You should start preparing the garden pond for spring by undoing your winter preparations. Clean your pump and check the pipework for leaks or blockages. Also check any electrical connections to ensure they are safe and sound. Clean your filter out using some pond water and restart, don’t forget to replace the light tube if you have a UV filter.
This is the time of year to attend to your pond plants to ensure healthy growth the rest of the year. Personally I like to drag all the baskets out and sort them out all at once. Begin by putting them into 2 groups, overgrown ones that you want to divide into new baskets and ones that are okay to go back as they are, with a little maintenance. The latter just need the roots to be trimmed back to the basket and then top the basket up with fresh gravel on top. The former need a little more work. First cut and pull off the old basket (easiest on a paved surface). Then divide firmly with a spade into desired sections. Repot in proper aquatic compost in a hessian lined pond basket leaving the soil level an inch or so down, then top up with pond gravel. I like to water them in thoroughly before placing in the pond, as this cleans the pots and gravel of any loose soil nicely.

If you did not net your pond over in the autumn you will also need to focus on cleaning the debris and accumulation from winter. Otherwise, as it decomposes this can adversely effect pond water quality and therefore everything from plants and fish to the balance of algae in your pond. A pond catching net will help get the debris that floats on the top the pond and you can use it to carefully scoop out leaves from the bottom. Don’t worry if you stir up some sediment, it will all settle down soon afterwards. Just keep an eye out for any wildlife as you go and put the spoils on the compost heap or on your flower borders to give any critters a fair chance of escape and survival.

If cleaning the pond is proving to be a struggle, you could consider investing in a strong pond vacuum, many aquatic outlets will also hire out a pond vacuum for the weekend. One advantage of a pond vacuum is that it will definitely get the job done well, but you have to consider that you may lose a significant amount of water if you have to use it a lot. Depending on how much sludge and debris you find in your pond, you might be best to just completely clean it out. This can be a lot of messy work, but it will ensure a good fresh start where your pond is clean and you know exactly what is going on in there.

Be very careful about what products you use to clean your pond, no household chemicals or detergents at all. Remember you are not trying to sterilise it, you are maintaining a biological system that is never perfectly clean. Observe your fish as much as possible for any signs of ill health too. This time of the year their immune systems are very low after the long winter, leaving them open to infections and parasites. I like to play it safe and will usually administer a dose of a general tonic after completing my spring maintenance and when the water is above 50 degrees.

You’ll need to start feeding the pond fish once again when the temperature of the pond water has risen above about 50 degrees, but be mindful about what food you feed them. While the weather is still chilly in early spring, it’s best to feed the fish a special wheatgerm based food designed for cold weather. This is usually a blend that has low protein levels so it is easily digestible and will not sit in the fishes stomach if there is another really cold snap. Spring weather can be quite volatile, so it’s important to still be cautious about caring for your pond fish.

As the spring weather gets warmer, you can not only start feeding your fish a seasonal variety of food as well as begin planting seasonal non-hardy pond plants that only thrive in better weather. Floating pond plants such as hyacinths should be added in last, around late april/may when all risk of frost has passed in your area. If a late frost does threaten put them in a bucket of pond water in a shed or greenhouse or you will lose them.

Above all, remember that keeping your garden pond in good condition is a constant process that requires work in order to be maintained to a high standard. However, if you put in a little effort every day, with a couple days a month where you go over it in greater detail, then you have less of a chance of little problems growing bigger and then becoming unmanageable.

If you feel lost at the thought of getting your pond back in order for spring and summer, then hopefully this has served as a helpful guide. Keep these ideas in mind as you work on your garden pond, and before you know it, you will be enjoying the pond in all its beauty by the time the brilliant (lets hope!) summer weather arrives.

Start to monitor your pond’s water quality so that when you leave it over winter you will know that it is healthy and will be in good shape to last until the spring. Poor water quality will lead to sick fish and pond problems and come the spring, your fish may not be alive. Check out the quality of your water by purchasing and using a water test kit regularly, which can be bought at most aquatic stores, garden centres or local pond suppliers. Your test kit should test the pH, KH, ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3) of your pond and you should be prepared to test every other week or whenever you become suspicious there might be a problem with your pond.
Your garden pond should have a pH reading of between 7 and 7.5 and the other levels you measure should be as low as possible. The test kit will tell you what to do if your levels are too high and you should follow this advice.

Don’t leave dead or dying plants in your pond over the winter months as this can affect water quality, which will in turn, affect your fishes’ health. Use a net to remove anything you see lying on the water’s surface, especially leaves as they begin to shed. Remove any vulnerable and frost sensitive plants or make sure you protect them adequately. Also remove plants that you think are past their best and as much blanket weed as you can at this time of the year.
Using a scoop net, remove uneaten food, leaves and other debris from the surface of your pond. Don’t leave uneaten food or rotting leaves on the surface; remove them as quickly as you can. Some leaves are poisonous and all of them can adversely affect the pH level of your pond if left on top too long. Leaves left to rot will also adversely affect your ponds’ oxygen levels. Your pond needs as much oxygen as possible over winter, especially if it starts to freeze, so you must do everything you can to help oxygen levels stay high.

The biological part of the pond filter slows down over the winter months so there is really no need to keep it running; disconnect it and at the same time remove your UV sterilizer if you keep one. Clean everything thoroughly and store it for the spring. You may want to replace the UV light in the spring ready to run again for the whole year.
As the temperature drops your fish will need less food, but pay attention to the quality of the food you feed them. They should be fed a high quality but low protein diet as low temperatures mean that fishes’ metabolisms slow down and high amounts of protein cannot be digested well. Undigested food ends up being left in the water and will cause problems with your water quality over the winter. Use a wheat germ based food for your fish once winter draws near and the temperatures are between 10 and 12 degrees centigrade. One the temperature plummets to below 4 degrees centigrade fish will start to semi-hibernate and will stop eating completely, so no food should be offered at this time.

A pond thermometer will help you monitor temperature but only use one with a scale on its head in order to stop your hands getting wet and frozen.
Pond pumps should be well maintained and should be cleaned thoroughly at this time of year. Replace your filter sponges if they seem too old and floppy, but only replace one sponge at a time, never all of them. The sponges should only be washed in pond water so the colonies of beneficial bacteria are not compromised and killed off. Be sure to read the pump’s instruction manual before you turn it off for the winter too.
You can clean the actual pump and filter carcass with tap water or a specialist aquatic pump cleaner. Never ever use disinfectants or detergents on pond equipment. When finished with cleaning the pump, run it for as long as possible before turning it off. You can still use the filter over the winter but you should insulate it first before placing it in the pond to leave it. At the first signs of frost turn the pump off and store it until the spring, it must not become frozen as it will almost certainly break. You will have the cost of buying a new pump in the spring.

To make sure you are able to maintain the gaseous exchanges your pond produces over winter, fit an air pump in your pond. These are very easy to install and will help your pond to maintain a good amount of oxygen in cold weather.
In order to help your fish survive the winter months you should try to prevent the surface of your pond from freezing. Buying an ice-free kit with a built in aeration tool will help, and install it before any frost occurs. This will make a hole in the surface of your pond, which lasts throughout the winter and will prevent your pond from freezing over completely. This will allow oxygen to enter and hazardous gases to escape. You could also install a pond heater over the winter months to prevent a frozen pond and for gases to exchange safely.

If you wish you could place a cover over your pond for the winter, for example a net, which will prevent debris from falling into your pond, affecting its water quality. This will also protect your fish from predators, for example, herons and domestic cats. Fit an alarm if you are worried about theft. Some alarms will spray water at the thief; others will emit a loud, high-pitched noise. Decide which one you prefer.
Now you should be ready to tackle the upcoming winter and prepare your garden pond for the coldest months of the year. If you follow this advice your pond and occupants will have the best chance of survival over the next few months.

Solar fountains run off solar photovoltaic cells. A panel composed of these cells is present either on the fountain itself, or on an attachment connected by wires, allowing you to place the panel in an ideal location nearby. The panel collects sunlight and converts it into usable energy that powers the fountains pump, allowing it to run indefinitely in sunlight. Since most of these fountains do not have batteries, they will operate only during the daytime, but a little cloud cover or cold temperatures will not affect their efficiency.

A great benefit of solar fountains for ponds and gardens is their lack of wiring. Traditional electric-powered garden fountains require metres of extension cords running over your garden, but since solar fountains are located next to their power source, you won’t have this aesthetic problem. You can place your fountain anywhere in your garden without having to worry about having enough length of cord to plug it in, and you don’t have to plug and unplug your fountain any time you want to enjoy its soothing sight and sound. As long as the solar panel has access to ample sunlight, and is not concealed by things such as foliage or awnings, your fountain will run effortlessly.

Gardens may require upkeep, but fortunately solar fountains for the garden do not need much attention. The most important thing is to keep the solar panels free of dirt and grime, so that they can collect optimal amounts of sunlight and keep the fountain running well. If water freezes in the fountain, it could damage the bowl, so you should also store the fountain indoors if you live in a place with cold winters.

Solar powered garden fountains are available in a wide variety of designs, so you are certain to find one that matches your tastes and the theme of your garden. There are even tiered fountains and bird baths available, allowing you to combine fountains to create the perfect garden sanctuary. They are also durable, so inclement weather is not likely to damage them. You will want to choose a fountain that not only appeals to your personal style, but also one that is lightweight and portable so it is easy to relocate. You may also want to choose a fountain with an optional AC adapter so it can be used indoors during the winter.

As stated earlier, sunlight is an ample source of renewable energy. It’s free, so you don’t have to pay to enjoy your fountain, and since most of the United Kingdom receives plentiful?? sunlight, you can use your fountain most days of the spring and summer. Outdoor solar fountains are practically noiseless, so you don’t have to worry about any distractions from the relaxing, waterfall-like sounds that they produce.

You want your garden to be green, so isn’t it time you made sure that your fountain is green, too? Take a look at the vast array of fountains available today, and see how they can improve your garden in an earth-friendly, wonderful way.

What Are Solar Pond Lights?
These lights are a solar powered lantern-type lamp that can be placed around the borders of a pond for better lighting in the dark. These lights don’t have wires as they aren’t connected to any electric outlets, with no need for any other power source than the sun. The solar rays are absorbed, allowing these lights to light up in the night. There are even floating solar pond lights that can be placed within the pond, bringing spots of light throughout the pond. There is no greater sight in the night than a softly illuminated pond that is lit with such great convenience.

Why Use Them?
Whether you choose solar pond light fixtures around the pond or floating solar pond lights, you will be able to take advantage of no-cost lighting with only a price upon purchase of the lights. Once the lights have been purchased, there is no energy costs associated, with the sun acting as the main power source for the solar pond lighting. The solar pond lights pay for themselves over time, bringing great comfort to your pond at any time of the day or night, with long lasting lighting that is quite beautiful.

How to Install Solar Powered Pond Lights
Achieving the beauty and ambiance of solar pond lighting is so simple. The floating solar pond lights can be released into the water with no need to run risky wires or any type of system connection. The lights are able to float freely bringing light with them illuminating throughout the pond. For the lights that go around the pond, they can be stuck into the ground conveniently, easily, and quickly without any other worry about the lighting or any other equipment. The lights can be left alone with no worries, and constant power being absorbed for illumination during the night.

There are many benefits from using the solar pond light system, from inexpensive lighting around your pond during the night to convenient lighting that has no maintenance or energy bothers. You can simply put them where you want them and enjoy the light let off in the night. The daytime won’t need lighting, but as the sun goes down, the energy that has been absorbed during the day is let free to bring soft lighting to a great area for any reason or occasion.

Free Standing Fountains

If your backyard or garden doesn’t have room for a pool or lake, consider a free-standing fountain to decorate the area. Free standing fountains are made from stone, resin, fibreglass or metal, with a variety of shapes and decorations. Some things to note are that resin fountains do best if the garden or outdoor area is covered. Meanwhile, metal fountains, while they add a certain spice to an outdoor space, easily corrode in areas of high pollution or moisture. Fibreglass fountains are perhaps the most popular due to their ease of upkeep, but some people don’t like the overly modern look they provide. Stone fountains are perhaps the most dependable, but if you purchase high-quality stone you may end up paying more than you intended.

Free standing fountains, along with wall fountains are the most likely to be solar powered, which is another element you should consider in deciding which fountain to purchase for your garden. Solar fountains have a stronger flow on sunny days, which is nice when you realize that sunny days are the times when you’re most likely to be out in the garden. However, because solar power isn’t that strong, solar fountains for the garden tend to be on the smaller side. Consider purchasing multiple solar powered free standing fountains if you have a large garden, and always make sure to keep them in direct sunlight.

Wall Mounted Fountains

The smallest type of fountain, wall mounted fountains are lightweight, portable and space-conservative. If you tend to spend most of our outdoor time on a patio next to your house, the wall-mounted fountain is perfect. However, the auditory and visual benefits from a wall fountain are limited to those seated immediately around it. Furthermore, wall fountains aren’t such a good idea if there are a lot of rowdy people around your house, as they tend to be lightweight and prone to being easily broken or damaged.

Most wall mounted fountains are made of lightweight resin or fiberglass materials; there are very few stone or metal wall fountains due to their heavy weight. Installation of wall fountains can be challenging, involving finding a sturdy place on the house, driving nails or turning screws to secure a spot for the wall fountain, then hanging it so it leans flush against the wall. However, once a wall fountain is installed, it adds quite a bit of class to your garden or patio, and its soothing trickle is a balm for the soul. These small garden fountains are also often solar powered, due to their low mass and light motor requirements.

Pond Fountains

These water garden fountains are perfect for people who have the space to mix the soothing aspects of water with the bountiful aspects of a garden. Pond fountains are set in the middle of small ponds, and they trickle water into the pond and draw it back up from the pond. This allows for a wider variety of designs and aesthetics, with the most prominent one known as the “tiered” fountain. Tiered fountains look like miniature waterfalls or rapids flowing down a bumpy set of stairs in the middle of the lake. This flowing curtain of water is very attractive to many people.

Many people also like to include plants like water lilys in the midst of their pond fountains, it can look very nice but be aware that these plants do not like prolonged spray on their leaves. Make sure that your pond fountain has a good filtration system though, because pond fountains tend to be the most high-maintenance of any garden fountains on the market. By making your pond fountain wild, you introduce elements that the makers of the fountain didn’t intend it to have to deal with. This isn’t meant to dissuade you from getting a pond fountain, you just have to make sure that the filtration is top notch so you don’t end up losing money on repair costs or are stuck continually unblocking it.

Pond fountains are most often made of some sort of water-resistant stone or fibreglass, depending on whether the garden is decorated in a more modern or more traditional way. Beware of someone trying to sell you metal or resin pond fountains, as they don’t tend to hold up quite as well as stone.

To install a pond fountain, you need to make sure that the area is flat and free of tree roots, and then you have to dig to create the pond. If the pond is already there, you simply have to boat out to the middle, ideally with a friend, and follow the instructions that came with the fountain to learn how to set up the various valves, tubes and main body.

Potential Discounts

If you’re looking for discount garden fountains, the best bet would be an old run-down looking stone free standing fountain. Stone fountains are a pain to lug around, and are often given away to consignment stores upon moving. With a little bit of touching up and refurbishing, your free standing fountain will look like new and take front and center in your garden. Good luck on your garden fountain search!

There are many different types of pond lights available to create different atmospheres around the water, plants and life of a pond. Effective, well placed and well thought out lighting adds iridescence to the water and outlines the shadows with accents of light. Seemingly quiet, ponds are brimming with life and soothing to watch. Pond lights can set a mysterious mood or make a lively display in the garden. There are external pond lights, spotlights, submersible spotlights, floating lights, coloured lights and pond UV lights. A pond can be a simple showcase or a wild artistic statement.

Underwater pond lights should be placed in the pond so that they shine unobstructed by pumps, pots or hoses, below fountains or waterfalls they look fantastic. The water quality should be kept as clear as possible and debris and algae should be removed from the lights routinely. The underwater pond lights can be connected to a timer so that the use is minimized to keep the cost down. Different effects can be achieved by placing the lights at the bottom of the pond or around the sides. If there is a waterfall or any other water movement, that area will reflect more light and give a sparkling effect.

Solar pond lights are an eco-friendly and energy saving way to upgrade a pond and make it attractive at night. These lights eliminate electrical wiring because they are powered by a renewable energy source that is free. If they are placed in the right places around the pond where they get direct sunlight during the day they will give both ambient and accent lighting. Solar pond lights are truly low cost because they are free to operate and inexpensive to buy, but don’t expect amazingly powerful displays.

Floating pond lights are often in the shape of water lilies and add a magical touch of colourful light to a garden pond. They can be saved for festive occasions or be the regular pond lighting. They come with 2 to 13 feet of cable between each light and a power cord and transformer which needs to be placed on dry land. These colourful lights also add beauty during the day when they are off. There are also Plexiglas globes that shimmer during the day and other shapes as well as solar floating pond lights that light up in the evening after being in the direct sunlight for a while.

A Pond UV light (ultraviolet) provides a totally different type of ambience than visible light. It is beyond violet and invisible but it is seen indirectly by the way it affects surfaces and substances by making them light up in the visible spectrum. Some insects actually glow in UV light. Do not confuse decorative UV lights with the type found in Ultra-violet Pond Filters, the spectrum of UV is very different for sterilising water and can cause serious damage to your eyes very quickly.

Site Location
Selecting the site is extremely important. Is this to be a secluded getaway or a landscape feature to be viewed and enjoyed from inside the house? If the pond contains plants it needs to receive four to six hours of sunlight a day. Don’t site the pond where rain or sprinkler runoff will flood it or carry debris and lawn fertilizer into it. Keeping it from under trees that shed leaves or needles into the water will keep the pond cleaner. Be certain to locate near a power source if any of the pond components require electricity.

Types of Pond Liners
The first requirement for any pond is the ability to hold water. Pond liners and concrete ponds are good alternatives to natural water features. A pond liner can be rigid like a preformed pond liner or flexible to conform to custom excavations. Fiberglass liners now come with a more natural looking rock finish. The rougher finish also provides a habitat for beneficial bacteria to grow. A preformed pond liner is good for small ponds of 130 gallons or less. A concrete pond is long lasing and the most expensive to install. It can also leaks toxins into the water for a period of time if not properly sealed.
Fish ponds should be deep enough not to freeze solid in the winter and can be located in the shade. They require certain types of non-toxic fish pond liners. A Butyl pond liner or a fish grade pvc pond liner are the most commonly used. These flexible liners are easy to install and conform to the shape of the excavation.

Water garden ponds are home to a variety of plants and also need a non-toxic pond liner and one that won’t degrade in sunlight. A water lilly pond requires about the same depth and conditions as a fish pond.
Listening to the sound of a waterfall is soothing and relaxing after a hard day’s work. A huge amount of very realistic looking preformed waterfalls are available that are easy to install and give instant gratification. Simple designs are easiest to work with.

Maintenance
Fighting algae growth is the biggest battle in keeping the pond healthy and attractive. With proper care the pond will reach a balance where constant vigilance is unnecessary. Algae requires sunlight and excessive nutrients to grow. Broad leaf water plants shade the water and protect from too much light. The also make use of nutrients and so prevent their buildup. Plants may need monthly trimming to be kept in check and dying leaves should be removed. Scavengers, such as snails, feed on pond waste thereby performing a necessary service. Pond filters reduce algae, but need frequent cleaning to be effective. There are also chemicals that can be used to control algae, but care must be used since they may be toxic to plants and fish.

What You Need for a DIY Pond
First, you will need to look at the multitude of garden pond designs you could have. These are readily available online. You can usually find a number of examples that will give you some fantastic garden pond ideas and help you figure out what you want in a garden pond. You can create your own designs, as well. However, getting ideas from others is a great way to start. Try sketching out your own ideas, heart shaped, oval, or irregular, anything goes when it’s your own body of water! You can even change the depth of the pond, if you are so inclined; it’s completely up to you.

There are a number of factors to think about when it comes to building a backyard pond. Location is an obvious one, since you will want the pond to be in a good spot where it won’t overflow too quickly with a little rain, excessive run-off can adversely affect your garden pond water quality. You will also need to consider the pond liner, as well as pond pumps to keep the water fresh and any fountains flowing. If you opt for a waterfall, you’ll need to use a garden pond pump. This is also a good idea if you plan to put koi in your pond, as it keeps the water oxygenated for them.

Pond filters really help keep the water clean and clear and are a good investment. If you’re thinking that you can get away without all this gear, you probably can. However, then you’ll end up with a stagnant pond, full of green algae that leaks into the surrounding soil and needs to be refilled on a continual basis. This type of pond is unattractive and not a lot of fun to relax by. There are many garden pond kits on the market these days that make it all a lot easier for novices.

Instead of skipping the goods, make sure you have everything on hand and invest in the correct garden pond supplies, it makes life so much easier! Its not hard to create your dream garden, complete with a pool and waterfall. You won’t regret it, and it will transform your garden in ways you can’t imagine. A well made backyard pond brings peace and tranquility, but you do need to invest in the right goods, including a good quality butyl rubber liner to keep the water in, the right pond filter to ensure the water is fresh and clean and, of course, a pond pump which will keep that garden pond waterfall going.

Whatever pond items you need, from design ideas to the technical side of things, I am sure I can help you create the perfect garden pond for you.

The first thing you need to consider is the location of your new garden pond. The ideal location would be in shade or semi-shade for at least half the day, in an area that will not recieve excessive runoff  ie. the bottom of a slope and is close to power & water supplies. The next decision is shape & size. A kidney shape is very popular or a squashed figure of eight. Try to keep your shape simple and elegant, complex small coves and inlets tend to look a bit rubbish when all is said and done.

Go large! Make it as big as you can, also consider what size pump & filter you will need at this point. Calculate the size of liner you need as follows – length+max depth+2ft & width+maxdepth+2ft. This will give you plenty of liner to play with. Mark out your shape on the ground with a hose and remove all the soil to a depth of about 8″, do not dig straight down, use a slight angle to help keep the sides stable. Then you are going to create a shelf about 8-12 inches wide for marginal plants to live on by once again digging down, this time to a spade depth . It doesnt have to be all the way round, its normally best concentrating on the back & sides, the front is best kept clear for viewing. Now you need to take some time to get the top of the pond as level as you possibly can, this is very important. The water will show any discrepancies and it can look very bad! A good way is to knock wooden pegs in every 18 inces or so around the  edge of the pond, using a spirit level. From standing in the hole carefully remove the soil with a spade till all pegs are of equal length. Check the sides and base for any sharp stones, roots etc and remove as needed. A good 2″ layer of builders sand should be used to line the excavation and the liner placed in and the pond filled up. A butyl rubber liner would be the best, but of course is the most expensive. Take extra care with PVC type liners, make sure there is no liner exposed to direct sunlight, or in a few years it will be brittle and will crack. Take some time to fold & fit the liner as best you can as it fills to minimize wrinkles. Now you can place your electrics & fiter etc and connect them up.

There are many different ways to edge your pool, paving slabs are great for the viewing area and rockery stones for the back & sides. The liner should be brought up behind them & backfilled with soil and plants. This hides the liner completely, the worst thing is a pond liner on display and often the guarantee does not cover UV damage. Thats it! The next step is stocking your new garden pond with fish & plants.

Which Pond Filter Should I Buy?

There are several different types of garden pond filter on the market, varying widely in price and individual suitability. They all however, are designed to be the ideal residence and breeding ground of billions of bacteria, good bacteria! All these bacterial colonies need is a plentiful supply of Fish waste and oxygen.

They are known as Aerobic bacteria and colonize every available surface. This is why all pond filters are designed to use various types of pond filter media to provide maximum internal surface area. They all provide varying degrees of biological and mechanical capability. You could quite easily custom build your own homemade pond filter if you have the time and energy, if not there is a vast range to choose from. Here is an overview of the different types you may come across. 

Gravity Return Filtration
This is a very simple filtration technique where the pondwater enters and passes through a mechanical agent such as foam or matting first to remove any solid debris. Next comes a high surface area biological media and exit back to pond via gravity. Can be cost effective but has the major downside that the filter exit must be above the highest level water return ie.waterfall. Can be placed next to the pond in a planted border or boxed in for seating etc to disguise it. Has generally been superseded by the pressurized option. 

If you are interested in building a large pond for koi carp you will need to bite the bullet and invest in a good high quality koi pond filter system, these fish need and deserve sparkling clear water and it will greatly reduce your maintenance schedule. A good quality pond skimmer can also be utilized to keep an ornamental koi pond looking pristine. You may also find it worth investing in a pond vacuum if your pond is very deep. To make maintenance as easy as possible the best koi ponds have bottom drains installed, to easily flush water & debris away.