In this issue
	MY POND PROFILE WINTERIZING THE POND GARDEN DESIGN SURVIVING THE STORM POND VARIATIONS

WINTERIZING THE POND

Some tips for winterizing your pond: Clean up - Clean up any debris in the bottom, in the filter, or around the pond which could be blown into the pond. This debris is fertile ground for the bad-guy bacteria and parasites over-wintering in the pond. And remember, they "spring to life" before your koi and goldfish will. Remover all dead or dying vegetation in and around the pond, as well as any annual flowers. Protect - Use wind protection and/or leaf netting to safeguard your fish. Stray objects can be tossed into the pond in high winds and not noticed until the spring. A fish can be speared or a liner torn. Leaf netting can be removed after the trees are bare. Some pond owners construct PVC frames and strong nets to protect their ponds throughout the winter. Some use plastic covering and PVC frames to create a greenhouse and conserve heat which can be very effective. Continue Reading... »

GARDEN DESIGN

Certain considerations will pay off handsomely. Here is a list of suggestions in planning the landscape to accompany your pond: NOT FLAT-use berms, graduating levels, retaining walls, rocks to plan a natural looking pond. A pond does not look natural no matter how lovely it is, if it doesn't look like it belongs in the yard. Japanese gardens are planted on many levels to "keep the spirits" away from the house. It is believed that spirits can't climb and will only use flat ground. More Reading... »

SURVIVING THE STORM

Unlike ponders on the West Coast (who have to deal with earthquakes) or in the Midwest (who have to deal with tornados), we're usually lucky enough to have notice that a storm is coming. The preparations that we make depend on whether it's a "storm" or a STORM. Many of our casual afternoon thunderstorms can cause as much damage as a tropical depression. That being said, let's suppose that we've been advised that a storm is on its way. How do I prepare? a. Stop feeding the fish: they won't starve (they still have all that algae on the sides), but continued ammonia production could kill them if your water quality takes a hit due to filtration problems. b. Do a water change, as large as you can handle. That way, if things really turn bad, your fish will be starting off with water as clean as possible. Even if it's only a moderate storm, you may be without water for a few days. With a fresh water change, the fish will have the best chance. Read more... »

POND VARIATIONS

1. What type pond? Some people want to see water lilies in their yard, others want to see fish. Still others want to raise koi. All three ponds have different requirements. The water garden pond specializes in plants. The goldfish pond is for goldfish. The koi pond is for koi. A. Garden Pond: includes plants, does not require filtration or fish, very little care. Insect control will establish over time (dragonfly larva will consume mosquito larva and other pests). B. Goldfish Pond: requires some maintenance, can be planted, filter to keep water clear enough to appreciate fish. Balance of nature will establish over time. Plants will provide shelter for fish and recycle of fish waste. Discover which pond is right for you... »