Fall 1998
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GreenhouseIPMCompostingReviewsHorticulture LinksUSDA ZonesWeather ReportsFAQsRegisterMeConsulting ServiceAdvertisingEmploymentVisitorsJohn's JournalContact Usthe algae to grow and continue the conversion. Within a week, all the algae has consumed the nitrates, dies and magically, the pond becomes very clear. By siphoning off the dead algae from the bottom through the pick-up pump and depositing it into the Bio-Filter's lava rock, the water Hyacinths floating there become lush, multiply and bloom. A chemical cleansing of the pond has just taken place in part, thanks to your observations and willingness to allow a natural process to take place.
There is no magic or smoke-and-mirrors to balancing a pond; it's simply trial-and-error, as any honest water gardener can tell you. Plants, fish and sunlight all contribute to both macro- and micro-algae build-up in any pond, and simple fine tuning is constantly required. Fish must have bacteria to live, and with bacteria comes the inevitable algae.
Yet there are certain elements, givens for lack of a better term, that tend to greatly reduce both types of algae and help keep the pond clearer, but never perfectly clear:
Like these:
A Bio-Filter with multiple water dispersion nozzles and lava rock. Coupled to a Top Hat Filter Bucket with dual sponge pads and cotton-filter element to house the pick-up pump. Minimum 40% of water surface covered with plant material. Minimal feeding of fish to reduce fish droppings (which raise ammonia levels and nitrogen) which feeds and breeds algae. Use of Koi (Japanese catfish to consume algae) and not just goldfish which require constant feeding. Requisite numbers of algae-converting plants (water hyacinths) living in the Bio-Filter. Your daily and weekly observations as Pond Manager as to which major elements need adjustment, and the willingness to do it promptly.
Whatever the case, call us and we'll help you become a better Pond Manager through our Water Garden Workshops or individual consultation, all free.
If you're online with the InterNet, you can read an article of mine published and read by millions of people at http://www.gdnctr.com/hpond2.htm that dispels the myths of some so-called companies trying to hoodwink you into buying sub-standard products. Enjoy.
Late Season Bloomers
Everyone wants color in their gardens in the Fall, and not just the usual Mums; they're so commonplace. They need to be cut back in July by half so they don't become large shrubs. We carry some unusual varieties of Mums that are worth planting in your Garden. Ask us.
Asters (15 varieties), Bluebeard Shrub, Japanese Chrysanthemum, some varieties of Sedum, Stella D'Oro (Yellow) and Pardon Me (Red) Daylillies, Sweet Autumn Clematis, Chrysanthemum Nipponicum are just a few of the Fall color Perennials we recommend.
Many other Perennials can be cut back after blooming once, fertilized and induced to re-bloom right through the Fall. One word of caution: fertilize heavily or they'll spend themselves out before next spring in the re-blooming effort.
And don't forget late Summer & Fall Bulbs; they provide color and a unusual show, but must be planted in early Spring to reap the benefits.
Page1:
ONCE A YEAR EVENT
GOOD IDEAS...That don't always work.
Corporate Web Site. (http://www.gdnctr.com)
Page2:The Weather Channel - Smart Viewing
Special Heirloom, High-Quality Gardening Tools
Don't Buy Cut, Dead Christmas Trees
Page3:Water Gardens - New Products Update
Keeping Your Pond Clear
Page4:Late Season Bloomers
Page5:Color For Your Winter Garden
Deadheading and Fertilizing Perennials
Wildflowers - Do It Now
Page6:Garden Center Is Available For Meetings & Tours
Year 'Round Container Herb Gardens
Best Time To Plant Large Trees
House Plants to Brighten Up Your Home
Page7:INTERESTING INFORMATION IN UPCOMING ISSUES:
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