When you build a water garden or pond you create a soothing and peaceful space; an oasis water garden for you and the critters.  Did you know it can also be wonderful for the environment?

Why is creating a water garden an eco-conscious choice?

• The moving water discharges negative ions into the atmosphere which helps rid the air of impurities.

• It will not use soil or need constant watering.  Sure you will need to fill it occasionally, but other gardens need water everyday.  Rainwater also will help contribute to keeping your water garden filled.

• It has a way to hydrate plants and animals that is self sustaining.

• Wildlife will enjoy your garden as much as you do.  Do not be surprised if you see butterflies, interesting insects, birds, frogs and other exciting creatures. The can use your pond to assist them in their reproduction processes.

• It is an excellent environmental educational tool.  Children and adults can learn that many creatures can co-exist is a small eco-system and begin to understand the natural, sustainable balance that just happens without manipulation or destruction.  We can then apply this knowledge to larger eco-systems.

• You don’t have to mow it (less carbon monoxide).

• May be able to cool the immediate microclimate area by several degrees.

How do I create a water garden?

Creating a water garden is fairly trouble-free.  You will need the following items: a watertight container, aquatic plants, pea gravel and of course clean, fresh water. You can really use any type of watertight container from an old bathtub, a smaller planter or a garden water barrel to create a mini water garden.  For a larger water garden or pond, water garden kits are sold in many garden stores containing water pump filter, soft or hard liner and a water filter or skimmer

The most popular water gardening plants are: water lettuce, water lilies, water hyacinth (but they can spread quickly), dwarf cattail, juncus, wild celery, dwarf papyrus, sweet flag water grass, etc.  It is recommended to use a combination of submerged plants emergent plants and floating plants.

You can also add snails and fish to your water garden.  Snails are great because they are algae eaters and they will eat the fish waste or other organic matter. Fish often used in water gardens include: goldfish, mollies, guppies, koi and gambezi, which eat mosquitoes.

What about water garden maintenance?

Water gardening in your backyard is a simple process.  My water garden is green…literally!  It is normal for the water to turn green once in awhile, especially in the spring when you add fresh water.  When you add fresh water in increases algae production.  This isn’t cause for alarm, just remind yourself that healthy plants and fish enjoy green water.

If you live in a cold climate you will need to move your tropical plants indoors for the winter push your other plants down to the bottom of your pond to prevent freezing. If you have fish living underwater make sure you have a working heater in your garden.

Water gardens mean water conservation and saving water helps save the Earth.  Think of it as a water conservation project.  Next time you take a breath of your fresh water garden air you will know that you are having a positive effect on Mother Nature.

Marisa

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