A small water feature or garden pond can make an attractive focal point
in your garden and the sound of trickling water can be very soothing.
However, if you are thinking of adding a water display to your garden
there are several points to bear in mind before you can go ahead with
your project.
Access to electricity will be needed if a fountain or waterfall is wanted,
so ensure you consult an electrician first. In the case of a garden pond,
the correct siting is important as overhanging branches of trees and shrubs
cannot only create too much shade, but they can also harm the fish as
falling leaves rot the bottom of the pond and give of poisonous gases.
Having chosen the site the next point to consider is what materials to
use. A pre-formed, reinforced plastic rigid pond has an advantage over
a butyl liner in that all that is required is a hole to be dug out to
its shape. Whereas a liner will require careful digging, forming marginal
shelves and then this will need the addition of a long lasting material
around the sides and bottom so that the butyl liner cannot be punctured.
However, you can create your own design, size and depth when using a liner.
Whichever type you choose, to check the quality of the product and that
it has a guarantee of at least 10 years. A concrete pond is a further
type of material that can be used, but in most cases the use of a tradesman
for this task is advisable.
Having constructed the pond and any other feature such as a rockery,
it is now time to fill up with water and planting can begin. The main
reasons for having plants is that they can keep the water clear from algae,
give shade to fish during any bright sunny days and they give off oxygen
which is essential in the keeping of fish.
Within the pond there are three levels at which plants should be grown:-
Floating Plants - these will create shade. Water lettuce, Fairy Moss
and Hyacinth are all suitable.
Marginal Plants - these are grown close to the side and are used mainly
for decorative purposes. Marsh Marigold, Colton Grass and Iris are some
of the many varieties available.
Deep Water and Oxygenating Plants - are used towards the bottom of the
pond. Water Hawthorn and many varieties of Water Lily are suitable for
this level. Some oxygenating varieties are Parrot Feathers, Hornwort and
Canadian Pond Weed.
By getting the correct balance of plants, the water should be in good
condition and be ready for the introduction of fish. However, this should
not take place before 4 to 5 weeks have elapsed.
If you have incorporated a controlled release fertiliser in your containers
and hanging baskets you should now be seeing the benefits but if not then
ensure that a weekly feed is given to achieve the same results.
Houseplants which are not pot bound can now be potted on to the next
size pot. Too large a pot will not be beneficial as the plant will use
its energies to produce roots at the expense of foliage and flowers. Glossy
leafed house plants can be cleaned using a leaf shine.
Shrubs such as MOCK ORANGE and DEUTZIA that have finished flowering can
now be pruned and shaped by cutting back the shoots that have flowered.
At the same time remove any dead flowers from shrubs and feed with liquid
fertiliser.
Continue to water tomatoes daily and feed regularly with high potash
feed. Remove all side shoots and tie in the main stem to the support.
Melons should now be showing flowers so you can help pollination by removing
the male flower. This is always easily identified as behind the flower
you will find a very small fruitlet. If you haven't grown the all female
type of cucumber then it is important to remove all the male flowers.
If they are left on the plant the fruits produced will have a bitter taste.
To help keep temperatures down in the greenhouse and also to prevent
scorching on the leaves of the tomatoes, cucumbers and melons ensure the
greenhouse is shaded either by painting a white liquid on the glass or
use a good quality shade setting.
Recent weather conditions have caused many plants, shrubs and trees to
suffer, not only from Mildew, but also Rust and Blackspot. If these diseases
are not dealt with in the early stages, permanent damages may occur. Mildew
and Blackspot are easily identified, however, Rust, which is normally
less common, shows itself in most cases as orange/yellow coloured spots
on the underside of leaves. This year because of the warm, wet, humid
conditions, Rust has become more severe than in recent years. Spraying
with a systematic fungicide, such as Doff Systemic Fungicide will control
this problem providing you follow the manufacturers instructions. Unfortunately
a once only spray is normally insufficient, so do follow the guidelines
given. At the same time, collect and dispose of any leaves that have fallen,
this will also assist in the control of these problems.
A further nuisance at the moment are infestations of aphids and, again
due to the inclement climate they rapidly multiply if not treated with
a systemic insecticide spray. There are also biodegradable products available,
which can be used.
Continue the control of slugs and snails, particularly on Hostas, Delphiniums
and bedding plants. Don't forget animal friendly Growing Success Slug
Killer
In the vegetable plot sow spring cabbage seed and further salad crops
such as Radish/Lettuce/Spring Onions and Beetroot. Early carrot varieties
such as "Early Nantes" and "Sukko" can be sown and
also Parsley which will then be ready for winter use. French and Runner
Beans and Courgettes are hungry feeders, so continue to liquid feed twice
a week.
If you go away over the next few weeks, holidays can cause problems if
you haven't got friendly neighbours to help out with the watering.
A handy hint with houseplants is to use capillary matting. Lay a piece
of this on the draining board in the kitchen, fill the sink, then dip
the end an inch or so into the water. Stand the houseplants on the covered
draining board and they will they take up water when required.
In the shrub beds and boarders the use of bark does help to retain the
moisture and of course acts as a weed suppressant.
If you haven't used a controlled release fertiliser when planting up
your baskets and containers ensure that you feed with a liquid feed before
departing and also again on your return.
An essential piece of gardeners equipment is the water butt. This can
be sited to suit your requirements but obviously placed by a drainpipe
on the house or on the end of a greenhouse would be the most efficient
way of catching rainwater. A kit is available which will fit most sizes
of either round of square drainpipes, has an automatic overflow fitted
to it and is easy to install. Water butts are available in various sizes,
shapes and colour and some have legs fitted saving the need for blocks
or bricks to be laid beforehand. Obviously the butt needs to be raised
so that the watering can or bucket can be filled under the tap. As many
water butts as needed can be linked together and with many homes now having
water meters installed it makes good economic sense to own one.
Hopefully these tips will enable you to enjoy your "fun in the sun"
knowing that your plants are not being neglected whilst you're away and
that they will still be full of flower and looking good when you return.
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