Having a beautiful water garden or garden pond is one thing. Maintaining it is another thing. It’s tempting, exuberant, soothing, fulfilling but if not maintained well, soon it turns into a nightmare; a stinky, weedy pool with preys and predators.
Though, scary it may appear, its easy if it is maintained systematically, requiring no more than an hour or so a week and spending a few more bucks. The following are important aspects of pond management.
Aeration of pond bed: Unlike surface water, which easily gets oxygen, bottom layers of water do not get enough oxygen replenishment. It requires aeration of water to help aerobic bacteria thrive and feed on dead organisms settling to bottom, to keep pond water free of sludge. Accessories like air stones, sub surface aerators, display aerators or garden fountains are used for this purpose.
Controlling growth of algae: When supply of nutrients and light surpasses the demand of aquatic plants, the algae proliferates. Large leaved plants like lilies can help reduce light entry to control algae.
Filtration of pond water: Filtration of pond water to remove mud and algae is needed. Filters are either fitted in pump or separately.
Weed Control: Floating plant species, like hyacinth need to be removed occasionally, using aquatic weed remover/ rack. Also, a little of – NOT ALL - the dead plant remains at pond bed need to be removed at the start of spring.
Safety: Keep it safe from toddlers, pets and predators. Use mosquito briquettes to kill mosquito larvae, when necessary.
Prevention is better than cure: A well-designed and professionally installed water garden with or without waterfalls, streams etc., has less to maintain than natural and minimal maintenance.
Avoid large trees near the pond that harm the liner and suck the water. Avoid exuberant and very high fountains as they lead loss of water in spray and wind drift besides hindering aquatic plant growth.
So, a properly designed and systematically maintained pond is owner’s pride, an addition to property value of your house, your family’s own little paradise, a sponsored ecosystem! It’s never a nightmare again.
