Plants, Algae  Prevention, and New Products

Deb Spencer, Water's Edge in Lawrence, presented a timely program complementing the member's plant exchange held before the meeting with a selection of plants and products relevant to construction and care of water gardens. 

One of the prime springtime topics is algae prevention or eradication.  First, algae is normal and natural anytime there is a combination of water and sunlight.  Green water is not unhealthy but makes it difficult to see fish.  The number one strategy is the use plants to use nutrients in water.  There should be underwater grasses, floating plants like water hyacinths and lettuce, then lilies that shade the water's surface.  Early spring use of barley products help reduce algae before plants begin to grow.   (Some members reported an initial cloudiness and browning of water with barley pellet use this spring.  This eventually cleared.)   There is a barley extract that is more expensive but may work faster.  A new product combines activated carbon, enzymes and bacteria.  The small black crystals are scattered over the surface.  It is particularly useful for algae that float to the surface in the afternoon as oxygen is produced.  It coats algae strands then digests them.  It also adsorbs phosphates that feed algae.  One of the most useful products is the bacteria, enzyme, and activated barley combination that removes the mulm/sludge in the bottom of the pond.  It has been available for several years.  Examples are BioClarifier Plus by Winston and another combination by Ecological Laboratories.

The most effective tool for cleaning the bottom of the pond is still a small mesh flat edged net.  The perfect pond vacuum has not yet been developed.  A clay product is available that can be sprinkled in the pond to enhance fish colors.  You can watch your magnified fish eat in a fish globe.  This is probably best used in spring and fall since the water will probably heat up too much for the fish during summer.  It also needs to be cleaned regularly. 

Plants:  Taros are tropical, shallow, marginals and several varieties have been available for years.  The new variety, 'Hilo Beauty', is smaller and similar to a caladium.  A small red foliage plant that can be combined with other plants to create contrast and hide pot rims is Ludwigia repens or Red Creeper.  It is listed as tropical but has survived through winter when submerged.  Another partially red tropical plant is Red-Stemmed Thalia.  It is a spectacular specimen plant that may grow 6'-10' tall.  This plant needs a large pot or it will blow over easily.  Already growing cannas can be adapted to water by setting pot in shallow water, then slowly increasing the depth over several weeks so that the pot can be submerged in shallow water in a pond.  Bengal Tiger or Pretoria is the variety with yellow and green striped leaves.  Again tall plants need larger wider pots to help keep them from blowing over.  Cannas need fertilization like lilies.  Blue Medusa Corkscrew Rush (hardy) is back.  Another tall large plant is Swamp Hibiscus (hardy).  It has bright red flowers.  A totally new plant is a small papyrus, 'Little Giant'.  It will grow about 3'-4' tall but still has large papyrus heads.  Standard papyrus grows 5'-8' tall.  All papyrus-like plants will grow babies if the heads are placed upside down in water.  This is a way to keep them growing inside over winter.  Lemon Bacopa is a small plant that can be planted in combinations.  It has a pleasant lemon scent so grow it close to the edge so that you can touch it.  'Aztec Arrowhead' is a tropical arrowhead.  It has a white flower with a red center.  Dwarf Bluebells are compact and bloom well all season.  Last year floating islands were introduced.  There is now a 4" size.  Floating cork islands are also fun.  To divide plants a good large knife or saw will make the job easier.  Most plants need fertilizer.  Pond Tabbs have improved so that they do not dissolve before they reach the pot.  These are good for a quick response later in the season.  Hyland is probably a better all round fertilizer because it has more phosphorus.  Landon granular fertilizer is mixed with soil in the bottom third of pot when repotting.  It lasts for 3 months. 

New Hardware:  A new compact skimmer is only 60% as large as previous skimmers (pictured).  It is for ponds up to 300 sq ft surface area and up to 2500 gallons/hr.  Tetra has a new filter (pictured) that comes in three sizes.  The lid is held on with easy to use sturdy latches rather than a ring and has backflow cleaning capability.  A  UV filter can be added.  Black PVC can now be purchased.  Bio-falls create a clean waterfall.  If a waterfall is desired without the bio-filter, an economical waterfall is now available that creates a smooth waterfall that does not look like water shooting out of a hose.  There is a new heavy duty tower to protect submerged pumps.  It is a couple of feet tall but can be cut down if needed without damaging its structure.  

Finally, the new Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants by Greg and Sue Speichert is available.  It has pictures and descriptions of many water garden plants.