Barley Straw the newest old time remedy for algae control in modern ponds and water gardens!
Barley straw has gotten some good buzz in the pond industry the last few years as a natural remedy for algae control, but this “new” product actually has some history behind it,

When winter sets in for the colder zones, we all have to reel in and winterize most of our backyard living accessories like rain barrels. It becomes time to store this, or tarp over that, put away and shut things down.

Triploid grass carp, Diploid grass carp, white amur….not very alluring names for a fish that one may want to stock their natural pond with. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) are not really the greatest looking fish to keep in your pond and on top of that they are certainly not easy to acquire, and would probably require a permit to keep in your pond. Who wants to do paper work just to get a fish?

The water gardening season always seems to pass by a little too quickly. It seems that just as the water garden is looking at its fullest and best the autumn and winter are lurking just around the next calendar page.

For water gardeners in the colder regions, the hot summer months are high time to get the most enjoyment out of our water gardens. For water gardeners of the colder regions to enjoy the classic water lily with its floating leaves and colorful fragrant blooms; they have to keep hardy lilies that will make it through the cold winter months and come back the following season.

Why is my pond water sooo clear when it starts getting cold out?
I hear this question every year as the temperatures being to fall and the pond season in the northeast starts to come to an end. It is a good question too.

The warm weather is obviously the best time to be able to enjoy pond fish keeping. During this time pond fish and koi are active, lively, and highly visible. Many pond fish and koi become downright interactive with their keepers and will follow them around the pond, stick their faces out of the water or practically climb out of the pond to celebrate feeding time.

January 2011. Deep winter is not good for the psyche of a pond builder. The cabin fever sets in right quick. Deep winter serves a purpose for the pond builder of the northern climes though; it gives us some down time to recharge, rethink, and plan.

Have I told you happy New Year yet? Well, if not, happy New Year! I should tell you now before it gets to that point where it is too late to wish this. Have I told you that I appreciate you? Well, if not, I do; and if you’re reading this New Year message I mean it sincerely. Thanks for being here.

You’ve just installed the pond you have been dreaming of, or maybe you have acquired a pond with the purchase of that new home; so now you have the pond, but are you equipped for it?