Planting a Garden Pond
Waterlilies and other aquatic plants can be planted successfully at any time from early spring into the summer. It is preferable to plant in early spring as then it is possible to achieve a good display during the succeeding summer. Aquatics planted during the summer rarely achieve full maturity until the following year.
All aquatic plants enjoy a heavy soil, so use a clay-loam soil from the garden or a proper formulated aquatic planting compost. When collecting soil from the garden, ensure that it is weed-free and does not contain any other organic debris that may decompose and pollute the water. It should not be from land that has been recently dressed with artificial fertilizer as this is likely to be very soluble and leach out into the pond water, thereby providing ideal conditions for the establishment of green water discoloring algae.
Waterlilies and other aquatic plants should always be fed using a slow release aquatic plant fertilizer in either a tablet or sachet, which during the growing season can be pushed into the compost next to the plant. Plant waterlilies and marginal aquatics in the same manner as when potting other plants into pots, but ideally use proper aquatic planting baskets.
Although marginal plants will grow in traditional pots, they will not prosper in the same way as when cultivated in planting baskets. Always plant a single species or variety in one container. Never consider mixed plantings as these will end in a tangle with one species or variety almost certain to dominate. Once planted, top-dress the compost in the baskets with fine gravel to prevent fish from stirring up the compost in their search for aquatic insect larvae.
Submerged aquatics are planted in a similar fashion, except that many more are used in a container. The larger sized planting basket will accommodate ten or twelve bunches, for most submerged aquatic plants are sold as bunches of leafy cuttings fastened together with a lead strip. Be sure to bury the fastening in the compost when planting. If left above the surface of the soil, the lead rots through the stems of the cuttings. These then detach and come floating to the surface of the water. Top-dress the planted baskets with well-washed fine gravel.
About the Author
Philip Swindells has over 40 years gardening experience. A former botanical garden curator and an international horticultural consultant, he has worked extensively in the UK, North America, the Middle East and Australia. The Author of more than 50 gardening books, he has been awarded a Quill and Trowel Award by the Garden Writers’ Association of America. He is also a former UK Garden Writer of the Year. He is currently editor of www.internationalwatergardener.com
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2854dt Photo Mugs Close up of flower of Bogbean…. |
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ANZ-775 BOGBEAN / BUCKBEAN – Bog plant flowering in spring Photo Mugs ANZ-775 BOGBEAN / BUCKBEAN – Bog plant flowering in spring Uganskii Nat. reserve, Siberia, Russia Menyanthes trifoliata Typical plant on taiga-forest floor near river Bolshoi Ugan, near Ugut settlement. Distribution United Kingdom and Europe. Also occurs in north and central Asia, Morocco, Greenland and North America. Andrey Zvoznikov Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only … |
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ANZ-806 Marsh marigold / Kingcup – flowering in flooded forest near river Taz Photo Mugs ANZ-806 Marsh marigold / Kingcup – flowering in flooded forest near river Taz North Tumen region, Siberia, Russia Caltha palustris (Ranu subspecies ?) Andrey Zvoznikov Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway. contact details prints ardea tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067 …. |
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Tropical Fish As a Hobby VHS… |
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Grasses, Sedges and Rushes Part 2 Aquatic Plant Identification 55 minutes VHS… |
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Sunterra 300201 Round Plant Basket $1.29 Use to add submersible plants to the ecosystem of the pond. Size: 5.75″ H. x 9.5″ W. x 9.5″ D…. |
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Fluval Ceramic 88g-CO2 Diffuser – 3.1 Ounces $6.49 A7548 Features: -Diffuser.-Ideal for use in planted nano aquariums, including Fluval’s Flora Aquatic Plant Kit.-The diffuser helps to effectively dissolve CO2 into your aquarium.-Replacement CO2 diffuser and diffuser disc for the Fluval CO2 Supply Set.-Helps ensure plants receive proper amounts of CO2.-Ensures fish and plants live in a healthy environment.-Capacity: 3.1 oz.. Assembly Instructions… |
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Zoo Med Coral Flora Sun Plant Growth Bulb T8 25 Watts, 36-Inch $9.40 Zoo Med T-8 Flora Sun Max Plant Growth Fluorescent BulbThis high intensity 5,500K lamp with peak emissions in the blue and red regions serves to maximize the photobiological process in plants. The emission spectrum closely resembles the absorption curve of chlorophyll-A, promoting maximum photosynthesis, ideal for planted aquariums and terrariums. Also great for shy fish species such as Dwarf Cich… |
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1952 Pond Ecology & Marine Biology Film DVD: Classic Water Ponds Ecology Video of Pond Plants & Animals w/ Ducks, Frogs, Toads, Turtles, Insects, Birds & Lily Pad Dragonfly Bugs $11.99 A plethora of pond animals are shown, heard and handled in this vintage pond ecosystem environment film. It’s a good educational biology film to use in curriculum development to give a custom first-hand touch of retro science footage. Table Of Contents: (1) Spring Comes To A Pond (1952) – This film explores the ecosystem surrounding a pond in the Northeastern United States. One of the most outstan… |
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Shedd Aquarium/California Portland Cement … |