|
|
| Backyard Concepts Newsletter |
Spring Fever
Feb 2009
|
|
|
 Greetings!
I know what you are thinking as you look at this usually beautiful water feature...uuugh. The rocks have turned green, brown plants, sleeping fish... it happens every year for about 3 weeks toward the end of winter. PATIENCE!!
Spring Fever is hard, our whole staff is itchin with it. Well, I hope that is what is causing them to itch. Somethings are just better kept to ones self. No Matter... Spring is Coming! In the meantime, add that Cold Water Bacteria. It is really important, especially right now because your plants and fish are dormant. The temperature is rising so your only defense against a complete algae take over is BACTERIA. So keep adding it religiously. Bacteria has an expiration date and we are closing our stock out for the end of the season... Good prices if your are running low. See all the sales below.
|
|
Save the Rainwater
The hottest trend... rainwater harvest
 Remember a few years ago when many municipalities put restrictions on certain days you were able to irrigate your lawn. Some wouldn't allow you to irrigate or even add water to your backyard pool. It's very frustrating to see our lush lawns that we try so hard to make picture perfect, burn up, or look outside at our swimming pool only to know that refilling may not be an option.
Now let's talk about the hottest trend that is rapidly gaining awareness across the country, and it is called rainwater harvesting. In actuality, this is an ancient concept, which was introduced some 2000 years ago.
Rainwater harvesting can be accomplished many ways, from the simple rain barrel attached to a gutter system on your home to a more complex system, which is installed below ground and can accommodate more water storage.
All in all everyone is curious on how it works and the advantages of having even the smallest harvesting system. I have more information on my website that you can see and it will explain things with detail. READ MORE
Be looking for next month's newsletter for which I will be informing everyone what they need to start doing with their ponds as we come out of the coldest time of the year.
For those of you who are interested in a pond clean out, please call now! Cleanouts will be scheduled in the order of your call.
Until Next Time,
Happy Ponding
Mike, the Pond Man, Marcom
|
Plant the BIG STUFF NOW
Perfect Planting Time for Specific Plants
 Now is the time for Trees and Shrubs... it gives them a fighting chance against the sometimes brutal Texas Summer. Plant NOW AND Water Well! North Texas is still in a draught situation.
Aquatic Plants never lack for water but terrestrial plants in Texas are often either overwatered or underwatered. For most quasi-gardeners it is hard to tell when your plants need water, it is so easy just to set the sprinkler system and forget it. However, I would encourage you to get out and get a little dirty. Do the finger test. Stick your finger in the soil about an inch. If it is dry, water. If it is not, do not water. It is far better to water deeply once a week than to water three times a week for a short period.
Gracious Gardens offers landscape plans for your project. We partner with Backyard Concepts to provide landscaping services for water features. If you have a project and need a plan, contact Backyard Concepts 940-440-9715 and set an appointment for a landscape plan.
Sheila Walker, Landscape Design
Gracious Garden Concepts,
proud Landscaping Partner of Backyard Concepts
|
|
Sleeping with the Fishes
Don't be fooled.. Don't feed.
 I can't wait till it warms up and I can start feeding our babies again! There is not a whole lot that needs to been done with your fish right now. Hopefully, you have already stopped feeding your fish, if not you could be headed for some trouble this spring.
Fish digestive systems shut down during winter. Feeding them can be detrimental to their health. The food that is stored in their stomach will rot. Yes, I know it's gross, but it will rot their stomach and kill them. They may be begging to be fed, but even just a little can be harmful. They WILL NOT starve!
On a more positive note, as they days grow warmer and warmer you will notice that they are starting to move around more and are not just lazing at the bottom of the pond. Do not start feeding your fish again until water temperature reaches a steady 60 degrees (pond thermometer are about $5) for about a week. Feel free to call with any of your fish questions, or drop me an email tessie graves.
By the way... if anyone needs some Orphan KOI let me know. For various reasons, some pond owners have to reduce their KOI population and I can get you in touch with them.
|
Floating Islands Can Offer Winter Color in Ponds!
Vivian whines about winter and brags about her floating island success.
As a passionate gardener it is very hard to be patient for the upcoming of spring while anticipating all the new leaves and colorful blooms. During this cold a dreary time you can add color to you pond by adding a floating island (Islandscapes.) We have just planted ours to give our pond some color with Nandinas for their bright foliage, Rosemary and black mondo grass. So far they seem to be tolerating the wet soil; so we'll keep our fingers crossed. Louisiana Iris is also a good choice; it will stay a dark green color through the winter months and then give a stunning show of color for years to come. Next months we will be getting ready to fertilize and divide our lilies and aquatic plants. For tropical lilies in storage (garage, greenhouse, etc.) the end of February is the time to fertilize and repotting should be done in mid-April to May. We will be having a class on how to replant aquatic plants and dividing water lilies next month so check our website for the schedule. The class will cover basic repotting and dividing of aquatic plants in general and FREE Water Iris to participants! Or bring your own and we will help you repot it. If you have questions about aquatic plants email me. ONLY 45 MORE DAYS UNTIL THE SPRING AQUATIC PLANTS ARRIVE!! Plants make it pretty, Vivian |
|
|
Winter Closeout - Special BUY
Yardbright 20 Watt Lights
1 for $19.99, 2 for $29.99, 3 for $34.99
Yardbright 60 Watt Transformers $34.99
Cold Water Bacteria $19.99 Retail, $14.99 Sale
ALL ITEMS ON SALE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
|
|
|
We hope you find this information helpful. We are open to suggestions, what topics would you like to see in the newsletters? Give us a call 940-440-9715 or drop us line at sales@backyardconcept.com.
Sincerely,
Sheila Walker
Backyard Concepts
|
|
|
|
|
