasionally a leak will develop. This can have a devastating effect upon pond life, and remedial action must be taken

Maintaining Wildlife Pools – Seasonal Care

Seasonal Care for Wildlife Pools SPRING ROUTINE The activities of frogs, toads and newts must be taken into account when giving the pool its spring manicure. Any over-wintering vegetation should be

Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden Pond

Attracting Wildlife Planting suitable native aquatic plants will encourage the arrival of a diversity of species which, to some extent, rely upon them. These may not be exclusively aquatic fauna, bu

Maintaining Indoor Water Features

Maintaining Indoor Water Features An indoor water feature requires different maintenance techniques to a normal outdoor pool, although the underlying principles are the same. The major problems ari

Garden Water Features – Water Quality

Garden Water Features – Water Quality Water is the most important element in a garden pond, and its effective management is vital to ensure the good health of all the living organisms that depend upon it. The wa

Water Features for the Garden – Tub Fountains

Water Features for the Garden CONTAINED WATER FEATURES Constraints placed by lack of space need not preclude the enjoyment of water gardening, for acceptable water features can be established and effectively maintaine

Coping with Algae in Garden Ponds

Coping with Algae There are many different species of aquatic algae, but for practical purposes, all can be divided into two groups: free floating or suspended and filamentous. The former are often minute, single-cell

Garden Pond Filters and Filtration

Filters and Filtration If a garden pond is designed and built purely for plants and naturally occurring wildlife, a filter will not be necessary, as the biological systems will establish naturally, and the pond will d

Garden Pond Water Quality and Filtration – Problem-Solving

Water Quality and Filtration "I am contemplating constructing a koi pool and have been told that it is important to have a drain in the floor, and to flush out regularly. How often do I need to do this?"

Raising Aquatic Plants from Seed

Raising Aquatic Plants from Seed As with many land plants, a considerable number of aquatic plants can also be raised from seed. For the most part, these are natural species, although strains of one or two subjects, s

Raising Aquatic Plants by Vegetative Methods

Water Plant Propagation Raising Aquatic Plants by Vegetative Methods The normal vegetative methods of increasing aquatic plants (by division or from cuttings and eyes) are all quite easily executed, even if your facil

Aquatic Plant Pests and Diseases

Aquatic Plant Pests and Diseases Several pests and diseases afflict aquatic plants, but unlike elsewhere in the garden, these cannot be sprayed with chemicals, for they would kill the fish. Therefore, in the water gar

Feeding Fish in the Garden Pond

Feeding Fish in the Garden Pond One of the most enjoyable, yet controversial, issues for the pool owner is the feeding of fish. Is it necessary? How often should you do it? And what should you use? If you are a fish e