Pond | Home Grown

Adding Koi to Your Water Garden

Thinking of a adding a flashy garnish to your backyard water garden?

Consider adding a companion that will make your backyard the talk of the neighborhood. Adding Koi to your pond provides a flashy and interesting addition to water gardens with the added bonus of giving your pond a low maintenance pet. Koi are a variety of carp that were originally found in Asia. The fish are know for their color and distinctive markings.

Koi are distinguished by their color, patterns and scales. While traditional Koi varieties have been around for centuries breeders are coming up with new hybrids every year. Koi have been developed for centuries to become more visually appealing. The ghost variety of Koi became popular in the 1980s.

Image via Wikipedia

Despite all of the cross breeding meant to produce a more picturesque fish, the species remains durable. Koi are sturdy cold weather fish that adapt well to shifts in temperate. Even though Koi are tough it take properly constructed ponds to keep the fish alive through harsh winters. Koi almost entirely shut down during winter and eat next to nothing.

Ponds need to be deep enough for fish to retreat to in the winter. Covering the pond and providing the fish with a heat source also help. With a certain amount of care Koi will be companions for a long time. Koi can live for centuries. One famous Koi lived for more than 200 years.

Low maintenance, longevity and their nature beauty make Koi an ideal addition to a backyard water garden. Just keep them in your yard, Koi revert back to carp and are considered invasive if released into the wild.

Filed Under: Environment, Gardening Tagged With: Koi, Pond, Water garden

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Floating Heart

Choosing the right pond plants is essential in creating the ideal ecosystem for your backyard water garden. Your plants must all be capable of working together in order to create an ideal environment, especially if you are hosting fish or amphibians in your pond, because they will have specific requirements in order to thrive. There are a wide variety of different plants that you can install in your outdoor pond or water garden, but some are more advantageous than others when you consider the benefits and the features that they provide your ecosystem with.

Floating Hearts

This is a floating plant that is also commonly referred to as Plafflheart, which is more of a scientific name for this type of plant than anything else. The term “floating hearts” is much more fitting for this plant, however, which is why it is the name that people use when referring to it. These are a floating plant that are especially suitable for backyard pounds because they are capable of spreading quite rapidly to create a lot of shade for fish and other plants. They can live very well in full sun or in partial shade, and so in general they are considered to be a very versatile little plant.

The floating heart plant has a waxy leaf that is shaped similarly to a heart, and the leaves float quite readily on the surface of the water, featuring boldly colored yellow flowers during the blooming season.

Filed Under: Gardening, Home Improvement Tagged With: Garden, Pond, Water garden

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Floating Water Lettuce

There are an endless variety of different plants that you can install in an outdoor water feature like a pond or water garden. It is important for you to consider, however, that not every plant is going to get along with every ecosystem, nor is every plant going to get along with every other plant. As such, it is of vital importance that you put some time and thought into the plants that you choose, ensuring that you choose the right plants for your specific pond and the other flora and fauna that already exist there. One of the options that is available to you is a hardy floating plant called the floating water lettuce.

Floating Water Lettuce

This is a floating plant that is especially beneficial for use in outdoor ponds and similar water features because it is capable of naturally filtering the water in your pond for you. What this means is that it will free the water of your pond from any impurities that might otherwise be capable of harming the plants or the fish that you keep there. This floating plant happens to be relatively small in size, but it is a prolific grower that can take over a pond when improperly maintained. Although this is a popular plant for many pond keepers all over the United States, some states do not allow this plant to be purchased because of law restrictions from the department of fish and wildlife, so make sure that you check prior to purchasing it for your backyard pond.

Filed Under: Home Improvement, Tulip Tagged With: Pond, Water, Water garden

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Azolla

If you are looking for plants that would make excellent additions to your water garden, then you are going to want to consider the following floating plant. Floating plants do not have to be rooted in the ground, they simply float atop your pond water instead. The Azolla is a type of floating plant that is going to combine form with function, because not only is it a visually appealing plant that will float gracefully at the top of your pond, but it is also a functional plant that is going to improve the water chemistry of your pond while providing a food source and a source of shelter for the fish that you keep in your water garden.

Azolla

If you are looking for a floating backyard pond plant that is going to serve more than a single purpose, then the Azolla is a plant that is well worth considering. Not only is this floating plant going to provide shelter for the fish that are living in your backyard pond, but this particular floating plant is also going to be able to provide certain species of fish with an additional food source. It is also important for you to consider that these floating plants can help to keep your backyard pond or water feature water clean and pure. This means that this particular plant really is an excellent choice for your backyard pond, water garden or water feature, especially if you have other plants or fish living in your pond that you want to provide the healthiest water possible for. The Azolla plant looks a lot like a fern, but instead of being rooted in the ground, it floats just gently right on top of the pond water.

Filed Under: Gardening, Landscaping Tagged With: Pond, Water, Water garden

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Red Ludwegia

If you are looking for plants that would make excellent additions to your water garden, then you are going to want to consider the following floating plant. Floating plants do not have to be rooted in the ground, they simply float atop your pond water instead. The Red Ludwegia is one of those plants that can look beautiful while performing essential functions for your water garden, allowing you to create one of the best, healthiest and most thriving ecosystems in your backyard. This is a beautiful and functional plant, meaning that it can serve numerous benefits for your outdoor environment while looking beautiful at the same time. Add a splash of color to your outdoor water garden with the red ludwegia plant.

Red Ludwegia

The Red Ludwegia is a type of floating plant that is generally perceived to be perfect for anyone with a backyard pond that plays home to baby fish or small fish that may need help from hiding places in order to facilitate their survival. Floating plants are excellent for this purpose, because they provide spaces for small fish to hide, where larger fish would not be able to reach them easily. This is a very beautiful and very vibrantly colored floating plant that features gorgeous red leaves. This is also a relatively easy plant for you to grow as well as care for, especially in backyard ponds and other outdoor water features. What this means is that if you do not have a ton of time to devote to planting and tending to your outdoor floating plants, then this is going to be a good plant for you because it is hardy, easy to care for and very beautiful in all types of ponds and water features.

Filed Under: Gardening, Tulip Tagged With: Pond, Water, Water garden

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Floating Water Hyacinth

Image by la fattina via Flickr

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Floating Water Hyacinth

Some plants have a tendency to perform better than others when you decide to grow them in a backyard pond. Floating plants are particularly beneficial for a pond because they provide shade and shelter for fish and other aquatic creations, and they can add oxygen to the water for better water chemistry. Some floating plants are well worth considering adding to your pond, but there are always important considerations that you are going to want to make when doing so. Ensure that you know how to care for and maintain the plant properly, and guarantee that it will not interfere with your water chemistry or current plant and pond life before adding any new plant to your ecosystem.

Floating Water Hyacinth

This is a beautiful plant that is especially suitable for installation in a variety of different types of backyard ponds. It grows natively in lower US states including Alabama, California, Texas, Georgia and Florida. This plant typically has very large purple or blue flowers with yellow internal markings. They are the type of floating plant that you will commonly see in southern ponds and lakes because they grow natively in these areas. It is important for you to consider that even though these are very beautiful floating plants for backyard pond use, you must absolutely take care of them properly in order to prevent them from becoming a nuisance over time. If you do not keep them trimmed back properly, they can grow out of control quite easily in your pond, and it will allow them to suffocate other plants in the pond. Make sure that you know how to care for this plant completely before adding it to your pond.

Filed Under: Gardening, Tulip Tagged With: Pond, Water garden

Plant Considerations for an Outdoor Water Feature

Here are two plants that could make excellent additions to your water garden, water feature or outdoor pond. Make sure that your pond is the right environment for a specific pond species before you begin your planting. If you plant the wrong aquatic plant in your pond, it may die, interfere with other plants, or may overwhelm your pond by growing beyond the size and space available to you.

Plant Name: Dwarf Cattail
Scientific Name: Typha minima
Description: Whether you have a small garden pond or a large one, the dwarf cattail is a perfect addition. It can also handle small container water gardens and water features as well. As its max height this plant is less than two feet tall, meaning that it is particularly well suited for small garden ponds, container gardens and similar water features. This plant features distinctive brown seed heads that are rounded rather than long, and the foliage is blue-green in hue. This plant is also beneficial for low-temperature water gardening as it is a hearty plant that can survive serious temperatures.

Plant Name: King Tut Papyrus
Scientific Name: Cyperus papyrus
Description: This plant is known as the King Tut and is an ideal marginal plant or bog plant for a water garden. This is an outstanding plant for you to choose to use when you are putting together a garden pond. The King Tut Papyrus has also been known as being the umbrella plant since it has eye-catching bracts in green that bend over similar to an umbrella. It is going to grow well not only in a full sun environment but also in a partial shade environment as well. You can plant this aquatic plant directly into the water or you can plant it in a rich and moist bog soil. The plant can be hardy all the way down to twenty five degrees Fahrenheit. You can also take it indoors in the winter months.

Filed Under: Gardening, Home Improvement Tagged With: Plant, Pond, Water garden

Notes on Choosing Garden Pond Plants

Image via Wikipedia

Notes on Choosing Garden Pond Plants

When you decide that you want to add plants to your water features, ponds or water gardens, there are certain considerations that you are going to want to make. There are essentially six different types of aquatic plants that you can install in your pond garden as need. In general, if you want your plants to be at their very best in your pond environment then you are going to want to make sure that they are being planted in completely full sunlight.

Approximately a third of your pond surface area should be considered to be the maximum amount of surface area for you to cover in your pond. Many plants are going to grow and spread at a very alarming rate, so it is important to be aware of what plants you are placing in your pond and what they are capable of doing so that you do not end up overwhelming your pond. You should make sure that you are providing pond plants for your pond life, because fish enjoy plants. Some plants are better suited for certain types of fish. Consider these four types of pond plants:

1. Water lilies are a favorite plant. They come in many different varieties in a seemingly endless selection of colors, sizes and even smells. Some water lilies bloom during the day and others only bloom during the night.

2. Marginals are shallow plants, also known as bog plants, and they generally have a medium depth.

3. Floating plants, such as the water hyacinth, are another consideration. They can grow out of control quickly if you do not keep an eye on them and keep them trimmed to proper size while growing in your water feature.

4. Oxygenator plants are the most important plants that you can put in your pond or water feature because they are going to add to the oxygen level of your pond. This is important for keeping other pond plants healthy and will also benefit your fish, improving their health and well being.

Filed Under: Gardening, Home Improvement Tagged With: Pond, Water, Water garden

Choose a Water Garden

: Image by brewbooks via Flickr

Tropical or Rain Garden?

Now that you’ve decided to install a water garden into your outdoor living space, it’s time to choose what type of plants you desire. There are a variety of gardens that all require anywhere from light gardening to time consuming gardening. From King Tut bog plants that grow deep roots in your pond to stabilize the floating flowers above, to the waterlilies and lotus blooms that gently glide on top of the water. A rain garden requires a great deal of water, as does a tropical garden, so consider your regions abundance of water before making your choice.

Have a Plan and get Help

A good plan is to visit your local do-it-yourself home center where knowledgeable help and a range of fountains, ponds and waterfalls will be found. Consider the size of the space available and make sure to pick a bright, sunny spot with no trees that will drop their leaves into the pond. Once you install the components, you’re ready to set your plants into the water and surrounding soil. Colorful blooms will entice hummingbirds, butterflies and birds to your sanctuary, so try a variety around the pond. When you’re ready, turn on the water to gently flow and trickle across the stones of your waterfall. Now breathe in the sweet fragrance.

Enjoy the Butterflies and Fragrance

Now’s the time to invite friends, family and neighbors over–you’ll never tire of their excitement and desire to have an oasis of their own. Just send them to the home center to chose their own waterfall, pond and lovely flowers. You may consider adding ornamental fish or other water creatures, but check with your new friends at the home center for a filter and water conditions first. You’ve done such a good job, who needs a vacation–just step outside and experience the wonder of nature.

Tropical or Rain Garden?
Now that you’ve decided to install a water garden into your outdoor living space, it’s time to choose what type of plants you desire. There are a variety of gardens that all require anywhere from light gardening to time consuming gardening. From King Tut bog plants that grow deep roots in your pond to stabilize the floating flowers above, to the waterlilies and lotus blooms that gently glide on top of the water. A rain garden requires a great deal of water, as does a tropical garden, so consider your regions abundance of water before making your choice.
Have a Plan and get Help
A good plan is to visit your local do-it-yourself home center where knowledgeable help and a range of fountains, ponds and waterfalls will be found. Consider the size of the space available and make sure to pick a bright, sunny spot with no trees that will drop their leaves into the pond. Once you install the components, you’re ready to set your plants into the water and surrounding soil. Colorful blooms will entice hummingbirds, butterflies and birds to your sanctuary, so try a variety around the pond. When you’re ready, turn on the water to gently flow and trickle across the stones of your waterfall. Now breathe in the sweet fragrance.
Enjoy the Butterflies and Fragrance
Now’s the time to invite friends, family and neighbors over–you’ll never tire of their excitement and desire to have an oasis of their own. Just send them to the home center to chose their own waterfall, pond and lovely flowers. You may consider adding ornamental fish or other water creatures, but check with your new friends at the home center for a filter and water conditions first. You’ve done such a good job, who needs a vacation–just step outside and experience the wonder of nature.

Filed Under: DIY, Environment, Gardening, Landscaping Tagged With: Home, Pond, Water garden

Care for Water Garden Fish

: Image via Wikipedia

Keeping goldfish, koi and other ornamental fish species is a natural part of keeping your water garden. They offer an appeal as pets, and they are also a large part of the water garden or pond ecosystem. If you want to maintain good health in your fish, you are going to want to take some basic precautions. You must keep the right number of fish for your pond size, you must feed them properly, and you must monitor the chemistry and temperature of the water. Backyard water gardens are not natural environments, and so you are going to be responsible for governing the conditions of this space.

The stocking level for your pond is going to be absolutely critical to maintaining good health in your fish. If you have too many fish, the level of oxygen will be decreased and the additional fish waste is going to lead to a build up in nitrites and ammonia. Your fish load can generally vary based on what level of filtration you have. If the filter is undersized, then you are not going to be able to keep as many fish. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have an oversized filter you may be able to keep additional fish. If you have an average-sized water garden filter then your stocking level will vary based on the surface area for your pond.

If you have any doubts about how many fish you can reasonably keep in your pond, speak to an expert where you buy your fish or your pond supplies for assistance. The experts and specialists there will be able to help you find the right number of fish for your unique needs, and will make sure that you are making the right decisions about keeping fish in your outdoor water garden.

Filed Under: DIY, Gardening, Technique Tagged With: Fish, Garden, Home, Koi, Plant, Pond, Water, Water garden

Adding Koi to Your Water Garden

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Floating Heart

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Floating Water Lettuce

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Azolla

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Red Ludwegia

Floating Plants for Your Backyard Pond: Floating Water Hyacinth

Plant Considerations for an Outdoor Water Feature

Notes on Choosing Garden Pond Plants

Choose a Water Garden

Care for Water Garden Fish

Categories

Recent Posts