"Patience". I can't begin to tell you how important this one word is during the month of May. One of the biggest myths in water gardening is that algae thrives only in hot weather. Well let's add a new twist to "April Showers Bring May Flowers" and include algae in the mix.

Yes, algae loves this time of year, the time when it's just starting to warm up outside, but the pond water is still a little chilly. Why would a sun-loving green monster like algae like cold water? Because it's arch-nemesis, beneficial bacteria, has a hard time getting started in cooler water. Another major player in the good fight against algae - plants - are just trying to get started, but it's also a little too chilly for them to do a lot to help battle algae.

Meanwhile, algae is thriving and has the run of the pond. Even your fishy friends are contributing a bit as their waste turns into plant fertilizer, a.k.a. algae food. This is the time of year when we receive frantic calls from homeowners asking me what exactly they can do about this algae problem. My answer? Talk to Mother Nature. It's important to keep in mind that ponds are living, breathing ecosystems and they aren't always going to be Algae free. Algae is a part of Mother Nature's recipe. It helps feed and shade fish in natural lakes, ponds, sand streams and it's just a part of the circle of life. In the meantime it is important to get your hands a little dirty by removing as much String Algae by hand or with a water hose as possible. Additionally I prescribe daily doses of Eco~Clearer Liquid bacteria and weekly doses of Eco~Clearer SAP to help reduce the remaining algae.

Pond owners who have been around the block a few times understand the role of algae in the pond puzzle. They've come to grips that it comes and it goes. "Patience is what will get you through May" is a favorite phrase I hear from one of my longest running pond owners. Some even comment that it makes them appreciate the summer months even more. Regardless of how you view algae, keep in mind that it's only here to stay for a little bit. It won't be long until the bacteria fires up, the plants start to feed on those nutrients, and May algae blooms are a thing of the past. Until then, let's just practice patience and appreciate Mother Nature as she runs her course.