Questions & Answers
Container ponds, bog garden and pond plant queries.
We want to provide a source of information for you so if your query is not here please contact us via our email link - Contact us
Wildlife ponds: now on a new page - follow the link.
Can pond plants be successfully sent by mail order?
This question is best answered by a testimonial from one of our customers.
'Thank you so much for the pond plants I ordered, not only were they delivered within 48 hours they were in excellent condition. I have recommended you to a friend and she is delighted with her plants. My patio pool looks great especially as the lily has 2 flowers already.'
She ordered from this website's online shopping pages.
Container ponds:
Do the plants in my patio container pond need feeding?
Yes, after their first season they will need additional feed as they will not have the benefit of natural sources of nitrates that would be available in a pond with fish or wildlfe. Try aquatabs pushed into the plants' compost or liquid aquatic plant food plus - both available on pond products
Does the water in a patio container pond go stagnant ?
No - as long as you include sufficient oxygenating plant in your planting scheme for the container then the water will remain fresh.
How should I care for the metal container I bought?
You should protect our metal containers with extra coats of clear spray lacquer (lacquer for metal finishes eg car spray lacquer) so that they are coated against the elements and then we use baby oil on the rim to keep the shine.
Should I let my patio container pond freeze over with ice?
The surface of the container can freeze over but you must avoid the whole metal container freezing solid as the pressure on the joints may cause a leak. (Our new fibreglass containers do not have joints.) If you have a miniature waterlily in it they will not thrive if they are in frozen conditions. So if you are in a very cold area or anticipate a cold spell of weather either move the container to a protected spot or wrap it in fleece or bubblewrap for protection.
Pond and bog garden queries:
How often should I clean out my pond and when is the best time to do it?
Ideally if you are doing regular maintenance in the Autumn - removing fallen tree leaves, cutting back marginal plant vegetation and removing small amounts of accumulated silt annually then it should not be necessary to completely clean out your pond. If you have inherited a pond that has been neglected and requires a major overhaul the time for that would also be Autumn. There is less evidence of wildlife species in the water at that time of year but still be vigilant to check and replace into the pond any that are removed from the water during your clean up.
I have bought my pond plants from you in the past. Do you supply any plants for garden borders?
We specialise in plants for ponds or bog garden areas but we are happy to recommend Redman Hardy Plants from Essex that grows good quality perennial plants for the border.
Does barleystraw kill duckweed?
 |
No, barley straw inhibits the growth of green water algae and blanketweed but does not affect the growth of duckweed. In a small area the duckweed control bacterial culture works well as an inhbitor but in a larger sized area the only method for controlling duckweed is to physically remove it either by netting or using an electrical skimmer. |
How can I make my waterlilies flower?
 |
|
Firstly, waterlilies are very sun dependant so they need to be placed in as much sun as possible. Each named variety has a depth requirement - some will grow well with 36"- 48" of water over soil, others will struggle with more than 24" of water over soil and miniature lilies only need 6" of water over soil. Thirdly, do not place them near splashing water such as a waterfall, fountain or pump outlet. |
If none of these seem to solve the problem perhaps the plant needs a boost from some fertilizer - add aquatabs to the basket or in a patio container pond add aquatic food plus to the water. Available on pond products
How can I build an area for moist planting or bog garden plants if my soil does not retain water?
You can create an area that can be kept moist or wet by digging out 2’ of soil and lining the hole with cheap lining material like builders damp proof membrane. Add 3” depth of gravel for drainage and the puncture the membrane with a fork. This will allow some drainage but keep some moisture in the soil.
Refill the lined hole with good soil and humus rich compost and cut the liner off at the top so it blends into the rest of the garden. This area can then be kept as wet as you like by watering from a porous or leaky hosepipe that will constantly drip when attached to a tap or water butt. This area will provide protection for wildlife species and you will find that by encouraging frogs to the area they will protect plants often eaten by slugs (Hosta, Ligularia).