Water gardens can be any size and shape. Plants and fish are essential to a successful pond. Choose your plants and fish carefully and you will have many years of enjoyment.
Any type of water feature will add an appealing and soothing element to a garden. A water garden can include fountains, ponds, waterfalls, plants and fish. It can look natural or be made from barrels, plastic tubs or just about anything that will hold water.
The right location for a water garden is important. It should be located in full sun or dappled shade, as most aquatic plants and fish prefer some sun. If located away from trees you won’t have the problem of leaf debris. It can in ground or above ground, whichever you prefer. Learn about different types of plants and fish that suit the size of your water garden.
Water gardening info
When deciding on the size of your water garden, think about the size of your property. The bigger the space, the bigger the pond can be. If you only have a porch or deck then a small amount of water in a half barrel will do just fine.
What style do you want your water garden to have? Match the style to your home or be creative and do something completely different and unusual. Any rock work, lighting, waterfalls and fountains that you add will depend on your budget and the purpose of your water garden. Use your imagination and use items you may already have. If your property is large you may want a natural looking pond by using rocks found on the land you live on, or even from a neighbor. People are often happy to get rid of rocks if you will haul them away. You may want to turn that old trombone into a fountain that is very unique. Place a small concrete dish under a yard windmill and add a few plants and fish. You can re-circulate the water for a more lifelike effect. Build a bridge over your pond, place lifelike concrete animals or water birds around your pond. Set container plants around the edge of the water garden for a lusher look.
When choosing fish and water plants, be sure to consider the size of each at maturity. No more that 60% of the water surface should be covered with plants. Some aquatic plants are free floating and others need to be submerged in pots. They can stay in pots and be elevated to the correct height. Fish are as important as plants in keeping a pond healthy. Fish will help clean up debris and help control mosquito larva and other insects. Gold fish and Koy are the most popular water garden fish used today. These fish can get very large. Koy can jump and can be expensive if you lose one. Be sure the pond is the correct depth for the species of fish you put in your water garden.
Water lilies and other water plants will provide beautiful color and texture to any size water garden. Some water plants provide oxygen for fish. If you get water plants from a friend or neighbor be sure they are legal water plants, as some are illegal in some states. Talk to a nursery that specializes in water plants for answers. Do not get water plants from rivers or lakes unless you find out all the information about the plants beforehand. Do not transfer your plants to rivers or lakes either, as this may be illegal.
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