Maintaining garden ponds
and water garden features
All garden ponds and water garden features need regular
maintenance. Formal pools with fish are probably the most demanding and pebble
fountains the least. Wildlife garden ponds come somewhere in between.
Garden ponds and
water garden features need topping up from time to time, particularly in summer
when water evaporation is at its highest. They will need to be kept clean and
free from algae and pond weed. Use a rake or a net to remove debris and unwanted
plants.
Autumn is a good time for garden pond maintenance. Fallen leaves should
be removed. If allowed to remain in the water they will decompose and the
nitrogen released into the water will encourage algae to grow.
After filling, garden ponds take some time to settle down
and establish a balanced ecosystem. A pond that is out of balance will go green.
This indicates a lack of oxygen and excessive nitrogen in the water.
Make sure
there are enough oxygenating plants in the water, and that you have a good
balance between deeper water and marginal plants. This helps to keep the water
rich in oxygen, which discourages algae. Fountains also help to oxygenate water
but should not be used in wildlife ponds.
Garden ponds made specifically to provide a habitat for wildlife
should be still. Pond insects and amphibians such as frogs do not live in moving
water. Nor should such ponds have fish introduced to them. The fish will eat all
the insects and any spawn laid by frogs, toads or newts.
When you come to choose
plants for this type of pond go for native species. Buy these from a reputable
dealer or water garden specialist. Do not take them from the wild – in most
countries this is illegal and damaging to the natural environment.
Make sure you
do not introduce some of the more rampant species of water plants to your pond.
Go to a specialist water garden center and ask them to recommend a selection of
non-invasive native species for your garden pond.
To find out more about
garden ponds check out these recommended suppliers.
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