 |
August
A lush, green surrounding
and even a little bit of algae growing off the rocks near the waterfall.
Even in the healthiest of ponds, algae can form. Full Sun, warm weather
and insufficient pond depth and water circulation can contribute to algae
growth. A little is fine, but too much can plug up filters and pumps as
well as turn the water a nasty green. A general rule is to try to have
40-60% of the pond surface covered with plants such as water lily's and
hyacinth. Plants shade the water from direct sunlight which reduces the
growth of algae. Plants take nutrients from the water which algae feed on. |
 |
August
19
This little frog has been
in the pond all summer. Most of the time basking on a lily pad, or hiding
in the vegetation surrounding the pond. Trying to find him in or around
the pond has become an evening adventure as we relax from a long hectic day. |
 |
August
24
Look carefully in the top
left corner and you will see a Blue Heron standing guard over the pond. He
is made of wood and has an important job. To prevent real Herons from
showing up to feast on the fish. The year before this was installed a
Heron had decided to stop buy almost daily for his supper. Since they
prefer not to dine together this pond is no longer in danger. |
 |
August
29
Fish add interest to any
pond. Although Koi are quite common in ponds, we found simple goldfish (Shubunkins,
Comets and Fantails) to be both hardy and relatively inexpensive. The
stone and concrete platform extends over the waters edge and provides a
feeding location as well as allowing the fish to quickly hide
underneath. An overhang generally prevents animals such as Raccoon's
from taking that first step plunge. |
 |
Pond
Lighting
Consider installing low
voltage accent lighting around the pond. Both decorative and effective.
Watching the light shimmer off the water late in the evening while
listening to the sound of the waterfall is wonderfully soothing. (This one
was custom made and is not available for sale - sorry!) But we do have many others. |
 |
September
30
The weather is becoming
quite cool and most of the lily's have stopped growing. As they yellow and die
they have been clipped off to prevent a buildup of vegetation on the
bottom. The small fountain sprinkler came with 2 interchangeable heads and
is shown using the tri-fountain head. It has an adjustable flow control,
extension tube and can also be diverted to another small water feature
using the built-in tee.
Available in 158, 368, 550 gallons per hour
flow. |
 |
December
16
In early November the
tropical plants were removed, the remaining leaves on the lily's cut back,
and then pushed into the deeper end of the pond. The only plant left was
the papyrus grass which was left mostly for decoration. The waterfall has
been left running and the small fountain pump placed 6" below the
surface with the head removed..
|
 |
January
2
Yes the fish are fine! They
can be seen very slowly moving under the 3 or 4 inches of ice which has
formed. The waterfall, although frozen over still is running and
circulating the water. Yes if the power fails, or it becomes too cold for
too long there is the possibility of the water freezing in the lines. If
this happens you have no choice but to unplug it and wait for spring.
|
   |
So,
how can you keep some part of the pond from freezing to allow air and
trapped gases to escape the pond? The waterfall can be left running. The
papyrus reed may allow some air movement. (Far Left - the small fountain
pump can be placed 6" under water with the sprinkler head removed)
(Center - A floating non-electrical de-icer can be used) or (right - an
electric pond heater can be used for smaller ponds) |
 |
Early
April
The snow is gone and the
pond sits unfrozen but still very cold. There is little chance of the pond
freezing over thickly at this point. The Bioforce Filter is place back
into the ground beside the pond and the tubes and pump connected and
turned on to begin filtering the pond water. If algae is a problem in your
pond a filter with a Ultra Violet (UV) light can be utilized to help
eliminate algae bloom.
|
 |
April
22
The signs of life are
blooming everywhere and is very noticeable on the weathered limestone
boulders used to surround the majority of this pond. Lichen, moss and many
other small bits of vegetations are greening up quickly.
|
 |
May
25
A new year of pond watching
begins with minor reconstruction of the waterfall. 2 new tropical plants
purchased from the local greenhouse. Our old lily's are beginning to grow
and the small fountain has been pulled up off the bottom and a water-bell
head attached this year instead of the sprinkler.
|
 |
June
1
The plants are still fairly
young and there is a lot of growing still to occur. For interest a few
silk floating water lily blooms have been placed in the pond They add
color for the time being until the real flowers begin to bloom..
|
 |
July
1
Soon real blooms are poking
above the water surface and everyone enjoys the colors.
|
 |
August
25
This small water feature
gets it's water from the in-ground water filter. The small fountain pump
with the tee diverts water up and out of the pond to the cyprio filter.
The water returns to the pond through this copper leaf and frog feature. It is the spot where birds gather
to drink from the ledge below and to bath in the clear clean water. |
 |
September
2
The fish have figured out
that every time we approach the pond they probably will get fed. But when
the local raccoon shows up they are nowhere to be seen. A water hyacinth
in bloom makes having these plants worthwhile. The blooms are amazing.
 |
 |
October
5
As the weather begins to
cool we find our little frog still with us. We only hope that she is not
confused over the lack of movement from the little stone frog beside her.
Once again we will prepare for another winter. Looking forward to next
years unique experience and the sound of water splashing over rocks on
warm summer nights. |
