Water gardens have recently become very popular and become an integral part of the scenery in American suburbia. They are one of the most refreshing benefits a homeowner can have. The various animals that flutter or swim through the ponds and the charming lilies dotted across the pond surface are enchanting.
Water Gardening Basics
Designs are limitless for the water garden and the planting options are numerous. This type of garden is for keeps as it helps fix our rather imbalanced ecosystem, but to also paint the town light blue and green with its refreshing allure.
Of course, you cannot create a water garden without knowing the nuts and bolts behind it. The gardener should acquire enough knowledge so the plants will thrive.
The first thing you must settle when planning a water garden is its location. Nothing else matters because this determines the ecology of the garden and how much sunlight and traffic/exposure it will get. For the location, it should get around six hours of sunlight per day. That‘s the optimal amount of light it should get.
Second, you should be able to control the water garden in terms of what goes in the area. Ideally, it should be viewable by your bedroom window so you will spot any predators that may have jumped in the garden. With that, you will not only enjoy beautiful scenery every time you wake up, you will be able to scan the place for any unsolicited visitors and/or predators. That will be safe not only for the garden, but for the family as well.
Water Garden Safety
Third, the garden shouldn’t be located near utility services like sewage pipes. The obvious reason is that the roots that may spread from your garden may hamper development in the area, adding headaches for those installing/repairing it. You will also avoid some potential problems, namely those that could contaminate your garden with toxins and detergents. When you build your water garden, make sure that there are ample structural supports beneath it to avoid future problems.
Fourth, when thinking of the materials you should use when assembling the pond, there are a lot of options you could consider. If you have the skills to handle it, then you may opt for fiber glass or concrete. But if you don’t, you can opt for plastic or earthen to make everything easier. If you simply don’t have the will to do this kind of work, there are tons of commercial firms that offer some advice not only on the nitty-gritty, but also on design, general aesthetics and maintenance.
Lastly, you must take to heart that creating a water garden isn’t only time-intensive, but takes a load out of your cash too. Make sure that you have the financial and spiritual stability to take this on.
Water Quality
Whether your garden is just an unassuming giant bath tub or a wondrous paradise, you should remember that water quality is top priority when you are creating the best water garden possible. The thing about this is that it actually determines not only the level of beauty of the garden; it will also determine the lifespan of the aquatic life residing in the garden.
When choosing the type of water you will pour in the pool, don’t opt for surface water or the water from a river because these contain some possible contaminants such as lead and mercury, not to mention some fish that may hamper your ponds inherent ecosystem. If you opt for city water, the gardener should de-chlorinate it using some pellets used in de-chlorinating aquariums and the like.
With all these basics said, you will have a general idea on how to create a water garden. With the location and aesthetics planned and the structure realized, you have the perfect backdrop for the perfect garden, which now needs good quality water to finish the deal. When you do these things along with the tools of organic horticulture, then the best water garden possible will be realized.
© cathi for
Suburban Ecology, 2008. |
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