Many garden owners across the country will opt for a pond. These can become home to all kinds of aquatic plants and wildlife, as well as providing a beautiful focal piece to your garden. However, ponds also take a lot of care, to both preserve their biodiversity and keep them looking pretty. Here are tips to ensure your pond stays healthy.
Keeping water clean
Having some form of filtration and pump is important for all kinds of reasons. It can help release toxins from the water, help prevent build-ups of algae and blanket weed and prevent pests such as mosquitoes from laying nest. Many will opt for a waterfall feature, which looks pretty as well as serving a practical purpose. Whilst a sparkly clear pond can be pretty, be careful of going too clean. Fish like a bit of algae and plants such as lilies can provide cover from predators such as cats and birds.
Preparing for the seasons
As the seasons progress, you will need to make sure your pond is happy. In the summer, it is important to keep refilling water and the pond will evaporate in heat. In the winter, you may need to take measures to get rid of ice. Breaking the ice is not advised as it can create shock vibrations that run through the water and can kill fish. Use a natural method for melting through the ice.
Feeding fish
How often you feed fish relies largely on the temperature. Usually you will only need to feed fish once every other day. In summer when it reaches sixty degrees plus, you should consider raising this multiple times a day. Fish’s metabolism will be high and they will need that extra food. During the winter, you do not need to feed fish at all. Their metabolism is much slower and they will not be able to digest the fish food. Most fish get their nutrients from algae and microorganisms in the water.
Growing plants
Plants grow very well around ponds – you may need to cut them back occasionally to stop them going too wild. Many kinds of plants can grow in the water such as lilies, blue irises and cardinal flowers. Keep on top of weeds and hose off any aphids, as these will eat away your plants.
Improving aesthetics
Do not let your pond look empty. There are all kinds of plants and ornaments and features that can make your pond look all the more beautiful. Consider water features like fountains and waterfalls. You should all consider adding some paving stones or pebbles around the pond, aside with ornaments such as gnomes to give it a magical feel. You can even light up your pond at night by planting some solar lights around it.
In summary, to care for your pond like a professional, you should consider the following aspects:
- keeping the water clean
- preparing for the seasons
- feeding fish
- growing plants
- improving aesthetics
