Plant Gardens 101

Helping you create a greener future for our children
Subscribe

Introduction To Water Gardens

March 08, 2011 By: Jasper Sayer Category: Gardens - Water, PlantGardens101

There are many new trends surfacing in gardening, and water gardening is one of the main new interests. Water gardening can be in the form of waterfalls, ponds, fountains, all of which can be enhanced by rock work combinations and lighting, plants, and fish. Water gardening doesn’t have to be a pond or natural water source either, it can consist of just a plastic tub, basically anything that can hold water.

The most important thing to consider in water gardening is probably the spot chosen. Since plants and fish both need plenty of sunlight, places in direct light away from trees and bushes is the best place. This will also help prevent leaves and debris from collecting in the water.

When planning for a water garden first decide the size you want. This will depend on how much money you are willing to spend because water gardening can get expensive if you opt for a large garden full of plants, rocks, fish, and lights. Also consider the size of our property, and the amount of time you want to spend with maintaining your water garden. (more…)

Planning a Water Garden

January 01, 2011 By: Jeff Jarred Category: Create & Plan..., Gardens - Water

You should spend time planning your water garden. Rushing your project could result in problems that may be time consuming or expensive to rectify.

Positioning your water Garden

Firstly you need to decide on the position of your feature. The following points should be considered:

  1. Ponds and water displays are there to be observed and admired. Construction should be either in view from the house, or in an area where you spend lots of time
  2. Keep features away from over hanging trees that drop their leaves in autumn, and also block out sunlight. Both may cause considerable problems
  3. Access for the feature must be available at all times
  4. Don’t forget to consider the services that may be required i.e. electric.

(more…)

Where to Put Your Water Garden

October 29, 2010 By: Christopher Smith Category: Gardens - Water

Like so many things in life, the location is one of the most important aspects to consider when making any changes. Here are a couple of things to consider when you build your dream water garden:

1. Call Before You Dig While this one seems obvious, its surprising the number of people who forget to call the appropriate utility companies about phone,gas and power lines, only to accidently cut them. One simple phone call avoids all sorts of problems, ensuring that you wont have to worry about delays to your project and iritate your neighbours when their phone or electricity no longer works.

2. Made In the Shade Consider the pattern of the sun and its impacts on shadows in your yard. Also, remember that the direction the sun crosses the sky will change between spring and fall. The angle of the sun will dictate what type of shade you need to create, and where to place your trees and water pond. Many plants require 6 hours of direct sunlight.

3. Regional Considerations What type of weather and soil conditions can you expect in the area you live in? You may find that the type of soil will dictate the types of plants and trees you can use to create your backyard paradise. (more…)

Create the Easiest Backyard Waterfall or Water Garden Using Artificial Rocks

May 30, 2010 By: Jim Wilson Category: Buildings 4 Gardens, Gardens - Water

Create the Easiest Backyard Waterfall or Water Garden Using Artificial Rocks
Now you can create a spectacular backyard waterfall or water garden using the absolute easiest, lowest cost, method we’ve found. Waterfalls and water gardens are the most peaceful, soothing effects you can incorporate into your home environment. Home is where you find solitude, and what better way to feel completely relaxed, than the sounds of water trickling over stones into a small pool or fish pond.

Thousands of dollars are spent each year on vacations and therapy, so that we can unwind for a few days to regain our sanity and focus, in order to cope with our daily hectic routines. For less than you would expect, you can create that personal solitude right in your own backyard. No matter how large or small your space, you can custom build your own soothing waterfall for that perfect place to listen and relax to the sounds of water trickling over rocks.

CaveRock Design has designed a method of making artificial rocks and boulders so affordable, that you can literally create masterpiece rock gardens, caves, or waterfalls without the heavy lifting of stones, without the expensive tools used commercially, and without the cost you would normally expect. If any of these factors have prevented you from having your own home therapy for a peaceful place to enjoy and relax, then it would pay you to see what they can offer you.

Rocks and boulders are the key ingredient to the most natural looking outdoor landscaping project. With rocks, you can re-create nature’s most eye appealing landscape and have it fit into any location that you desire. Artificial rocks are nothing new, but when you see how CaveRock Design has made this so easy to do, you will want to get started this week, creating that perfect place to retreat to anytime you choose.

They took all the factors into account that usually prevent us from trying to make what we assume we can’t afford or don’t have the ability to do ourselves and made it so easy to duplicate their process. When you consider there are no two stones alike, you know that your rock design or landscape creation will not be measured against another. There are endless possibilities to what you can create and for literally pennies on the dollar for what you’d expect a project like this to cost.

Sharing their technique has been a pleasure and joy to their customers around the world. Within a very short period of time, they have acquired satisfied customers in all 50 states and over 16 foreign countries. The feedback has been tremendous and the personal satisfaction every customer gets from knowing they created their own masterpiece, is so exciting. Their process of creating artificial rocks and boulders is by far the easiest, the most economical, and your creations will last for years of enjoyment. There are no special tools or skills required, all you need is a couple of days to create years of visual and audio pleasure right in your own backyard.

http://wealthsmith.com/rocks.htm
Click here and see if you agree with CaveRock Designs Winning Product

View more articles from Jim Wilson

This article is provided by Amazines.com – The ULTIMATE Article Database

Water Garden Maintenance Tips

May 18, 2010 By: Casey Coke Category: Compost Needs, Gardens - Water

If there was one thing that could enhance the look of a property’s exterior, it would be the presence of a water garden. Water gardens can be designed in a multitude of fashions. In many cases, the craftsmanship of a water garden can reach virtuoso levels. However, designing and building a water garden is not enough. A water garden must be properly maintained. For some, this may seem like a ponderous (pardon the pun) task. But it really isn’t. While water garden maintenance does require effort, it is not overly complicated.

So, let’s look at a few common steps for proper water garden maintenance.

Reducing the presence of algae is critical. As far as ecosystems go, algae are quite helpful. However, algae can seriously detract from the look of a water garden when they become overpopulated. So, reducing the presence of algae is of paramount importance. One way to go about this involves using algaecides. Unfortunately, some algaecides can be dangerous to fish and only offer a short term solution. (more…)

How To Plant A Water Garden

March 05, 2010 By: Johnny Roberts Category: Gardens - Water, How To Grow...

If you are going to plant a water garden or upgrade the one you currently have, there are a few things that you have to understand before proceeding. If you are creating a new water garden, you will want to check out the different varieties available. They can be created from scratch with all the materials you need to set it up or you can purchase a water garden kit.

The kits can be added to your garden to get the look you want to attain. If you want to add statues or fountains, there are loads of pre-made ones. A waterfall will look great and your fish will love it too. Read the instructions that came with your kit so that you can set it up smoothly. If you do it correctly the first time, you will not have to dismantle it and start over because you made a mistake.

The plants you wish to put in your water garden can either be submerged plants or floating plants. Submerged plants live virtually totally in the water with leaves that may grow above the water. Water lilies are a good example of this type of plant. Normally, they are planted in a container or at the bottom of the pond, around one or two feet below the level of the water. Water lilies also create oxygen for fish in the water. Another submerged plant that many people have is the hornwart. (more…)

Water Garden Feature – How To Save On The Pennies And Labour

February 01, 2010 By: Maisy Day Category: Gardens - Water

Water Garden Features without doubt is the cherry on the cake giving the ultimate finish to enhance the beauty of a garden or patio – but unfortunately some gardeners are put off because of the work involved with the installation and maintenance of having a water feature. Cost can also hamper the decision of adding a water garden in your courtyard etc.

Expense may not be an issue if you decide on doing the work your self. If you have a good manual at your side when you take on the task then that is the first step in the right direction – follow the instructions accordingly and all should be okay. By chance if you are not DIY minded then you need not worry because Water Garden Features come in all different shapes and sizes thus cutting costs to meet your budget – where you can have an expert fit the fixture. (more…)

Water Garden – The Essentials Of A Water Garden!

December 23, 2009 By: Abhishek Agarwal Category: Gardens - Water

A water garden could be either natural or artificial but there are two things, which bring them together – the adding of some kind of water gardening feature and the existence of water forming the central theme. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a legendary garden of ancient times, brought into play a prominent water gardening feature.

In addition, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is also renowned for its water gardening feature. The water gardens have recaptured their importance in the landscaping area in the past few years, encompassing container based water gardens to great outdoor arrangements. They are referred by several names like water ponds, aquatic gardens, and backyard ponds.

An actual water garden employs varied water gardening features to make up the entire setting. The principal kinds of water garden features, which are frequently used, are waterfalls, fountains, waterways (streams) and ponds. The water garden feature not only greatly enhances the loveliness of the garden but also creates the calming, gentle rhythm of the flow of water.

(more…)

How to Plan a Pond in Your Water Garden

October 22, 2009 By: Allison Ryan Category: Create & Plan..., Gardens - Water

When a stream intersects the garden, this requires more work. You should use general treatment in expanding the water area considerably. One of the ways in which you can do this is to create a lily pond in that part of the garden beyond the brook, having an inlet and an outlet, thus securing water circulation.

Bays should be formed on the near side. Communication across the stream may be by means of a simple bridge, or stepping stones if the water is shallow. You should resist the temptation to give a “rustic” character to his bridge and think carefully about adding patio statuary, large fountains, or indoor wall fountains that are best left indoors. It should be a plain affair, well and firmly built, as befits its purpose, and with a hand-rail on either side.

There is a type of water garden which is frankly artificial and depends for its water supply on the kitchen tap or the pump. This last condition means that you should have some knowledge of the economy of water and that can best be done by devising what is called a circulating system. (more…)

Water Gardens and landscapes impacted by Modern Garden Bridges

October 17, 2009 By: Ron Rivera Category: Buildings 4 Gardens, Gardens - Water

Modern landscaped yards and water garden areas

Japanese Engineers and contractors are focusing more on garden structures such as Garden bridges, trellises and garden benches to dress up water garden areas and landscaped yards. It seems that certain individual New Age USA craftsmen have recently developed a special expertise in producing some very unique and awesome looking wooden garden arched bridges built from California Redwood, Red Cedar and other exotic woods.

Most of these wood craftsman seem to be located in the Southern U.S. States such as Arkansas and Tennessee, where woodworking has, for many decades been practiced in many different forms. It seems that the styles they have developed are descendants of “Old World” craftsman style bridges. These Tried and True wood craftsman designs and techniques are alive and well today assure quality handcrafted products. (more…)

Water Gardening Accessories- 9 Characteristics Of Water Gardening Accessories!

June 24, 2009 By: Abhishek Agarwal Category: Gardens - Water, Tips Tricks & Steps

Natural beauty and manmade beauty have come together to form a magnificent combination utterly delightful to the eye! So you have decorative gardens that include an indoor or outdoor water garden. And where there are water gardens, there are water gardening accessories!

The following is a detailed commentary on water gardening accessories–

(1) To select the right kind of water features, you have to be clear about the style of water garden that you are planning to set up. Conduct an online search to discover the distinctive arrangements of water gardens that exist around the world, and narrow your choices to just two or three. Some examples are Japanese tea gardens, container gardens and country gardens. Going around to have a close look at the actual gardens should give you a clearer picture.   (more…)

Pond Algae Control Tips for Spring Water Gardens

December 13, 2008 By: Brent Goodman Category: Buildings 4 Gardens, Gardens - Water

The spring pond season is an exciting time especially after a long, cold winter. Many pond and water gardeners are anxious to experiment and try out new products and techniques for a refreshing new look. But for many, spring also means the arrival of the dreaded “spring green.” The warmer temperatures and longer days create conditions ideal for algae that turn your pond into pea soup.

The following spring algae-busting tips will help you enjoy your outdoor space throughout the summer without having to constantly worry about algae.

Get a jump start Once algae take hold, they seem nearly impossible to rid. This may be the case if conditions that encourage aggressive algae growth are not addressed in a prompt manner. Simplify algae control by getting a jump-start. Take steps to keep algae growth under control as soon as possible – don’t wait until the water turns murky green. (more…)

Word of the day: water garden

November 11, 2008 By: Garden Dictionary Category: Garden Dictionary

Any ornamental tub, pool, or other natural or artificial water container planted with aquatic plants.

A Twist On The Traditional Water Garden

October 11, 2006 By: Christopher Smith Category: Gardens - Water

A Japanese water garden is a place of serenity. It is a place that one can go to appreciate nature, gather one’s thoughts, and relax to the humble sounds of nature. You can create this type of garden in your own back yard and enjoy it’s offerings for years to come.

Even if you live in an area that is crowded and noisy, if you have your own back yard you can design one of these gardens for your enjoyment. Using some natural sound barriers and placing the garden in the right place will be very important. You can use boulders to help create a barrier against the noise of traffic and neighbors. There are a variety of plants that can help you create a barrier as well, included various tall bushes. Unless you buy mature plants, remember that these bushes will take a few years to get big enough to provide a total barrier, but the mature plants will cost you a bit more.

If you have a larger piece of land for your garden you may not need to have a noise barrier. Unless you decide that you want to go ahead and create a barrier for your privacy, then you will not need to have one. (more…)

Things To Consider When Planning A Backyard Water Garden

August 07, 2006 By: Christopher Smith Category: Gardens - Water

Water gardens are attractive and can make wonderful additions to your backyard garden. A water garden has the ability to attract wildlife as well as provide an aesthetic value to your home’s landscape. When creating a water garden there are several things to keep in mind and flush out before construction begins.

One of the first things you’ll want to think about is whether or not you want your water garden to be inhabited by fish. Many people that create water gardens stock them with Koi, a fish that’s much larger than a goldfish, but looks similar to them. If you choose to do this, be sure that your pond is prepared for them. The water must have the proper ph, between 6.5-8.4, in order for the fish to survive. The water must also have been treated for chlorine. If you’re going to leave the fish in the pond year round, be sure the depth is enough so that the water won’t freeze entirely in the winter. Fish will survive on algae and leaves that happen in their pond, but supplement this with fish food daily. (more…)

Water Gardening Magazines – Advantages Of Subscribing To Good Water Gardening Magazines

February 22, 2006 By: Abhishek Agarwal Category: Gardens - Water

What possible requirement does a water gardener have, to sign-up for a publication on water gardening? Is it not possible to purchase one from a bookstore? At the outset, let us check out what a periodical on water gardening contains.

A publication on water gardening is an essential tool for every water gardener, greenhorn as well as a seasoned gardener. It is crammed with vital inputs on aquatic flora and greenery. It enlightens the reader on the right choice of plants, and the proper way to grow and look after them. In the case of readers living in areas known for freezing winters, the books comes up with helpful information on how to ensure the plants survive during the season of frost. But why register for a periodical on water gardening?

A publication on water gardening informs the reader on the kind of water fauna that grows best in his water garden. It spells out the way in which snails, fish, fresh water molluscs, and various other living beings do good to the tiny ecosystem that the water garden represents. (more…)

Can Rain Gardens Save the Planet?

December 24, 2005 By: Danielle Golden Category: Gardens - Rain, Gardens - Water

People love flower gardens. That’s not news to anybody. The way they can boost your spirits and relieve your stress has been well documented. Even more than simply enjoying them is the hobby of keeping one. As you sit down in the Earth with you spade and you box full of the first spring flowers the stresses of the day slip away and it’s just you and nature. Even more delightful for the little ones and the big ones alike is the joy of watching butterflies delicately sip nectar from your favorite flowers, or the awe of experiencing a hummingbird hovering in mid-air over your carefully placed feeders.

But gardening can be just as frustrating as it can be enjoyable. Gardens tend to attract insects that love to eat tender annuals. Deer and rabbits often devour your perfectly laid rows in a matter of days. And the bare earth, so pristine at the start of the season, weeds find irresistible and soon move in, permanently. Then there’s the part that mother nature herself plays. She is the ultimate judge of whether your gardens will live or die. Drought is devastating. Flood is devastating. Wind, hail, tornadoes, late spring freezes. These are all a players in the game. You can’t always rush out to cover those perfectly manicured rose bushes or set a pale over the petunias. (more…)

Water Gardening Supplies – Water Gardening Supplies For The DIY Enthusiast!

October 16, 2005 By: Abhishek Agarwal Category: Gardens - Container, Gardens - Water

Go about hiring someone to spruce up your water garden and in all likelihood you’ll end up emptying up your pockets. Try to Do-It-Yourself (DIY) with the help of a few gardening supplies and you’ll discover that it’s a much cheaper option due to the low cost of the supplies. There is plethora of information available for the seeking gardeners who like to take on the challenges. So whether it’s about that heavenly pond project in the backyard or that perfect water container garden, if you can dream breathtaking waterfalls, you have all the water gardening supplies available to make that dream a reality.

Container Water Gardens

Creating one’s own water garden is always a very satisfying experience as it allows a person to explore his/her creative abilities and watch his/her personality get manifested in the form of the final design. Many people prefer the oriental themed water gardens that range from lotus gardens with calm still water to the multi-level ones with waterfalls from large sculptures.  (more…)