How to Care for Your Water Garden
by Dianne Calta
Hill Haven Farm & Greenhouse, Inc.

Winter

As winter approaches, disconnect filter systems and bring pumps indoors for winter storage. Removing floating plants (water lettuce, hyacinths, duckweed and salvinia) will prevent the water from becoming contaminated with harmful toxins. Hardy water lilies shoud have all leaves and stems removed at the crown of the plant and place containers at the bottom of the pond. 24" depth is recommended.

Decrease the amount of food to the fish as the water temperature falls. When the water temperature decreases to 50 degrees, fish begin their schedule for hibernation and do not eat until spring when the temperatures rise again to about 50 degrees.

We advise the purchase of a floating pond de-icer for areas where ice may form on the surface for a prolonged time. A de-icer or heater is an
electronic thermostatically controlled device which turns on when the water temperature reaches 35 degrees and shuts off around 40 degrees. It prevents the pond from completely freezing over the surface. Keeping a small hole open allows toxic gases produced from waste and decay to escape from the water. If you decide to not purchase a de-icer, try boiling a pan of water, place it on the ice and slowly melt a hole on the surface. DO NOT SMASH A HOLE IN THE ICE! Pounding on the ice creates very harmfull shockwaves through the water, therefore stressing and possibly endangering the health of your fish. see our pond supplies section for more info on de-icers endangering the health of your fish.

Spring

Spring is here and the water garden is showing signs of life. The hardy water lily, which has been resting in a state of dormancy at the bottom of the pool, has extended its leaves to the top of the water. Only a keen eye will notice the frog sunning himself quietly on a lily pad. Flashes of color appear and then disappear as fish glide under the aquatic vegetation. In the deeper section of the pool, snails are at work eating debris and algae. Plant and animal life work together, bringing harmony to the water garden.

Water gardens should be cleaned in the spring. Remove thick layers of sediment and lightly sweep the sides with a broom allowing some of the algae to remain. This is beneficial algae and a major factor in maintaining clear water in the pool. Remember that you are dealing with a water garden, which supports plant and animal life, not a swimming pool.

Plant life should cover 60-70% of the waterís surface by mid-summer. Vegetation such as water lilies, lily-like aquatics and water hyacinths allow the water to be shaded and add oxygen to the water therefore competing with algae growth. Aquatic plants consist of water lilies, which require at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sun every day in order to bloom profusely. Lilies grow best with eight to ten inches of water over the top of the container. Plants that grow along the sides of the pool in shallow water are called marginal or bog plants. These are varied in height and texture and create a natural transition from the shallow water to the pondís edge. There are floating, as well as submerged plants that give protection to smaller fish and catch fish spawn in the spring.

Plant life is an essential element in the ecology of the pool, providing protection for animal life as well as adding oxygen to the water. Water gardens offer tranquility at the end of a busy day, as well as adding beauty and value to the surrounding landscape. Many hours of enjoyment will be had by the whole family.
Happy Water Gardening!