Pond Gardening.Fact Sheet

Pond Gardening.

Water gardening has become very popular over the past number of years and offers sound and movement to any garden. Improvements in pond pumps and filter systems has made Pond gardening enjoyable even for the most amature gardener.

This week I recommend some easy steps in helping you create a perfect water feature.

Creating a garden Pool.

The sound of trickling water will add life and interest to any garden big or small. Water features can be situated in all areas of the garden from a garden patio to a lawn area or right in the centre of an existing shrub border.

They are easy to install and economical to run whilst reward you with lots of interest, sound and movement all year round.

Location for your water feature.

Ideally you should choose a sheltered bright location situated in a focal point of the garden. This can be a decking area, patio, shrub border or a section of lawn. Choose an area away from over hanging trees or larger shrubs as the leaf litter in autumn drops debre into your pond area.

Creating the pond feature.

Pre – formed Pool liner.

Choose from a blagdon pre- formed pool which is constructed from polyethylene into a preformed shape that is uv stablised and highly resistant to knocks, cracks and splitting and come with a 20 year guarentee.

Simply dig out the shape of the preformed pool, add some pool underlay to cushion the liner and pop in you new pre –formed pool, fill with water, add a water pump and away it goes. Simple but easy to install and run.

Pond liner.

Made from pondalene PVC the Blagdon pond liner is very strong and durable. Again it has uv protection which will ensure there are no side effects from sun or frost and again your liner comes with a 20 year guarantee.

Pond liners are ideal for larger ponds or ponds with unusual shapes and work out economical for larger water features.

Once the pond liner has been laid, again fill the liner with water, add your pump and some water plants sit back and enjoy your new feature with sound effects.

Mike Elliot from Blagdon Garden Ponds, is clear about why he’s been water gardening for more than 10 years: "Water gardening is the easiest way to garden. Think of it this way--you don't have to weed." Simplicity is just one of the things he adores about water gardening. "It also brings tranquility to the garden," said mike at last weekends pond demonstration at Horkans Lifestyle & Garden centre in Castlebar.

Making a start on your garden pond.

But before starting your own soothing spring, there are a few details to consider. Determine the size and shape of your pond to help you select the appropriate plants. Also think about how much light is available. Lots of sunshine can help keep the plants growing, the fish eating, and the algae in check. Plant life does well in a foot or two of water, but if you want fish, you need much more depth to prevent birds from plucking the fish from your pond.
When choosing plants for your pond select varieties that grow best in your aspect. Marginal and bog plants do best along the pond edge, while some sink to the bottom. Floaters do just that float along the top of the water surface. Get advice from your local garden centre on the best choice of plants for your new pond.

Pond Plants.

To plant a water garden, just lay the floaters on the water surface I recommend dropping the plant in the water in the shallower section of the pond.

Floaters, like the beautiful water hyacinth , play an important role in filtering your pond.

Layer rocks and pebbles along the surface of the pots to help weigh the containers down . Then slowly submerge the plants into the pond. As the plants become more established, you may want to move them deeper into the pond.

Water gardens can be relatively maintenance-free. By including fish in your pond, you create your own private ecosystem. Fish provide nutrients for the plants, and the plants oxygenate the water for the fish. Keep in mind that big fish like koi need a large pond, and smaller fish are happy wherever you put them. Pond fish are now available for new and established ponds.

The fish bring the pond to life with their swimming and movements around, plus, they eat the garden insects that find their way into your pond.

Water plants thrive on the nutrients provided by the fish. So if you cover the pond with about 65 to 70 percent plant material, less sunlight will reach the water, thus discouraging algae growth. Also, pond gardens shouldn't be drained often. Once you find the natural balance of your water garden, nature will take care of the rest.

Pebble pool -  Simple water feature with safety in mind

The pebble pool is a wonderful idea in any garden. It will create a simple easy to run water feature adding sound and movement to you patio or garden area.

The pebble pool is also ideal where children or pets have acess to the water feature as the surface water is covered by a layer of attractive pebbles, the water tumbles down over the stones creating an attractive visual effect which is safe for children.

The pebble pool is also easy to install, simple fill with water and plug in.

Keeping the pond water clear.

Blagdon filtration systems will keep your pond water clear of algae and help ensure clean healthy water for your pond fish and plants to enjoy. A filtration system again is easy to install and economical to run.

If you are interested in creating a water feature or garden pond in your garden visit Horkans Lifestyle & garden centre in turlough and view the wide range of water features and pond accessories on display.