| |
| |
|
Landscaping & Gardening Information |
|
|
|
CSnet7.com Home Page
Choosing Pond Plants
A pond without plants is like cake without icing. Pond plantsfight algae, give fish a hiding place against predators, andbeautify our own little slice of paradise to plunk down in at theend of a tiring day. Don't smother your pond with plants, however. Start with half thesurface area, and don't let them cover more than two-thirds tothree-quarters at their growing peak. Overcrowding stresses themout, and hey - it just looks bad! Don't let the terms "hardy" and "tropical" throw you whenchoosing plants for your pond. Just remember that these termsrefer to the environment in which the plant has originally beenadapted - and not to whether it can be thrown across the room orhow well it looks in a fancy mixed drink. Hardy pond plants, as a rule, can handle cold temperatures andfrost. Of course, this is relative to your USDA agriculturalzone, found here: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html. Ask your plant professional or check the plant's label beforetaking home that plant that does great in Hawaii, but not sogreat in Maine. Tropicals, on the other hand, pretty much hold true to whatthey're called: They will take a nosedive if temperatures getmuch below 70 degrees, turning into a messy mush if it freezes. But, ah, Grasshopper, there are ways to save even those hardyplants that aren't quite up to a northern blizzard, as well asthose tender-toed tropicals with which you've fallen madly inlove. Bury hardy pond plants, pot and all, into a south-facing part ofyour yard and cover with a thick, warm blanket of mulch. Or putthem into a garage or basement, making sure they're kept wet andhave good air circulation. Tropicals, on the other hand, need light and moisture year'round. If you don't have a greenhouse, place tropicals in yoursunniest window and keep misted, several times a day if possible,to provide the humidity they crave in order to flourish. "Growlights" do a fabulous fake of the sun, however, and many tropicalpond plants thrive under them. Marginal pond plants - those that grow around the edges, ormargins, of a pond - can be either hardy or tropical. Some hardymarginals are cattail, plantain, and rush. Tropical marginalsinclude taro, spider lily, and water hibiscus. Of course thereare legions more to lust after in both hardy and tropicalmarginals. Place marginals with their pot tops one to six inchesunder water. Very tall plants, like cattail, can be moved as deepas a foot beneath the surface one they've gotten full-sized. Water lilies, however, like their water deep - between 18 and 30inches - after starting the season in the 6"-12" shallower end.This gives them a nice, springtime shot of sunshine to get goingagain. And when the plant pro recommends those funny-looking potswith all the little holes in them, go for it. Pond plants poketheir toes (roots) through them to develop tiny,nutrient-extracting feeder roots. Meshing with one another, theseroots provide stability and protection against wind, kids, pets,and adults that have a tendency to stumble into them. Fertilize pond plants when they need them. "Ha!" you say. "Andwhen is that?" Well, go back to your plant pro, the Internet, orthe plant label you so wisely saved. Each plant may havedifferent requirements, but one rule of thumb: Plants need muchmore fertilizer in warm-weather months than when it's cooloutside. So go have fun with your pond and your plants! Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and severalpond-related websites including macarthurwatergardens.com and pond-filters-online.com. He also publishes a free monthlynewsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over9,000 pond owners. To sign up for the free newsletter andreceive a complimentary 'New Pond Owners Guide' for joining,just visit MacArthur Water Gardens>****************************************************************
MORE RESOURCES:
Landscaping-Gardening - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Adirondack Furniture - What It is and Why You Want It Adirondack is the name given to a style of furnishings that date back to the late 1800's. During this time period, immediately following the civil war, upstate New York gained notoriety as a popular tourist destination. Fall is the Time to Get Your Garden Trees and Shrubs Ready for Winter: Heres What to Do Tips for winter care of trees and shrubsWith the garden season drawing to a close, it's awfully tempting to forget about your plants. But you should continue to water all woody plants - especially newly planted trees and shrubs and all evergreens. Summer Pond Tips Low Oxygen levels Kill FishUse an oxygen tester and air stones to keep your availableoxygen level to at least 7.0 parts per million of dissolvedoxygen in 90 degree F. Marjoram: The Herb of Happiness Called the "herb of happiness," Origanum majorana, commonly known as sweet marjoram or knotted marjoram, is an herbal symbol of peace and well-being. Marjoram is grown as an annual in the colder parts of the world but is perennial in warmer regions. Grow Herbs in your Garden for Pleasure and Profit Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden with their supernatural associations and practical uses.Records show that herbs were in use in ancient Greece where they were valued as flavorings and for their fragrance. Flower Meanings Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and you don't want to send the wrong message if you give them as a gift! Of course, not everyone knows what a particular flower means, but you can never be too sure!FLOWER NAME and/or COLOR -- FLOWER MEANINGSCarnationsCarnation (General) -- FascinationCarnation, Pink -- Emblem of Mother's Day, I will never forget youCarnation, Purple -- Antipathy and CapriciousnessCarnation, Red -- Admiration, my heart aches for youCarnation, Striped -- No, Sorry, I cannot be with youCarnation, White -- Pure Love, Sweet Love, InnocenceCarnation, Yellow -- Disdain and RejectionLiliesLily, Calla -- Majestic BeautyLily, Day -- CoquetryLily, Orange -- Hatred and Disdain, Wealth, PrideLily, White -- Majesty and Purity, VirginityLily of the Valley -- Purity and Humility, SweetnessRosesRose, Coral/Orange -- Enthusiasm, DesireRose, Dark Pink -- Thank youRose, Light Pink -- AdmirationRose, Musk -- Capricious BeautyRose, Pale -- FriendshipRose, Peach -- Let's get together, Closing of the dealRose, Pink -- Love, Grace, Gentility, You're so LovelyRose, Pink & White -- Love, Desire, Respect, Courage, Job well doneRose, Red -- Majesty and Purity, VirginityRose, Red & Yellow -- CongratulationsRose, White -- Charm, Secrecy, Silence, You're HeavenlyRose, White on Red -- Unity/Flower Emblem of EnglandRose, Yellow -- Infidelity, Joy, Friendship, Welcome Back, Remember meRose, Yellow & Orange -- Passionate thoughtsTulipsTulip -- Symbol of The Perfect LoverTulip, Red -- Believe me, Declaration of loveTulip, Variegated -- Beautiful eyesOthersDaffodil -- Emblem of Annunciation/Regard, Unrequited loveDaisy -- Gentleness, Innocence, Loyal loveIris -- Faith, Wisdom, Valor, Your Friendship means so much Orchid -- Magnificence, Love, Beauty, RefinementSunflower -- Homage and DevotionA Heath is a gift researcher for http://www.the-gift-wizard. History of the Adirondack Chair If you were to travel to Blue Mountain Lake, New York, you would come across a very unique museum called the Adirondack Museum. According to experts that run this museum, the Adirondack chair originally went by a different name - Westport chair, which was after a small nearby town nestled in the Adirondack Mountains. Composting the Easy Way Having an ample supply of good rich compost is the gardeners dream. It has many uses, and all of those uses will result in nicer plants. Furniture Benches Are Perfect For Every Outdoor Space The task of selecting outdoor furniture for your natural spaces can seem daunting at times. There are just so many options to choose from that many people get confused browsing through the large collections that can be found in catalogues, stores and even online. The Advantages of Silk Flowers The silk flower is growing in popularity among young couples and families for many different reasons. Many event hosts or planners struggle over whether to choose fresh flowers or artificial flowers. Online Garden Seed Exchanges If you've been gardening for any length of time you have probably realized a couple of things.1: Gardening can be quite expensive2: Finding the plants you really want can be a daunting task. The String Algae Blues Now that Spring is upon us and things are coming back to life in your pond with the warmer weather, many of us are battling with string algae. String algae is caused primarily by a combination of the buildup of organic nutrients in the water, and sunlight. Pest Control Tips for Maintaining Your Greenhouse Greenhouses provide a warm, humid atmosphere and are home to a variety of different plants and flowers which is why they are a perfect target for insects. There are numerous types of insects which will want to live in your greenhouse and feed off of the wonderful plants and flowers which you have put so much time and effort into maintaining. Bedding Plants and Plugs (small plants) It is not difficult to grow bedding plants from seeds, and you may be surprised to know you do not need to have a greenhouse or some hot room to grow them in. I have managed to grow my plants by placing them in an old carton/pot covered in a polythene bag. Wooden Garden Furniture Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various seating problems in your garden. You can add new seating areas to your garden by perhaps turning a path into a destination for a sit down or consider adding a few pieces of wooden garden furniture to less frequented corners of the garden. How To Brighten Up Your Home With These Flower Arrangement Ideas A beautiful flower arrangement piece can become the focal point of the room you choose to decorate. It's truly fascinating how we can combine different flowers to create a mesmerizing bouquet. Gardening on a Budget When we moved into our south Anchorage log home I had glorious plans for the 1/3 acre lot. Some previous owner had chopped down every tree counting on the neighboring woodlands for green and shade. A Look at Fall Flower Bulbs Most people would think of fall as a season when trees are changing colors and dying. For many, the autumn leaves are our last dance with color before the dark, gray winter sets in. Preparing The Garden For Winter Are you like me? Sad to see the summer end but at the same time relieved that there is one less task to tend to. Weeding, watering, pruning, and more weeding is over for this year and with a few more chores the outdoor gardening year draws to a close. How To Find Cheap Flower Delivery In Your Area As humans, we are always on the lookout for a deal. Deals on flower delivery are no exception.
|
|
home | site map | Coffee | Fashion | Landscaping and Gardening Lawnmower Source | CSnet7 | CShroeder | Gifts |
| © 2006 EZmatic.com |