Water gardens are a primary example of ecological balance in practice. A well balanced flora and fauna will persist indefinitely with a minimal amount of work on the part of the gardener. As in all ecosystems, plants are the foundation. Plants compete with algae for resources (including light), thereby helping to curb algal growth. Just as do terrestrial plants, water plants filter the air and water by removing impurities and storing them in the vacuoles of their cells. Plants also provide cover for insects and other animals which contribute carbon dioxide and nitrogen to the plants. A word of caution—plants are net generators of carbon dioxide at night so it is essential to prevent them from over populating your pond.

Allow a newly filled pond to stand for a few days so that volatile impurities (chlorine, organic compounds) can evaporate and the water temperature can enter a diurnal cycle. Plants should be placed in mesh baskets to hold their soil in place and gravel or other material can be placed on the soil to prevent disturbance by animals or insects. A slow release aquatic fertilizer may be placed in the water at the time of immersion and every spring after that.

Tips from Lotus:

-Pool forms appear larger in the store than in your yard

-Select the location with care—remember, trees will lose leaves, full sun will encourage algae, and the pool is for you to enjoy so place it appropriately.

-Avoid placing the liner on sharp objects—a layer of sand or other lining material can minimize the risk of puncture

-Buy a pump that is appropriate for your ponds size and planned water features—fountain, fall, filter etc.

-Perform regular (weekly cleaning is advised) and maintenance on your pump to ensure optimum performance and long life

-Keep the flora and fauna of your pond balanced—inappropriate numbers of plants or animals will yield unsatisfactory results.

-A filter and UV clarifier will ensure clear water—although aesthetically pleasing, neither is essential to a well balanced biological system

-Remember, a water feature is for your enjoyment, never allow children to remain unsupervised near your pond or it’s electrical system

Water Plants:

Oxygenators—workhorses that boost oxygen levels in the water.
          Anacharis
          Elodea Crispa

Deep Water Plants—these plants can be submerged to a depth of several feet and work best in large ponds.
          Water Lily
          Water Hawthorn

Shallow Water Plants—plants that inhabit marshes and margins of the pond, generally submerged under less than 1 foot of water.
          Bulrushes
          Gunnera
          Marsh Marigold
          Lobelia Cardinalis
          Queen Victoria
          Irises
          Reeds
          Cotton Grass

Floaters—low maintenance oxygenators that float on the surface.
          Fairy Moss

Suggested Plant Densities and Selections from Lotus:

Small Pond (5-10 square feet)
4 Shallow-water plants
5 Oxygenators
2 Floaters

Mid-sized Pond (15-20 square feet)
6 Shallow-water plants
5 Oxygenators
3 Floaters
2 Deep-water plants

Large Pond (greater than 40 square feet)
20 oxygenators
6 Shallow-water plants
4 Floaters
3 Deep-water plants
 

Year-round care of the water garden from Lotus:

Spring:

-Do not clean an established pond each year, disruption of the microenvironment may reduce your chances of success in the new season.

-Inspect/repair/install and activate your filtration system

-Innoculate your pond with beneficial microbes if so desired—several products are available

-Begin water agitation—fountain, waterfall etc. to improve oxygen level

-Install plants as desired

-Toward end of season, vigorous plants may be divided as needed

-Welcome the natural fauna—frogs, insects, etc. that come to your pond…they are part of the system

-If fish overwintered in your pond, check their activity and feed as needed

Summer:

-Maintenance is the name of the game—add, remove or reshuffle your water plants as needed or desired

-Fertilize your plants if you did not do so in Spring

-Add fish once plants are established

-If fish spawned in the pond, eggs may be removed to an isolated environment to prevent predators from eating them

-Routinely monitor the health of plants and fish to ensure no pathogen or predator infestations

-Birds may be detered with the placement of fine nylon string over the pond

-As the weather turns hot keep the pond full and oxygenated to prevent anoxia

-A pond safe algacide may be added to minimize algal growth

Autumn:

-A good time to re-evaluate your water gardening strategy and institute significant changes—adding a pool, pond, water feature etc.

-Continue to feed fish while they are active

-Excessive organic matter can tie up nitrogen and oxygen—remove plant debris and detritus from the pond

-Perennial plants may be installed around the pond in autumn

Winter:

-Most plants and animals will enter winter dormancy, little maintenance is required

-Pumps may be removed, cleaned and serviced and stored during winter months

-Steps may be taken to prevent water from freezing completely

-Do not encourage animal activity with winter feedings

-Creative approaches can be take to decorate your pond in the dull months—make sure decorative features will not harm your liner, fish or plants