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Q: Is it too late in the season to consider installing a pond? A: The short answer is "no". Fall may actually be the ideal time to start since there is no "rush to complete" before the end of the season. This allows ample time for a homeowner to design, build, then take all winter to decide on a stocking/planting scheme. Proffesional pond builders are typically less busy and easier to schedule time with, as well. Ponds can usually be installed anytime as long as the ground is not deeply frozen. The only consideration is that ponds installed and filled in the fall normally require draining/cleaning in the spring prior to stocking. Q: I have noticed how beautiful Tropical Waterlilies are, though why would I spend $30 to $40 on a plant that only lasts one season outdooors? A: It is true that Tropical Lilies begin to go dormant in water temps below 70F and will perish entirely left in water below 55F. This means most ponds in the U.S. cannot be stocked with Tropical Lilies until after Memorial Day. These plants can be removed in the fall and overwintered indoors, though most homeowners will not have the facilities needed so they become pond "annuals". The rewards make the expense worthwhile! Consider these facts: Over the course of a season Tropicals almost always produce far more flowers than thier Hardy cousins. There are varieties that produce the same colors as all the hardies, often the colors are more vibrant overall. Several varieties produce incredible blue, even purple colors, not available in any of the hardy types. Like hardies they make nice cut flowers with a more noticeable fragrance. While Hardy Waterlilies start to cease flowering around Labor Day, Tropicals continue to bloom, and may produce flowers well into November if warm fall weather persists. This greatly increases the waterlily season! Finally most pond-owners will appreciate having an "annual" waterlily so they can try a different variety each season to keep a "fresh look" in thier ponds. Add a truly "exotic flair" to your pond with a "Night-Blooming" Tropical Waterlily. The flowers of these plants open at dusk, remain open all night, then close mid-morning the following day. Each flower lasts 3-4 days (nights) just as all other waterlilies. Combined with day-blooming varieties they can provide 24 constant hours of color in the pond! Q: I built and stocked my pond in spring following Lilypons advice. The water was fairly clear for a period but soon became green and now late summer it remains green. How do I clear it and keep it that way? A: Generally speaking, ponds that I have observed with "pea soup" green suspended algae in mid to late summer, are ponds with large fish loads, have lots of fish feeding, are understocked with plants, are underfiltered, and many times, show a combination of these things. Adding or increasing filter size is a good idea, unless you can decrease your fish population. Adding a properly sized/and installed U.V. Light assures clear water all the time. Even if your pressure filter or skimmer is outfitted with a UV light, it may not be adaquate to totally clear the water. A seperate single component light tends to provide more adaquate UV filtration. Other strategies include applying Algaefix and/or Barley Straw. Algaefix is a chemical algaecide that is extremely effective and safe when used according to the label. Chemicals are rarely needed for ponds and in general should be avoided, but this product is perfect for temporarily clearing the water which will help "jump start" a UV light since the dark murky water makes it difficult for light penetration. Decomposing barley straw is scientifically proven to inhibit algae growth in most aerated pond enviroments. There are many products/methods for applying barley but all require patience since the straw must first breakdown and it is not very effective against existing algae. Hence the use of the Algaefix can kill the existing algae (without harming any other pond life). Each dose lasts several days so repeat doses may be applied until the barley takes effect. Always try to avoid overfeeding fish, since excess waste becomes nitrate, the nutrient that fuels algae growth. Richard M. Koogle is the Vice President and Director of Operations of Lilypons Water Gardens. He has nearly 30 years of experience in all aspects of water gardening, and is eager to share his knowledge with your organization! Richard is a nationally recognized water garden speaker and his lectures are informative, practical, inspiring, and feature colorful slides! Contact him directly for more information: (ph)1.800.825.5459 x 1002 To find out more about Richard click here: Richard's Bio. |
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| Phone: 1-800-999-5459 |Visit: 6800 Lily Pons Road, Adamstown, MD 21710| Email: info@lilypons.com |
