Waterford Garden's - Gardener's Corner

Gardener's Corner

Questions are one of life's promises always kept. However it's the answers that we want! The world of water gardens has many mysteries, and we try to provide the answers everyday. Some of our favorite and funniest questions (with accompanying answers) are provided here along with quarterly tips on maintaining a healthy garden of plants, ornamental fish, frogs and more! If you have a question (or a good answer) drop us a line.

Question:"Why do frogs leave home?"

Frogs are real charmers (forget the prince...it isn't so). Most of us raise them from tadpoles. To be happy frogs need to keep their smooth skin moist, require a good supply of insects and should be afforded protection from predators. Every water garden is enhanced by the addition of a bog area in which to grow marginal plants and bog conditions are ideal for frogs. The moisture in the area will draw insects, which the frogs will lustily devour. The plants will furnish hiding places for your frogs when the neighbor's cat strolls by, and will also provide hopscotch landing areas for the frogs - who don't stay in water all the time once they have reached adulthood. Make your bog area the best possible because, of course, if there is a much larger and more inviting pond in the neighborhood, you are powerless to keep your frogs from packing their bags and leaving home.

Question:"How deep does my pond have to be if I want to have Japanese Koi?"

There are general guidelines throughout the world, but obviously climate and types of predators will affect water depths. Generally, for the successful raising of Japanese Koi some area of the pond should be at least 3 feet deep. However, with the use of a De-icer, ornamental pond fish other than Koi may be successfully "overwintered" in as little as 18 inches of water.
Stop by our Fish World page for more on these aristocratic swimmers.

Question:"Do night blooming water lilies need sunlight?"

You bet they do! Dig into your memory bank...remember learning about photosynthesis in school? Night blooming lilies require 6 - 8 hours per day of direct sunlight.
View some of the lilies, lotuses and marginals available.

Question:"pH - Whats it all about?"

pH is a measure of water's acidity ( below 7.0), or alkalinity ( above 7.0). Your fish will thank you if you keep the range between 6.8 and 7.5. Check your pH weekly, and if it is not within this limit chemical adjustment is necessary. Check ammonia levels as well. We would like to help you in the right decision with our pH testing kits.

Question:"Which lilies will do well in my semi-shady pond?"

Tropicals will bloom more prolifically than hardy plants. Of those, several of the blue/purple lilies will bloom beautifully with as little as 4 - 5 hours per day of direct sunlight.
Drop us a line and we'll help you through the varieties.

Question:"I want my fish to be happy campers. How do I get them there and keep them that way?"

In short - water quality and proper nutrition. There's water and then there's"water!" What is in that water and what is missing from that water is what it is all about. There are different ways to achieve optimal water conditions for ornamental pond fish and particularly for Koi. Our catalog and complimentary brochures offer step-by-step guidelines to successful fish keeping, and perhaps one of our companion books from our library is just waiting for your undivided attention.
Drop by our page on Koi and ornamental fish and have a look at some of these aristocratic swimmers.

Question:"How can I keep my water clean and clear - naturally?"

One easy solution is introducing fresh water clams to your pond. One amazing average sized clam will filter about 16 gallons of water per day. Introduce them to the bottom of the pond in a tray (kitty litter pans are ideal) containing about 3-4 inches of fine gravel or builders sand and they will take it from there.

AUTUMN - WINTER TIP

When the water temperature in your pond drops below 60 degrees F, discontinue feeding high protein fish food because it cannot be readily metabolized. Between 60 degrees F and 50 degrees F feed your fish specially prepared food, such as our high carbohydrate food for autumn and spring. Below 50 degrees F water temperature cease feeding all food. The fish will live off body fat in a semi-dormant state for the balance of the winter. During warm spells in the winter they may become active and seek food. Do not feed them during these periods. Wait until water temperatures in the spring are consistently above 50 degrees F.

Can't find your favorite or unusual aquatic, poolside or perennial plant.....just drop us a line or call us at 201-327-0721.