Water features in the home garden
Water features in our home gardens offer countless rewards for gardeners and wildlife visitors as well. These water features can be as simple as a bird bath or as elaborate as a fountain or small pond. Whatever you choose, water features provide the home gardener with a peaceful oasis while also providing wildlife with fresh water and a resting place in your neighborhood or on their migratory journey.
If you would like to get your feet wet with a quick and relatively easy water feature, consider a bird bath. Bird baths are readily available at garden centers, on-line or made from everyday items found in your home. I fashioned one from an inverted flower pot and a large flower pot saucer, measuring about two to three inches deep. Place the bird bath in an area with some shade. Nearby shrubs offer a perch for the birds to rest upon and protection from predators. Provide a cleared space around the base of the bird bath so as not to unwittingly conceal predators.
Change the water every few days to keep the bird’s bath clean and full of fresh water. Do not use any harsh chemicals to clean the surface. Remove any algae build-up with a scrub brush and water. To keep mosquitoes from breeding in the bird bath, change the water regularly and add Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural microbial insecticide. Bt is not harmful to humans, pets, birds, butterflies or bees. It is a microbe specifically toxic to mosquito larvae and is sold in stores or on-line as Mosquito Dunks or Mosquito Bits.
For a more elaborate water feature, consider a fountain or small pond. Preformed ponds are available commercially or can be homemade with a shovel and a rubber liner by the creative home gardener. Plan a site for your pond in an area with filtered light. Shade will help limit algae growth while the sun will foster growth of native pond plants.
As with bird baths, fountains and ponds will require care and maintenance. Monitor your water feature for algae, rotting plants and debris. Clean out any decomposing debris. Cut back overgrown plants and consider adding barley straw balls which contain an organic extract known for controlling algae and blanketweed growth. These can also be found on-line and at retail outlets.
Maintain a balance of nutrients by not over-fertilizing pond plants. Adding rocks and plants to your pond foster beneficial bacteria growth. Beneficial bacteria converts excess nitrogen and phosphorus rendering it unavailable to nuisance algae. Beneficial bacteria is also available commercially in fish stores and on-line. Bt will control mosquito larvae in fountains and ponds as well. A low voltage or solar powered water pump, fitted with an aerator, installed in your water feature can help control algae and keep the water fresher.
Ponds create a flourishing habitat for a variety of plants and fish. Next month I will describe a selection of native plants and fish which thrive in the Southwest Florida home pond. With a bit of effort, the home gardener can create a tranquil and picturesque water feature which will bring hours of peace and enjoyment to your day.
Happy gardening!
Deborah Haggett is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at gardenclubofcapecoral.com.
To reach DEBORAH HAGGETT, please email news@breezenewspapers.com