Ponds
Ponds and water features add a whole new dimension to the garden. Water attracts a wide variety of wildlife to the garden and provides a vital source of water. It also provides the correct environment for a range of water dwelling plants, bog plants and marginals that can interest to your garden.
Installing a Pond
If you are considering installing a pond it’s a good idea to start to plan the position and dig out a suitable area while the soil is moist and manageable. Although this can be done at any time during the year you might find autumn the best time. For more information on installing a pond see our guide on How to Create a Pond.
Planting In and Around the Pond
Don’t forget to add oxygenating plants to your pond to increase the oxygen levels. Water plants will help to use up excess nutrients that can cause algal surges. Plants provide shade to the pond and help reduce algal growth. Ideally the pond should be shaded for 6-8 hours of daylight. For more information see our guide on How to Plant a Water Lily.
When you are planting your choosen plants around the borders of your pond, always use Aquatic Compost as it is designed to hold its fertiliser content to reduce the build-up of algae in the pond.
Pond Heaters and Pumps
If you use a heater then it can be removed and replaced with a pond pump during April. Keep an eye on the weather, just occasionally it can be incredibly cold in April and you may need to replace it in the pond for a few days if cold weather threatens. When the weather allows, remove and clean the heater and ensure that it is in good condition so that it will work when needed next winter. The pump will circulate the water, adding vital oxygen for the fish and can also be connected to a fountain or waterfall fitting for an ornamental effect.
Fish
Avoid excessive levels of fish. 20-30cm of fish to every square metre of surface area is the ideal level. Use quality fish food, it will be quickly and easily digested and avoids wastage and nutrient build-up.
An air hole in ice is essential to keep fish and ponds healthy in cold weather. A pond heater will usually keep an area of the surface free from ice or otherwise float a tennis ball on the water.
Algae
Don’t be tempted to clean out newly established ponds. There is a settling in period where the water needs to gain its balance and settle. Algae growth and green water are often a part of this. If you clean out a balancing, or balanced water feature too soon, you will simply restart the cycle and have to allow the pool to go through this period all over again. Remove accumulated sediment at the bottom of the pond using a pond vacuum or a suitable filter.
If the problem is getting out of hand choose a suitable algae treatment from your aquatic centre. Aquatic herbicides can be used but make sure you are absolutely sure they will not affect any plants, fish or wildlife in your pond.
Rectify ponds badly affected by algae by installing a filter fitted with a UV light; these are particularly suitable for ponds containing Koi carp. Remove dead leaves from water lilies and pond plants so that they do not contaminate the water.