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How to add a water feature to your garden
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From a tiny, musical fountain to an in-ground pond, a water feature transforms any garden into a serene retreat.
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By Karen Kirk
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Water garden greenery
• Sixty to 70 per cent of water surface should be covered with foliage to reduce the water temperature and combat algae growth, which is caused by too much sunlight.
• Add hardy trapdoor or melantho scavenger snails to the pond to feed on algae and green scum.
Plants can make or break the function of an ecosystem. Plants provide valuable biological filtration by removing nitrogen, ammonia, nitrates and other nutrients from the water that algae would otherwise feed on.
But beauty and filtration are not the only qualities plants add to your water garden. Submerged and marginal plants provide food, shade and protection for fish and other wildlife that live in and around your pond. Some blooming plants even attract beneficial birds, insects, butterflies, frogs and others to your watery paradise. Floating-leaved plants, such as water lilies, shade water surfaces and absorb dissolved nutrients that contribute to algae proliferation.
Submerged plants: Sometimes referred to as oxygenators, these aquatic plants grow totally submerged underwater. They liberate oxygen that clears water, prevents growth of algae and allows fish to breathe. They include parrot feather, foxtail and water violet.
Floating-leaved plants: Floaters drift on the water surface providing shade to lower water temperature and protection for fish. They absorb dissolved nutrients that encourage growth of algae, and their roots receive and protect fish eggs. They include water lily, free-floating fairy moss and water hyacinth.
Marginal plants: Marginals are shallow water or bog plants that sit on ledges built along the edge of the pond. Their chief function is decorative, but they also provide necessary shade. They include winter hardy arrowhead, yellow water iris and cattail, as well as tropical, nonhardy taro, canna and papyrus.
Pool resources
Pumps and filters: A pond filter/pump system is the single most important element of any pond. Not only does it function as a water clarifier, but it is also the heart of the fish's health. Always install a system slightly larger than needed to allow for fish growth.
Liners: The liner is one of the most expensive and important items you will purchase. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber 45mil is fish-safe and what most professionals recommend.
Other options are polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Before installing the liner make sure to eliminate all small stones and sticks. All liners require the installation of an underlay, a cushion of material between the liner and the soil that helps prevent punctures and tears. The minimum depth of the pond should be 45 centimetres (17ß inches) for most areas. Allow 15 to 30 centimetres (six to 12 inches) for deep shelves for plants.
Use the following formula to determine the size of the liner: Length of liner = Length of pond plus 2 x depth plus 2 feet Width of liner = Width of pond plus 2 x depth plus 2 feet
Deterring pond predators: Edge your pond with rocks or flagstones, arranging them to hang out over the water 15 to 20 centimetres (six to eight inches). Place rocks high enough from the water surface so that predators can't scoop out fish. Another solution is to place predator netting over the pond, or motion-sensor sprinklers to spray the predator when it approaches.
No fly zone
Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for harmful mosquitoes, which begin laying their eggs in early spring. To ensure a mosquito-free yard this summer, change standing water in birdbaths, urns and ponds frequently or use a pump to keep water moving. Plants such as cattails and bulrushes will attract dragonflies and other mosquito-eating insects. Adding pond fish will not only help to support the natural ecosystem and reduce pond maintenance, but they'll also help keep your water free of mosquito eggs and larvae.
According to some studies, a single "mosquito fish" can eat up to 168 mosquitos in an eight-hour period. Koi and goldfish are also a good choice because they easily tolerate fluctuations in water temperature and poor environments.
Attract birds and butterflies to your garden with these easy-to-follow tips.
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