About Water Gardening
 The
sight and sound of water has always drawn the interest of people.
Water adds an appealing element to a garden. Water gardens can include
fountains, waterfalls, small ponds and elaborate combinations of
rockwork and lighting. Basically, a water garden is just a pool
of water that is home to plants and possibly fish and other water
creatures. Natural ponds or large spaces are no longer needed for
a water garden. They can consist of a concrete dish, half barrel,
plastic tub or anything else that can hold water.
Perhaps the most important consideration in water gardening is to choose
the right spot. Most aquatic plants and fish need plenty of sun, so a
site that gets 6-8 hours of direct sun is best. Choose a site away from
tall shrubs and trees for best light and to prevent the accumulation of
leaf debris.
Plan your water garden using some basic principles. Consider the size
of your property and the ability to maintain the water garden. Small ponds
are best for small properties. A container on a deck may be all that is
needed and add just the right feature for your space. Features like waterfalls,
rockwork, lighting and fountains depend on your budget, style of your
landscape, and purpose of the garden pond.
 When
choosing aquatic plants, keep in mind that the plants should cover
no more than 50 - 60 percent of the water surface. There are many
types to choose from. Some are free floating while others are marginals
to submerged. Selection depends on the size of the pond and the
kind of look you want. Water lilies can add drama and fragrance
even in small tubs. Some plants provide oxygen and help keep the
pool healthy. Fish can be a beneficial addition, because they are
good scavangers, cleaning up debris. They also can help control
mosquito larva, and other insects.
All garden pools regardless of size will need maintenance throughout
the year. With proper planning you can ensure a healthy balance
between living and decorative features of a water garden that can
almost care for itself with simple maintenance inputs from you.
|
