Pondment

By Karen Stewart

Now that another successful pond tour is behind us and we've been inspired by various water features and accompanying gardens, it's time to plan re-working existing ponds and plan new water features. This is a great time of year for "sale shopping" - perennials, shrubs, trees, pond supplies, water plants, fish, etc. HOWEVER, before diving new projects, remember summer maintenance of existing water features.

1) Feed water lilies, lotuses and water plants (if necessary). This should be the last feeding of the year. Adequate feeding encourages root growth, lush vegetation and promotes lily/lotus blooms.

2) Divide and replant water lilies and water plants that are overly crowded or crawling for freedom. Replanting now will ensure ample time for new plants to establish before cold weather. Lotuses, however, should not be repotted until next spring.

3) Check lily/floating plant "cover"-(especially if pond is in an extremely sunny location). Strive for 50-60 percent water surface coverage. Adequate cover helps stabilize water temperature, minimizes blanket weed, and provides shelter for fish (yes, fish can sunburn!!).

4) Continue to monitor and clean filters, pump screens and pond bottoms. Detritus breeds trouble ("anaerobic angst"-skanky water, clogged pumps, dead fish, stressed ponders).

5) As water temps rise above 85 degrees, feed fish less-- small feedings during cooler morning and evening hours are best. Monitor fish for signs of oxygen deprivation or heat stress (esp. fancy goldfish). Warm water holds little oxygen, so keep fish load light, water moving, and add aeration if necessary.

6) Maintain adequate water levels- minimize stress to fish and plants by adding a little water more often, rather than adding too much colder water at once or making massive water changes.

7) Maintain water plants by removing spent blossoms, aging/yellowing lily pads, dead leaves, broken stems, etc. Check for insect infestations-especially moth larvae and aphids. Remove larvae and aphids; if you have fish, wash the aphids into the pond to provide a tasty snack for finny friends.

8) Reevaluate existing pond systems: pumps, hoses, filters, plants, fish loads, waterside plantings, edging, liners, waterfalls, etc. Before tackling the next big project, finish or fix existing features that need attention (speaking from personal experience).

9) Begin planning for fall and winter (perish the thought); bird netting to minimize leaf debris, pond cleaning materials (get the gark out before winter!!), plans for winter aeration or keeping a small area open to allow exchange of gases, overwintering fish or tropical water plants indoors, etc.

10) Satisfy the "gotta get just one more" urge by visiting your CIWGA friendly local dealers. Thank them again for their support and advice as you're hauling your latest treasure(s) out the door.