Water Gardening
The sight and sound of water has always been admired and adored by 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, water garden is a pool of water, home for aquatic plants and small fishes. Water gardening does not need any ornamental container rather a plastic dub or its kind which can hold water will satisfy the need. Features like waterfalls, rockwork, lighting and fountains can be added to a water garden depending on budget, style of your landscape, and purpose of the garden pond.
Installing a Water Garden
Location:Selection of location should be in such a way so that it can be viewed and appreciated through a window from the house or as a focal point in the landscape.
Exposure to Sunlight: 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.
Drainage:Soil in the site should be well drained. Boggy wet soil can distort the shape of an artificial pool and crack or break the liner. A pool placed in sandy or crumbly soil also has to be prepared to keep the sides or bottom from continuous shifting or settling. Additionally, avoid runoff areas of the landscape.
Accessibility to electricity and water: The pool will most likely be filled with tap water, and will occasionally need an adjustment in the water level during evaporation so an accessible water source is mandatory.
Aquatic Plant Selection
While selecting a plant, considerations such as water depth, amount of sunlight and how each species relates to its surroundings need to be taken into account. Both floating leafed and submerged plants are needed for a healthy pond and need to be included in your selection. Plants can be selected from three main categories emergent, submerged and floaters.
Planting Aquatic Plants
Aquatic gardening is very much similar to other types of gardening. You should be aware of proper soil conditions, kinds of containers, proper planting techniques, fertility needs, and after planting care. What makes water gardening unique is that the plants you grow are growing in a water filled environment.
Soils for Aquatics
Heavy clay loam soils are well-balanced nutritionally and will support good growth. As the fertilizers or artificial mixes cannot hold the nutrient and as they are light weighted, they should not be used in water gardening.
How to Plant Aquatics
1. Soil used for planting should be damp up to a three fourth level of container
2. Potting emergent and submerged plants is similar to planting other aquatics. Place some soil in the pot, center the plant and add soil to cover the roots.
3. Once planted, the soil should be covered with a 1/2 to 3/4 inch layer of pea gravel. This will help prevent soil particles from clouding the water and will discourage fish from digging into the soil.
Caring for the Water Garden
As with any garden, maintenance is necessary to keep a water garden thriving. By fulfilling a few routine chores, a water garden can give long lasting beauty and enjoyment for years to come.
Algae and Other Debris: Immediately after installation, and again every spring, all the algae and the debris should be removed as they hinder the warming effect of sunlight on the water.
Water Level: Water level should be consistent throughout the day.
Leaks, Bugs and Other Pests: Though leaks are not common they may occur in some fiber shells. Commercially many patch kits are available which can be used to prevent leaks.
Cleaning Tips: Weekly cleanings to remove leaves, dead aquatic plant foliage, etc., are recommended. A skimming net is essential and more expensive equipment such as a pool, spa, or water vacuum is optional depending upon your budget.
