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by Coralie Darsey-Malloy

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PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTHY LIVING

LEARNING BY DOING..THE DOS AND DON'T OF CREATING WATER PONDS

A garden is a delight to the eye,
and a solace to the soul;
it soothes angry passions,
and produces that pleasure
which is a foretaste of paradise.

-Sa'di

Water ponds are fast becoming the latest trend in gardening. I was not aware of this until my spouse and I moved out to the country and decided to establish tranquil water setting in our back yard. We discovered that much of the information out there only took us to the first stage. Deciding on a location, digging the pond and laying the liner are only the beginning. During our first foray into the world of water gardening we decided to use an old ceramic bathtub for a pond. That choice was our proud beginning and it fueled our desire to establish a wildlife sanctuary. The first thing the reader should know is that you need to be in relatively good physical condition to get your pond into the ground. If not, find someone who is! The process involves digging, digging and digging some more. The area has to be deep and wide-not an easy process for those with weak backs.

Initially the tub was in place and to our dismay it looked rather unsightly-just a white bathtub sitting in the ground. Attempting to change the appearance is not a simple task. If you do decide to use an old tub, here are some of the dos and don't. Do not attempt to change the appearance by painting it. We could not find anything on the market that will adhere to the ceramic base once the pond is filled with water. That lesson was learned the hard way after spraying the surface with fleck tone paint in an earthen color. It held around the edges, but did not adhere to the inside. Consequently we were unable to put any live plants or fish into our pond.' The next problem we had to confront was how to fill the holes where the taps and plug were. My partner, David got a metal plate and used a silicone sealant to cover the holes and put a rubber bathtub plug in the bottom. The sealant did not hold, and the pond could only be filled part way. We learned afterward that it would have been better to put rubber underneath and around the plate before sealing it. The other error we made was filling the bottom with limestone and bricks. Evidently it can leach into the water and be unhealthy for plants, fish, snails, etc. After many trials and tribulations we ended up using a small circulating pump to keep the water from becoming a mosquito pond. At the end of the season, we did discover four salamanders hiding among the plants, but most other life forms would not have lived.

When we finally worked out all the kinks and placed flat rocks around the edge of the tub, added outdoor lighting our old tub ended up being esthetically pleasing. However, it took us awhile to figure out the best way to recycle something that might otherwise have ended up in a landfill. When all was said and done we were pleased with the results by the end of the season. By fall of that first year an early snowstorm prevented us from emptying the pond. Lesson number two. Without bailing the water before winter the spring water ends up murky with debris. The water plants did not over-winter properly, so we were back to square one.

The following spring we continued our resolved and we marched off with an undaunted air to a local greenhouse and began our trail and error process all over again. We bought more water plants and decided to make a couple more ponds. During a fall clear-out at a local department store we had purchased some sturdy wading pools and choose what we thought would be a suitable place for our ponds. Once again tactical error was made. After placing one pond in the front yard we were dismayed to discover that it had become a catch all for the multitude of seeds falling from nearby trees. OOPS, something else we had not considered. Deciduous it difficult to keep the pond clean and that leads to extra work. "Oh well, this was all a learning experience," or so we kept telling ourselves. After setting the pond up observing the plants for a few days we decided to add a couple of snails and a fish. The fish died within twenty-four hours. The snails were hardier. They continued working hard all summer to keep algae in check and are continuing to do so in our indoor aquarium over the winter.

So an important reminder to all prospective water gardeners the correct positioning of the ponds makes maintenance easier. During this stage of our self-education process we kept a few plants and snails but no fish or salamanders. The one lone salamander left in indignation when tried to introduce a fish into HIS turf. Once he bumped heads with the rather large black algae eating bottom feeder he scrambled up and out of the pond. At that point we were feeling discouraged because we had inadvertently killed a fish and annoyed a salamander and we had no creatures in any of our ponds. We were beginning to wake up to the fact that setting up an eco- friendly water pond and maintaining it properly was more challenging than we originally thought. However, we were already far too invested in the idea of having water features to to turn back. Then later that were in Minot, North Dakota for a few days and found a steal of a deal on a 185-gallon pond, and proceeded to bring it back to expand our pond horizons. The realization of that plan involved more backbreaking ground breaking. Dig, dig, dig and dig some more. When we bought it were were told the ground had to be level, with no rocks to pierce the plastic. Then place it..fill it up and bingo we were thrilled to have another chance to get it right.

We soon learned that the easiest part of water gardening is the filling of the pond. Afterwards there numerous considerations. We stood there looking at a semi-completed stage...our mind was buzzing with more questions. Once the water level is established...then what? What to you put in it? Did we want an eco-pond, fishpond, or ornamental one? Since we were learning by doing we did not have any idea about any of it and had to learn things the hard way. After a lot of setbacks there are a number of things that I can now offer to anyone wanting to add a water garden to their landscape. Let me assure you the pleasure you gain from your efforts will far outweigh the work to create it. So here is some information and a few dos and don't that I sincerely hope will make it easier for you to decide what type of pond will best suit your needs.

THE ECO-POND:

This type of pond is the closest to the way Mother Nature sets up her water systems, and hold appeal for those who want to go "au natural." The environments within these ponds are maintained through plants and whatever amphibians, snails or reptiles you might be fortunate enough to attract. If things are set up properly- they will come. I recall how excited we felt when David found salamanders gobbling up insects one warm summer night. We did not have to advertise we had a water space for rent, they knew. We were all happy with their residency. Suggestions for this type of pond are:

(a) As mentioned earlier, place all ponds as far away from deciduous trees as possible. The spring pollination and falling leaves can be a real problem. A small pond full of debris from nearby trees decomposes quickly and that leads to an algae problem.

(b) Refrain from putting anything in the water for at least 48 hours after the first fill. Chlorine and fluoride can be toxic to delicate amphibians and fish so sure to let the water sit. The next step involves adding plant oxygenators such as duckweed, and water lettuce or parrot plants. These float in or on top of the water and help establish a natural environment. Other plants such as water hyacinth, lilies and water iris add a natural look to the pond. They provide shade for frogs and salamanders that need relief from the heat and direct sunlight. Adding snails to the water help keep algae under control. A small underwater circulating pump can be used to increase oxygen in the water, but it should not be too forceful.

(c) Once a pond is established it is not a good idea to alter things for awhile. It is inadvisable to drain a pond after things are in place. Let nature take its course. Adding fluoridated water to an eco-pond can be disastrous for any living thing. There are microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye, and they need a stable environment to survive. Many gardening centers are catering to the needs of water gardeners. They can be a wonderful resource to help handle any problems that arise. There are products that break down alga blooms if it becomes too prolific.

FISH PONDS:

The idea of having fish in our pond was very appealing and we proceeded to stock our pond. Getting fish through the first 48 hours can be challenging. We learned that after losing a couple of large goldfish. It is stressful for fish to be moved from their existing water to a new site. They are very temperature sensitive and need time to acclimatize.

The transport bag is usually filled with water from the original tank. Float the bag on top of the pond for at least a half an hour so the water temperature of the pond can slowly match the water in the transport bag. Having a thermometer that reads the lower temperatures of the pond is a good addition to your project. Ask the pet store to take the temperature of their water. Assessing variances in temperature makes it easier to avoid placing the fish in jeopardy by exposing them to water extremes.

If the temperature is too extreme (high noon heat, or late day coolness) then float the bag for 45 minutes. Under most condition 30 minutes is adequate. When the appropriate time has lapsed, open the plastic bag and add about a cup of water from your pond. Then close the bag back up and float it again for 15 minutes. Continue adding water to the bag every fifteen minutes until the bag is full of water from the pond. Then slowly open the bag and let the fish out into their new home. It is best not feed them for about 8 hours after they first arrive. They will be under stress for the first 48 hours, and it is not advisable to burden their digestive systems. goldfish are better underfed than overfed. They will overeat, and they can bloat up and die. There are many excellent products that help to reduce the effects of environmental changes and keep gills healthy. Make your own inquiries-we are still learning four years later. Some things to consider for keeping your pond and everything in it healthy and thriving:

(a) Fish need care and attention. I was appalled by one person's attitude when I asked them what they were going to do with their fish over the winter. They casually said, "Just let them freeze, I will buy some more in the spring." I am sorry this cavalier attitude about wildlife is part of the reason we are losing them at an alarming rate. Granted fish are not as cuddly as a kitten or a puppy, but they are a life form and just like other plants and animals, they need certain things in their environment to flourish.

In our case we discovered the fish had grown dramatically in our large outdoor pond. This required a 135-gallon aquarium to over-winter our seven that survived out of the ten we had. A number of them are doing very well, and we have never placed them outside again. It is stressful for them to be moved back and forth in the spring and fall. Like any other pet, they need care and attention, and if you like to get away on weekends-who is going to look after your pond life then? We were called home from a camping trip because our pond sprung a leak. Thankfully, we were within driving distance from home, but had we been in Kenora-the fish would all be dead.

Some of the other challenges that come with fish (apart from regular feeding) are that goldfish generate a lot of waste. The filters and purification systems need to be closely monitored so they do not clog up. Good filtration systems can be costly, but the fish cannot survive without them. The filter removes excess particles from the water. The pump re-cycles water to the surface of the pond. This is necessary to keep oxygen in the pond so the fish can breathe properly. They breathe in the water so if the water is unhealthy, the fish die.

(b) As mentioned above, fish also need wide leafed plants like water lilies for shade from the hot sun. These plants are fairly expensive, and can be tricky to over-winter. It can be a challenge to find the proper balance in a filtration system that adequately breaks the water, but does not splash too much on the plants. Many water plants do not like to have their leaves pounded by the water from a fountain.

ORNAMENTAL POND:

This type of pond is nice if you have a large enough area. Setting up a fountain in the middle with marginal water plants around the edge looks attractive, especially once the lilies and hyacinth start to flower. Other floating water plants can help to keep the algae in check. The sound of a rippling waterfall is very relaxing when a pond is set up close to where people like to congregate. Some ornamental ponds do have fish, while others do not.

Another positive side to have fountains and gurgling ponds is that most birds are attracted to the sound of running water. They bathe and drank in ponds and add an entertainment factor in watching them. To maintain safety for them it is very important to place some floating logs in the water. A couple of birds drowned in our pond when they fell in when we were always. When their wings are wet, they cannot make it to the side of the pond. The set-up for this pond is the same as the other two, but the advantage to this type of pond is that there is less responsibility. Keeping the algae down and giving the plants some fertilizer once a month or so is about all there is to it.

No fish to worry about and if you are really lucky you might just find that frogs and salamanders like what you have created. If you are fortunate enough to have them come, be thankful. Frogs and salamanders are environmentally friendly pest controls. They eat massive amounts of insects that normally ravage the garden. Some of our friends were squeamish when we proudly informed them of our guests. Just leave them alone, they will not bother anyone and they can do a lot for both the pond and the garden. If you want to go a little further adding subdued lighting or muted green or blue floodlights around the pond create ambiance and from there you can kick back, relax...and just enjoy your own little piece of paradise!

Learn more about this author, Coralie Darsey-Malloy.

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