Ponds and water features - how to maintain
them
All ponds and water features need regular maintenance. Formal pools with fish
are probably the most demanding and pebble fountains the least. Wildlife ponds come somewhere in
between.
All garden ponds and water features may need topping up from time
to
time, particularly in summer when water evaporation is at its highest. Use rain water if you
can but if you don't have any available then top up your pond from a tap using a hose. Allow the water to trickle
in gently so as not to disturb any sediment.
After filling or topping up, your garden pond or water feature may take
some time to settle down and re-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. Add some oxygenating plants to the water and the
pond will eventually balance itself.
Ponds and water features will also need to be kept clean and free from algae
and pond or duck weed. Use a rake or a net to remove debris and unwanted plants.
Late autumn or early winter is a good time for this type of maintenance
and a general clean-up. 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.
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.
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 wildlife ponds 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 retailer and ask them to recommend a selection of non-invasive
native species for your garden pond.
Here's some tips and ideas about choosing ponds and water features for your
garden.
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