Water gardens are a natural in landscapes. They add a peaceful calm to the yard. They can be as small as a container or as large as you want, with waterfalls, streams, bridges etc.

When choosing plants for a waterscape, keep in mind that different water plants prefer different depths, so you need to do your research in choosing the correct plants for the correct area.

Ideally, you will need at least three different kinds of plants, oxygenators, deep water plants, and floaters to have a fresh healthy pond. The marginal plants such as Water Iris, marsh marigolds, and cattails are planted on the inside edges of the pond, as they like to grow in 15 cm of water.

Deep water (30cm-45cm) plants include the many different varieties of water lilies.

Then you have the floating plants such as duckweed and water hyacinths. Floating plants should cover anywhere from 50 to 75 percent of the surface as they are used to provide shade and will discourage algae.

Oxygenating plants are the submerged plants and the bog plants are those plants that grow in very wet conditions but the roots are not submerged. When choosing hardy plants that are able to withstand our Prince George winters, look for plants that are zone 4 or lower.

Keeping the water moving will discourage mosquitoes and aerate the water. You can also keep mosquitoes to a minimum by putting ‘mosquito dunks’ in the pond. The Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) is a naturally occurring bacteria that is targeted kill the mosquito larvae without harming pets, plants, birds and people.

Preventing the growth of algae in the pond can be done several ways. Installing a bubble aerator will keep the water moving and aerate the water. Copper sulfate products can be used but should be used with caution as it can kill the fish. Always read and follow the manufacturers instructions. Barley straw (available in the garden centre in pellet form) can be placed in the pond and will break down and add hydrogen peroxide which will stop the algae from growing.

If you don’t have a water garden and would like to start small, a water container is a good way to begin. A large (1 meter wide x 45 cm deep) water tight container will be large enough to hold a beautiful water lily. Before starting a big pond, it is best to talk to a knowledgeable person who can help you, as there is a lot to learn. At the Art Knapps Kimball location (West Store) ask for Karen who will be able to advice you and ask for Harry at the Hart location.
-Jos
Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden centres in Prince George:
Highway 16 West at Kimball Road
Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road