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Caring for a Living Christmas Tree
The Christmas season brings with it many decisions to be made. Among them is, "What type of Christmas tree should I put up?" This year, consider a living Christmas tree. Not only will you enjoy it through the holidays, but a living tree can be...

How To Use Annuals In Landscaping Your Garden
An annual, from the point of view of the amateur gardener, is any plant which must be replaced each year and which flowers only once in its life. Annuals generally are grown from seed. The chief advantage of annuals over perennials is their low...

Landscaping: 3 Ways to Use Concrete in your Yard
The mental images that the word concrete invokes may not be of something you'd want in your yard but in fact, the landscaping industry has begun to incorporate concrete materials in their designs the past few years with surprising results....

Plan for Winter Plantings
Part four in a series It’s hard to think about winter when our gardens are in full bloom and the vegetables are ripening on the vine! But we must keep winter in mind when we are planning our landscape. Afterall, we have to look at our landscape all...

What to Look for in Landscape Maintenance Service
What to Look for in Landscape Maintenance Service When you are in search of a landscape service for your home, there are quite a few things that you should keep in mind. After all, not all landscape services are created equal. Care for...

 
Managing Pond Motives and Expectations

INTRODUCTION

Water in the garden. It brings us refreshing coolness on the hottest summer day. It satisfies our senses with sounds that only water can make. It delights our eyes with the unsurpassed beauty of colorful water lilies, the glimmering iridescence of fish and reflections from the sky.

Water has immense attraction to all people. For centuries Europeans have enjoyed the beauty of fountains and water gardens in their public squares and private estates. Water gardens create "natural" focal points, whether located in the home garden, shopping mall, or office building.

This book is written to fill a void in today's selection of gardening books. A few books are sprinkled here and there, covering specific areas of water gardening such as plants and Koi, but this book is written to cover all facets of decorative water gardening for homeowners as well as professional landscapers and architects.

The word "pond" conjures up different images for different people. Some envision a farm pond with a dirt bottom, fed by a creek bed and alive with ducks and frogs. Others see a mossy-covered goldfish pool in the corner of a yard. For our purposes, the word "pond" will be used in the Webster's Dictionary sense: "artificially enclosed body of water; a body of standing water smaller than a lake, often artificially formed." In this book you'll also find some of the newer terms - aquasphere, aquatic habitat, aquatic environment, or waterscape.

The reasons for considering a water garden are varied. Commercial landscape architects use water in their designs for effect and uniqueness. Homeowners want to exchange their rakes, lawn mowers and weedeaters for a work free garden. Others desire a pond "just like grandpa always had," yet most of us are simply looking for a garden to enjoy, a haven for relaxation.

Water does have a relaxing affect, whether it be the rhythmic waves of the ocean, a gently running brook, or the quiet beauty of a pond. While we may be unable to recreate nature with oceans and brooks, we can find pleasure in designing and building ponds.

MOTIVES

Before deciding on a water garden, consider your motives. Ask yourself the following questions:

* Why do I want a pond?
* Am I trying to save work for myself?
* Do I want a part of nature in my own backyard?
* Am I looking for a fishpond? Or a plant


pond? A fountain or waterfall?
* Do I want to cool off in the pond?
* Do I want to convert a swimming pool?

Am I looking for a focal point in the yard or simply a subtle blend of plants and fish? Many people think water gardening means digging a hole, filling it in with water, plants and fish, and that's all there is to it. While it's true that established ponds require minimal work, prospective water gardeners should realize that a certain amount of responsibility goes with a pond garden.

When you build a pond, you're putting in a natural habitat, something that is "alive" and "breathing" with plants and animals. Plants live and grow in this natural habitat; natural gas exchanges are going on; birds, bugs, fish, frogs and animals come to visit and drink from you pond. In other words, you're doing more than just cementing an area in the yard and filling it with water. You are bringing nature into your surroundings.

EXPECTATIONS

Prospective water gardeners should also examine their expectations. What do you want from your pond?

Before starting construction, you should decide if you want a fishpond, a fish and plant pond, a fountain, or a waterfall. For example, a Koi pond without plants will be constructed differently than ponds containing both fish and plants.

Do you want you pond to be a focal point - something that stands out dramatically with waterfalls or spraying fountains? Or is your life hectic and frenzied, so you're looking for a quiet haven for meditation and relaxation?

If you expect a low maintenance, relaxing environment, you'll find it in water gardening. You may wonder how water gardening can be effortless. The answer is nature. Properly planned water gardens achieve an ecological balance of water, plants, fish, and snails.

Water ponds answer a multitude of expectations, but the final decision on what you want from your water garden must come from you.
About the Author

Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several pond-related websites including macarthurwatergardens.com and pond-filters-online.com. He also publishes a free monthly newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over 9,000 pond owners. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive a complimentary 'New Pond Owners Guide' for joining, just visit MacArthur Water Gardens at our website.

 

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Great Lakes Environment: Greenacres-Green Landscaping
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Landscaping - homesite.com.au, Australia’s No.1 home and garden web site.
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Content Menu
  • 10 ways to survive building or remodeling your home

  • 12 considerations when choosing contemporary lighting

  • 3 great reasons to shop for home lighting online

  • 3 tips in landscaping your garden

  • 5 external climatic factors that affect an interior design project

  • 5 reasons fireplace owners think early spring is firewood time

  • 5 styles of rug hooking to choose from

  • 7 easy steps to attract more birds to your yard

  • 8 lawn care tips for your garden

  • about boxwoods

  • acid loving plants

  • adding climbing roses to your landscape

  • adding value to your home with landscaping

  • add some splash to your garden with a fountain

  • all about riding lawn mowers

  • annuals or perennials thats the question

  • arborvitae a multi use plant

  • are your houseplants safe

  • are you new to garden fish ponds

  • asthma friendly gardens

  • attracting wild birds

  • avoid the how much hassle when buying firewood

  • avoid transplant shock

  • a compost primer

  • a dozen tips for producing low allergy gardens

  • a guide to outdoor gas fireplaces

  • a hobby greenhouse will get you growing

  • a look at flower bulbs for sale

  • a new outdoor craft idea for all ages

  • a quick guide to fish pond bridges

  • basics of landscape design

  • basics of pruning

  • beware of toxic mulch

  • bluebirds

  • blue wild flowers for your garden

  • brick patio weed control

  • brighten your path by installing decorative landscape lighting

  • building a garden from nothing at all

  • building liner ponds

  • building or decorating your home requires house plans

  • build your own storage sheds

  • burnings bushes brilliant fall foliage

  • butterfly gardening

  • butterfly gardens for your region

  • caring for and planting a balled in burlap christmas tree

  • caring for a living christmas tree

  • choosing roses for your landscape

  • choosing the right roses for your garden

  • common landscape problems and how to fix them

  • complete home rehab in 10 days

  • composting the easy way

  • concerning mulch part one

  • concerning mulch part two

  • concrete cutting the unknown niche

  • constructing water walls a guide to common mistakes

  • construction loan basics

  • container gardening indoors and outdoors

  • container gardening in the metro

  • courtyard gardens planning tips

  • creating a budget for your landscape

  • creative landscaping with railroad ties

  • daylily a perennial favorite

  • decorating around the garden

  • decorating with rocks the beauty of rustic decor

  • decorative stone uses for landscaping

  • deer dont eat dragons

  • developing the perfect landscaping idea

  • do it yourself landscape design where to begin

  • do it yourself preformed pond kit project

  • dream yard

  • driveway landscaping

  • easy fall propagation techniques

  • edible trees and plants

  • enhance your garden with beautiful edging

  • enhance your home

  • enjoy rose gardening

  • environmentally safe ways to remove weeds

  • evergreens to use for landscaping

  • evergreens you can use for landscaping

  • extending the living space outdoors working with color

  • fall the best time to plan next springs landscape project

  • features of landscape design software

  • feeding your plants

  • fertilizing to create more blossoms on your flowers flowering shrubs and trees

  • finding anything you need about landscaping on the net

  • finding a flower bulb company

  • finding cheap plants for your landscape

  • find a building contractor to remember

  • fine gardening secrets revealed

  • flowers are a great gift

  • freestanding and lean to greenhouses

  • free plants seeds and flowers

  • gardening creating your own private paradise

  • gardening for birds

  • gardening information and design ideas

  • gardening tips and tricks for late autumn part one

  • gardening using bulbs in your landscaping

  • gardening your personality the greens of growth

  • garden fencing

  • garden furniture a natural extension of the home

  • garden furniture a touch of exuberance to your landscape

  • garden gnomes to add whimsey to your garden

  • garden moss how to make moss on your landscape rocks and garden statues

  • garden supplies are the gardeners paint and brush

  • gazebos to build or not to build that is the question

  • geomantic rules in the living room

  • geranium plants

  • getting raw land not a raw deal

  • getting the best price for your home includes landscaping for curb appeal

  • getting your hands on a good pair of gardening gloves

  • give your garden a rippling effect add a tranquil pond

  • granite might of stone info and facts

  • granite preformed rock pond kits

  • growing and caring for rhododendrons and azaleas

  • handcrafted garden bridges builds traditional arched span bridges with modern flair

  • have you been looking for the best advice in relation to landscape designs

  • help your backyard plants get the nutrients they need

  • hidden costs of landscaping

  • hillside landscaping properly watering hillside and sloped landscapes

  • hills and holes not part of your landscaping design

  • history of bonsai

  • history of wild roses

  • home floor plan designing for your future home

  • home improvement loans

  • home security your yard is the first line of defence

  • horticultural therapy

  • how and when to plant roses

  • how to attract butterflies to your garden

  • how to attract butterfly activity

  • how to build a simple potting bench

  • how to build a waterfall

  • how to care for your outdoor water fountains

  • how to change a rooms dimension using wall pictures

  • how to choose a gazebo

  • how to choose a riding lawn mower for your property

  • how to create an oasis of serenity with a backyard garden hot tub

  • how to decorate your space with wall art

  • how to finance a new extension

  • how to finance a new kitchen

  • how to get rid of standing water in your yard

  • how to grow blueberries

  • how to grow flowering dogwood trees from seed

  • how to grow japanese red maples from seed

  • how to grow ornamental grasses

  • how to grow wildflowers

  • how to keep your brick patio weed free

  • how to make a weed dabber

  • how to make money at home growing small landscape plants on 1 20 acre or less

  • how to make money growing rooted cuttings and selling them wholesale

  • how to make your own moss landscape rock and garden statues

  • how to modify your landscaping to protect your house from burglars

  • how to plant a tree

  • how to plant rose bushes in landscaping your garden

  • how to use annuals in landscaping your garden

  • how to use biennials perennials in landscaping your garden

  • how to use color in your perennial garden

  • how to use flower beds in landscaping your garden

  • how to use hedges in landscaping

  • how to use home decor accessories to create a new look in a room

  • how to use vines in landscaping your home

  • hummingbirds jewels of the air

  • improve your homes landscape in 6 easy steps

  • improving curb appeal

  • index

  • installing landscape lighting

  • internet marketing and advertising for the green industry

  • irrigation installation maintenance time savers

  • is a landscape architect really necessary

  • is landscape fabric even necessary in landscaping

  • japanese barberry a multi use plant

  • japanese gardens basic design questions that should be addressed

  • japanese gardens vs western gardens

  • japanese garden styles which one is the best for you

  • jump start your garden with seedlings cuttings

  • keeping soil healthy

  • keeping your water garden clean

  • kick start your landscape with winter gardening tips

  • landscape design

  • landscape design creating balance in home landscaping

  • landscape lighting design ideas to showcase your home

  • landscape plans resolved

  • landscaping 3 ways to use concrete in your yard

  • landscaping an american pass time

  • landscaping for winter fuel saving

  • landscaping how does your garden grow

  • landscaping ideas discover desert landscaping plants

  • landscaping ideas using landscaping rock for maximum effect

  • landscaping stone

  • landscaping to attract birds

  • landscaping with roses

  • lawn care tips

  • lawn edging

  • lawn tractors safety

  • layer your plantings

  • laying out your landscape part two

  • laying out your new landscape

  • light up your garden and brighten your life

  • light up your kitchen with the right lighting

  • low cost home landscaping tips

  • makeover magic how to remodel your deck or patio in less than a day

  • making your garden bloom with flower gardening

  • managing pond motives and expectations

  • minimizing runoff and erosion along your lakeshore stream or river property

  • mosquitoes in your garden try planting these

  • mosquito farms is that what water gardens are

  • mow edge the basics of lawn care

  • mulch your flower bulbs in the fall for a beautiful spring display

  • new for 2006 granite flexible preformed rock ponds

  • online gardening catalogues at your disposal

  • organic gardening going back to the basics

  • organic lawn care

  • ornamental plants that improve bird habitats

  • outdoor lighting fixtures great selection available online

  • outdoor patio furniture exploring the benefits of teak

  • patios the new trend in home remodels

  • patio design and patio furniture the use of focal points

  • patio design expanding your home outdoors

  • patio ponds

  • perennials versus annuals

  • pictures of landscaping using other peoples ideas to design your landscape

  • planning a serenity garden

  • planning a water garden

  • planning next years garden

  • planting and caring for flower bulbs

  • planting white pine seedlings

  • plant hardiness zones

  • plan before you plant

  • plan for winter plantings

  • pond pumps vs pool pumps

  • preparing to build wooden fences in the landscape

  • pre spring garden planning

  • professional decorating tips for fireplace mantels

  • protecting your landscape from insects

  • pruning basics

  • pruning weeping cherry trees and other grafted and budded ornamentals

  • putting passion back into home decorating

  • reliableremodeler com

  • riding lawn mowers machines fun to ride and extremely cool to look at

  • rid your garden of slugs

  • river birch trees

  • rooftop deck makeover

  • rotator

  • safety steps for riding lawn tractors

  • save money on home improvement projects

  • saving energy by planting nursery stock and windbreaks

  • secrets of hydroponics gardening

  • seeing the light

  • selecting roses for the garden

  • selecting the right water feature for your garden

  • selling your house mow your lawn

  • selling your house trim your shrubs

  • simple balcony makeover

  • site drainage problems

  • some thoughts on planting roses

  • spring into lawn mowing

  • spring is around the corner how is your garden

  • spring planting tips

  • starting a shade garden

  • staying focused on the project

  • store seasonal items in your own self storage unit

  • summer gardening tips

  • summer lawn care tips

  • teak furniture the ideal furniture for lifelong outdoors use

  • terrace gardening and landscaping ideas

  • there is an art to perfect landscaping

  • the 7 schools of feng shui

  • the advantages of edible landscaping

  • the american cranberry bush

  • the art of landscaping your garden

  • the basic principles of landscape design

  • the beautiful rose of sharon

  • the benefits of landscaping

  • the birth of a small container flower garden

  • the dawn redwood tree beyond fast grow

  • the enduring alluring gazebo

  • the gardening tool you need

  • the good the bad and the buggy

  • the importance of bedroom design in a home decoration project

  • the incredible daylily

  • the magic of flowers

  • the many types of palm trees

  • the minimal garden

  • the pollen trapping power of a lawn

  • the secret of rooting cuttings

  • the terrorists favorite weed castor bean

  • the true beauty of climbing roses

  • the versatile reciprocating saw the power tool of your dreams

  • the viburnum blackhaw

  • things to consider while designing a guest bedroom

  • things you should know about gardening

  • three easy garden designs you can create

  • tips for backyard fish ponds care

  • tips for building a song bird bird house

  • tips for choosing a landscaping firm

  • tips for keeping costs down when landscaping

  • tips for planning your landscape

  • tips for preparing a planting bed

  • tips for saving water for your landscaping

  • tips for shopping smart for the garden

  • tips on how to plant roses

  • tips to improve the functionality and atmosphere of your patio with plants

  • trades and barter are my favorites

  • training beautiful flowering shrubs into unique flowering trees

  • tranquility in your own back yard

  • transplanting tips

  • trees in the home landscape

  • tree and shrub care programs

  • tree pruning tips

  • turn your patio into a voluminous vegetable garden

  • tylers lock wedding venue extraordinaire reborn from the ruins of a canal pumphouse

  • types of roses to use for landscaping your home

  • types of vines for landscaping your home

  • using landscape design software

  • using the propagation technique known as budding to grow beautiful ornamental trees

  • viburnums have been around a long time

  • viburnums landcape and garden wonders

  • viburnums shrubs with all season interest

  • virburnum dentatum chicago luster viburnum

  • water conservation for gardeners

  • water conservation in the yard

  • weed control facts winning the battle of the weeds

  • whack o matic

  • whats in store for national home gardening club members

  • whats underfoot a quick guide to patio surfaces

  • what are light fixtures used for

  • what is the right plant and where do i put it

  • what to look for in landscape maintenance service

  • what type of gazebo is right for you top questions you need to ask

  • what you need to know about planting roses

  • wheelbarrow buyers guide

  • where are all the good contractors

  • which lamp should i choose

  • why buy a candig mini digger

  • why choose a home improvement loan

  • winterizing tips for your lawn and garden

  • winter gardening fun

  • wooden garden furniture

  • working with landscape contractors

  • wow outdoor tile murals any image any size