That title is a tongue twister of sorts, but I can't begin to tell you how important it 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.

Chilly Conditions
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.

What To Do
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. 

 It's important to keep in mind that ponds are living, breathing ecosystems and they aren't always going to be crystal clear. 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.  Low temperature bacterias can definitely help you out but it's not a quick fix or a guarantee.

It's All About Nature
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" 
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 say:

 "Pond Patience, Pond Patience, Pond Patience...

Bring In June!"

Water Plant of the Month:  So you are at your favourite Garden Center, (TERRA Greenhouses), wandering through the  Pond department  just itching to buy your pond a present.  Here you'll find our favourite plants and tips to keep them happy and healthy in your pond.

May:  Fabulous Floaters!

Floating plants are a great addition to your pond.  Their root systems provide natural filtration.  They help control algae by shading the water and utilizing dissolved nutrients that would otherwise be used by algae for growth.  A few common types include Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes major ), Duckweed (Lemna minor) and Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes).

Water Hyacinth is available in two varieties at your favourite garden center.  Dwarf Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes spp.) is the smaller of the two and is ideal for small ponds with it's approximately 4" size.  Water Hyacinth likes full sun exposure and is hardy to Zone 9.  Water Hyacinth will bloom occasionally, although most times it blooms because it has been shocked going from it's warm home in a greenhouse to your cooler spring time pond water.

Water Lettuce has rosettes of velvety blue-green leaves.  Is hardy to zone 9 and does well in partial shade so it is a good choice for ponds with limited sunshine.  Fish seem to bother the root systems of Water Lettuce less than the roots of Water Hyacinth so it may be a good choice for ponds with a high fish population.

A great spot for these floating plants is in the waterfall box or "Biofalls".  TIP:  If you choose to keep them in the basin of the pond try using a little fishing line anchored to either side of your pond to keep them contained in one area.  By the late summer you will have plenty of floating plants to give away to friends so just start with 2-3 plants in the spring.  We promise you they will reproduce so that you will have enough to cover your pond soon enough.

Have fun with these fabulous floaters by trying out different ones this year and see which ones are your favourite.