HOME & GARDEN Water Gardening - A Natural Addition to the Garden

www.dinternursery.ca WATER GARDENS!

Water features enrich the ecology of the garden.

We can supply all your water gardening needs with: • Pond liner and underlay • Pumps and fi lters • Plants • Fish and snails

Our water department staff can help with selection.

Serving local gardeners since 1973 250 748 2023

5km South of Duncan on Hwy 1

WATER GARDENING – A NATURAL ADDITION TO THE GARDEN

Written by Bernie Dinter

Water sustains life in all forms and should be part of every garden. It could be a simple as a water filled container to an elaborately shaped pond with a waterfall, fountains, and lights. Water also brings a more balanced ecology to the garden by attracting birds, insects, and other animals. This contributes to a natural balance in the garden and keeps other insects from becoming a pest. Mason Bees, one of our garden’s best pollinators, need mud to build their nests. Mosquitos are controlled if your fish are eating the larva. If your living space is receiving outside noise, the sound of moving water brings tranquility to your garden.

Water features can be of any size but should be located where it can be seen and heard. Full sun to part sun is best, shade will work but plant options become limited. Setting the pond in the ground will help overwinter plants and fish survive. Waterfalls can be created to flow into the pond, creating sound and aerating the water. Fountains are lovely but spray cannot land on any plants, limiting them to larger ponds.

The most common pond construction is to dig a hole and line it with a black rubber EPDM pond liner. This is the most durable and fish safe. Pumps are selected to match pond size, stream flow and fountain size. Plants are selected in 3 groups: marginals that grow half submerged around the perimeter, oxygenators that float in the water column and deep-water plants such as water lilies for colourful blooms. Fish bring the final touch by controlling mosquitoes and creating a visual interest. With the right combination of these elements, the pond will achieve a natural balance and avoid problems such as algae blooms. Soon you will be enjoying visitors such as frogs and dragon flies, to name a few.