Water Gardens
“Equation for Success”
I. Think Long Term- “What will this get me in 5 years?”
a) Usually by the 5 year mark, water gardeners have built 3 ponds. They feel they have either finally built their dream pond or have just given up.
b) A good water garden can be a selling point of one’s home.
c) Lasting value. WARNING: This will change your life as you know it!
II. Set Your Goals
a) Clear Water
b) Low Maintenance
c) Learn Something New
d) Sound of a Water Fall
e) Do Something Organic-*an Eco-system
f) Fish-to watch them thrive
g) Dragon Fly lover- love to watch them. Feels natural.
h) Up for a challenge
i) Under Water Lights
j) Want to Stop Drowning Plants
k) Water Lilies- The Jewels of the Water Garden
l) Want to Attract more of Nature’s Creatures
m) Keep excess (run off) water out
III. Set a Time Line
a) Keep it short, get it done.
b) Learn what to look for.
c) User friendly- simple Equipment- knowledgeable source.
IV. Pick the location of your pond
a) The biggest mistake- location.
b) Keep it close to the house where you can enjoy it 24/7.
c) The view from the kitchen window or a common area is high visibility.
V. Water Control and Air born debris
a) Skimmer for air blown debris
b) Rain hoppers- have an overflow drain with gravity flow
c) Perimeter control- control surface run off H20 with French Drain or gravity grade work
VI. Plants- Very Important
a) These will get and keep your water crystal clear.
b) Make your pond beautiful.
VII. Nature’s Super Filter
a) Wet Lands (bog)
b) Bio Falls
c) These two make a powerful team.
VIII. Electrical- The set up
a) Designated circuit
b) For lights and filter equipment
IX. Walk Around- Have a walk way around your water garden
a) Increases the view
b) Easier Maintenance
c) Path to Serenity
X. Build it and they will come. All God’s creatures are attracted to a water garden.
a) Birds
b) Dragon flies
c) Frogs
d) Deer