A water garden is a wonderful feature for any landscape, but during the winter months, falling leaves and other debris can collect in the water (figure A), prompting the formation of algae, which can soon overtake the pond. Here, host Maureen Gilmer shows how to transform a dormant, algae-ridden pond into a fresh, sparkling oasis. Plant Material (**Suitable for all regions / planting zones**) Horsetail grass
Water lilies
Yellow Flag Iris
Water hyacinth Note: Residents of extrememly cold regions (figure B) will need to take a few extra care precautions during the winter months to protect the plants from drastically low temperatures; more on this at the end of the project. Supplies: (3) 2-gallon black aquatic pots (no holes)
(3) 1-gallon black aquatic pots (no holes)
1 bag black pebbles
Bird netting (black)
Pond skimmer
Outdoor trash can or bucket
Broom / Dustpan
Scrub brush
4'x8' flat plywood board
Water plant soil
Pea gravel
Fish food Tools: Sharp Knife (for dividing plants) Since this project is fairly challenging and requires a considerable amount of elbow grease, Gilmer says get ready! For an average do-it-yourselfer, the project's requirements are as follows: Skill Level: 4 (on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult)
Time Needed: 10 hours
- Regardless of geographic location, early spring is always the ideal time for this project since it eliminates the decaying plant material (figure C) that will begin to form nitrogen when temperatutres rise.
Expert Note: (Frank McDonough, Botanical Information Consultant) Algae happens in a pond as a result of excess nitrogen and rising temperatures. Since plants are unable to take care of rapidly forming nitrogen, the result is a massive algae "explosion." - Rejuvenating this pond will require draining it top to bottom, so the resident fish have to be given a temporary home. Gilmer fills a bucket with the old pond water and sets it aside for when the fish are transferred later.
Note: Using the same water prevents shock to the fish since it maintains their environment. - Next, she removes the larger aqautic plant varieties (figure D) that have been sitting dormant throughout the winter and are just now starting to show new growth. (These plants will get a thorough clean-up a little later.)
- Once these are out of the way, she takes out the water lilies (figure E) and sets them aside as well. To protect the leaves, Gilmer advises placing these plants in a large plastic bag such as a dry-cleaning wrapper.
- With the pond now plant-free, Gilmer is able to remove all leafy matter that's blown in over the winter using a net with a long handle (figure F) and another bucket.
Expert Tip (Shawn McHenry, Mystic Koi and Water Gardens): Although algaecides provide an effective way to eliminate algae, they're not recommended for ponds with plants and fish, since many algaecides will kill the other living organisms along with the algae. There are, however, other alternatives such as flocculents, which will help collect the single-celled algae and "clump" it (figure G), making it easy to remove from the pond. - After the debris removal is complete, Gilmer uses the reverse mechanism on the pond's pump to drain most of the water from the pond. After securely hooking the pump and filter combo to a hose, she carefully places the device in the water (figure H), taking care not to harm any fish as she lays it in place. After a few minutes, most of the old water has been pumped out into the yard.
Note: Since the pond water is rich in organic matter and nitrogen, it's great for the lawn. So not only is the draining process simple, it prevents resources from being wasted. - When water level is low enough to allow the fish to be easily seen, Gilmer carefully scoops out each one with a small net and transfers it into the waiting bucket (figure I).
- Soon, the pond water becomes too shallow to drain with the pump, so Gilmer uses a bucket to bail out the remaining liquid. Finally, she uses a basic kitchen broom to sweep the bottom of pond, collecting the debris at the pond's lowest point in a small heap for easy removal.
- The pond liner can be cleaned further using a rag or sponge. Chemicals, however, should never be used for cleaning since they can be harmful to plants and fish.
Time elapsed: 3 hours.
RESOURCES :
Nautilus 30 Pump
OASE Waterscapes Water Gardening Equipment
Irvine, CA 92614
Website: www.oase-pumpen.com
Snub-Nosed Bio Filter (4")
Happy Frog Garden Center
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-885-0975
Website: www.happyfrog.com
Fish and Aquatic Plants
Model: n/a
Koi, water lilies, water hyacinths, etc.
Mystic Koi
Upland, CA 91706
Phone: 909-920-3767
GUESTS :
Frank McDonough
E-mail: frank.mcdonough@arboretum.org
Website: www.arboretum.org
Shawn McHenry
Mystic Koi & Water Gardens
1250 W. Arrow Hwy.
Upland, CA 91786
Phone: 909-920-3767
Fax: 909-920-3153
Email: shawn@mystickoi.com
Website: www.mystickoi.com
Koi Expert
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