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in the pond
Over the past few weeks we have had very few reports of fish health problems, water quality issues or excessive algae growth. Considering that we service over 5000 watergarden customers,
that's a pretty good
indication that most ponds are doing quite well this season.
Here are a few things to consider doing now:
- continue fertilizing regularly until late September
- divide and repot lilies and marginal plants
- continue with your weekly or biweekly bacteria treatment
- maintain your surface coverage at 50-60%
- feed your fish a quality food 1-3 times daily
- maintain skimmers and pre-filters as necessary to keep your pump running at full speed
Above all else..........sit back, relax and enjoy your pond! |
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item of the week
Microbe-Lift Autumn Prep |
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accelerates decomposition of leaves and sediment
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cotains cold water bacteria to provide biological activity in water under 40 degrees, even under ice and snow
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prepares a safe environment for your fish naturally
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We just received our fall shipment
Shop early and save 15%
This is a newsletter only special, so mention that you saw it here to receive your discount.
Offer ends 8-31-10
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tips & tricks
Skim
This is a simple tip, but actually a pretty important piece of advice. Not all of us have skimmers on our ponds. I don't. For some reason,  the one tree in my yard that loses it's leaves has already begun to drop them, and of course every single one ends up in my pond. When I returned from a week away, I noticed how many leaves had fallen into the pond, sunk to the bottom, and gotten jammed around the intake of my pump. Leaves in the bottom of your pond are not a good thing. Neither are flower petals, berries from your neighbor's bushes (why are they ALWAYS in my pond?), or clumps of grass your kids throw in there. Organic matter decays and adds to the bad-gas-emitting sludge on the bottom of your pond. So, even if you DO have a skimmer, check out your pond regularly and remove any leaves, twigs, etc. that have fallen into the water. As we approach fall, consider using a leaf net stretched over the pond to make this job a bit easier. We have many sizes in stock now. And, use Microbe-Lift Autumn Prep bacteria to quickly break down any organic matter that does make its way to the bottom of your pond (see special offer above). |
featured plant
Hydrangea Endless Summer
'Twist n Shout' |
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This hydrangea is one of the neatest new plants we've carried this year. You may be familiar with the other varieties of Endless Summer hydrangeas that have become available, but this year's newest offering is my favorite.
'Twist 'n' Shout' is a lacecap hydrangea that will re-bloom. If you know tons about hydrangeas, you'll know why this is so unique. If you don't, it's enough to know that this plant is gorgeous and easy to grow. It will begin blooming in the summer and continue right through the fall. It's hardy from Zones 4 through 9 (which should include everyone but me...), and will thrive in a partially shaded spot in the garden.
mention this newsletter article to receive
10% Off
while supplies last
***offer expires 8/31/10***
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tips & tricks
pink or blue Pink blooms in alkaline soil;
blue blooms in acidic soil. Sorta.
Blue requires acidic soil and available aluminum. Adding aluminum sulfate to the soil will lower the pH and obviously add the necessary aluminum. Using a high potassium, low phosphorus fertilizer helps maintain your blue color.
Hydrangeas will bloom pink in the absence of aluminum. To turn blue hydrangeas pink, add dolomite lime to slightly raise the pH to between 6.0 and 6.5. In this range, the plants will not take up the aluminum in the soil (which would turn flowers blue), and will avoid the problems associated with truly alkaline soil. Fertilize with a high phosphorus fertilizer.
Remember, not all plants like acidic soil, so be wary of treating the surrounding soil as it could negatively affect your hydrangea's neighbors.
Here's the bad news...this is all a pretty slow process. It will take time for the soil to change favorably and for the plant to react to these changes. My suggestion? Enjoy whatever color you have and start early next year with the soil alterations.
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photo contest
Kids in the GardenAnd the winner is..........................(drum roll)................Congratulations to Beth Cheney, our contest winner. Great photo. And we love that kids snorkel and swim in the pond.
Please take a moment to check out our other favorites on our website.
Stay tuned. We'll announce our next photo contest in a few weeks!
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