I’ve had lots of calls and emails regarding pond algae in the last few weeks. I wrote an email newsletter to address the most essential issues of this problem.
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Recent events related to our water garden prompted the following:
Algae Bloom
Our spring lasted all of two days this year and was followed by a very unseasonable spike in temperature – upper 80’s is very rare for May and early June. The rapid weather change brought quite an algae bloom to our pond, and, to be honest, I was unprepared to respond promptly. The discussion about algae below will allow you to deal with this issue effectively.
Types of Algae
The two main classifications of algae in ornamental ponds are string algae (aka blanketweed) and suspended algae. The former type is bright green, sometimes attaches itself to rocks and often floats around the surface of the pond. String algae can choke the growth of aquatic plants and operation of skimmer and pump if not controlled. This is the type of algae that recently got ahead of me here.
Suspended algae are tiny single-cell organisms that turn your pond an ugly pea soup green.
Algae Control
Control of these two algae types is quite different; for string algae, preventative measures like liquid barley straw extract can be helpful, especially if started early in the season and continued regularly. Serious blooms of string algae must be stopped with a product like AlgaeFix, used carefully according to directions.
If suspended algae becomes a persistent problem, the only real solution is to install an ultraviolet sterilizer. The ultraviolet light actually kills the algae organisms, as well as any harmful bacteria that could make your fish sick. Years ago we installed an AquaUV 40 watt clarifier here and have been very happy with the excellent quality and performance. We now carry the complete line of these units, for very small to very large ponds. See this page for more information. And feel free to call us toll-free for more information on these units: 866-816-4769.
Like most garden and landscape issues, the total ecology of the water feature will affect each of its parts. If the water is kept clear and healthy, other issues will be more manageable. Products that continually add beneficial bacteria throughout the season are excellent for general water quality; see the Healthy Ponds Value Pack and the Aquaspheres at this page.
We recently had Selkirk Construction and Design build and install an arched pergola over our patio. This company installs locally and also ships custom pergola kits throughout the country.
I recently designed and specified this waterfall/pond project for clients in Sandpoint. The property provided much of the rock needed for the project, and Bonner County Landscaping did an artful job carrying out our original design intent.
I will be designing the softscape with many natives.
About ten days ago I ordered five elderberries from Raintree Nursery in Morton, WA. I did not receive a shipping date immediately, so I called to inquire. The agent who answered the phone was not especially kind as she told me that 2,000 orders were ahead of me and I would wait “one to two weeks before shipping”.
I wrote an email to Raintree expressing my disappointment with the turn-around time, but more emphatically I expressed my disappointment with the attitude of the customer service agent.
Surprisingly, just a day after my email I heard back from Raintree, telling me that my order would be shipped within a day. And sure enough, the very robust plants arrived in good shape just a few days later.
I’m not sure how I deserved the excellent customer service, but I think it important that this service be documented.
Though we’ve cut our lawn size approximately in half, we still have some 4,000 square feet of high-maintenance Kentucky Bluegrass to take care of. I recently verti-cut (dethatched) the lawns and cleaned up the huge volume of material with the walk-behind shredder/vacuum. I hauled the loads of material on a tarp back to the new garden areas. About four hours of vigorous, dusty work.
Heralding the “official” start of spring here in north Idaho, the common, usually un-appreciated marsh marigold casts an incredibly cheerful brightness to the water garden. Blooming well before daffodils and tulips, the marigold foretells increasing color in the garden through the spring season. Hope renewed.
The goldfish are also loudly announcing the onset of spring with their hours-long spawning frolic. How they keep it up so long I have no idea. Wish I could do the same…well, maybe not.
I take great pride in keeping our pond clean throughout the seasons, and this effort resulted in not having to do a spring clean-out each year. But after three seasons with our new pond, it was time for a complete cleaning. This photo shows what a mess the pond had become just before I pumped out all the water.
When the water level reached about six inches, I carefully netted the fish and placed them in a “kiddie” pool filled with the pond water. They were very stressed and wanted to jump out, so I covered the pool with a large piece of cardboard.
The pond was cleaned with hose and nozzle – very high pressure from our irrigation pump – filter media was cleaned, beneficial bacteria added, UV bulb replaced, and the pond now is returned to a very pleasant condition. Total time for the project was about four hours…a very small price to pay for all the enjoyment we receive throughout the year.
Fish watching is a full-time occupation here. Their graceful and peaceful travels about the pond remind us of inner calm, especially when coupled with gentle sounds of water cascading over the falls and down the stream. Paradise in the landscape.
I got out yesterday to cut and tease the ornamental grasses around the pond. The first photo below is from last fall; blue oat grass inflorescence on the right and Japanese silver grass on left.
Blue oat grass is my favorite – semi-evergreen, it simply needs a teasing with steel rake to comb out spent shoots. It will green up rapidly, long before the other grasses fill out, and it holds its tall flowers upright until heavy snow falls.
Little bluestem adds a delicate touch to the landscape, its feathery growth moving in the slightest breeze. Fall color is a wonderful bronze.
The Japanese silver grass adds tall vertical interest. Ours has yet to flower in its first three years. Perhaps our season is too short? Still a beautiful addition to the landscape, and like the other grasses, adds movement to the scene.
Fall Landscape, Pond
Before cutting, blue oat grass in foreground, little bluestem, Japanese silver grass in background
Cutting/teasing completed. Remaining tan shoots of blue oat grass will soon disappear.
