Published by Solutions For Green We also publish California Green Solutions and a series of blogs about solutions. NOTE: If you sell green or sustainable products please send information about your products and your URL to Carolyn for story consideration. We love to tell our readers about helpful organic, energy saving and eco-friendly solutions. Carolyn (at) SolutionsForGreen.com
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Water Gardening is the New FrontierThere is growing interest in water gardening because it is refreshing and life sustaining. And it is easy to create a pond or stream in your own backyard -- no matter how small it might be. From a tub garden to a shallow bird bath or trickling stream to a formal pool -- or converted swimming pool -- you can create a sensory delight of water, fish and frogs and a mix of water loving plants. Van Ness Water Gardens suggests you create a "natural pond balance" with a formula of exygenating grasses, water lilies, water snails, fish and bog or aquatic plants. This balanced mix will make the ecosystem you develop self sustaining and result in clear, clean water. The "container" for the water ecosystem can be a hole in your lawn lined with a heavy plastic pond liner or a preformed container from a wooden tub to a commercial pond form to a constructed cement lined pond. But the real heart of a pond is the ecological balance you create in and around the pond. Just as a natural stream or pond has a rich diversity of plants, animals, insects and earth structures -- so will your successful pond.
Water LiliesThese lovely water spirits range in size from miniatures to huge flowers -- in a wide range of warm colors and with various levels of hardiness. One lily in a tub provides a touch of grandeur that inspires spiritual reprieve and smiles of delight.
Snails, Tadpoles and FrogsThe diverse lifeforms that take up residence in and around your water bring the full cycle of life to your backyard. Eggs to tadpoles to frogs -- their mating rituals and transformations give hearts of all ages insights into the wonder and mystery of life.
Water PlantsThere are more fresh water plants yet to be discovered than any other plant kingdom on the earth. Water plants are powerful filters that strain debris and minerals and nutrients from the water. They also are a critical link in the food chain, supplying fish, frogs, insects and birds with nutrition. Communities are beginning to understand the incredible value of wetlands in the cycle of precipitation, ground water, and surface waters from streams and lakes to the oceans. Our wetlands are the nurseries of life, the filters of our pollution, and amazing watering holes for beauty and diversity.In your own little pond you can explore, experiment and observe how oxygenating plants, filtration plants and surface protectors add balance to the water biosystem. Plants range in size from algae to hair grass to cattails and papyrus. You can choose rocks, logs, and water accessories such as misters, fountains, lights or statuary to make your pond a work of art, as well as a work of nature.
StewardshipAs with all plants -- and animals -- that you introduce to a community, it is important to choose wisely. Just because a plant is available for sale doesn't guarantee that it is not an invasive or harmful to the environment. Do your research so you can enjoy native plants and wildlife without the tinge of guilt that comes from uninformed enthusiasm.The wetlands are critical resources and they need our understanding and stewardship. A well balanced backyard pond can help us learn, understand, and appreciate the natural balance of our shared wetlands.
Water Gardening Web Sites:I found two Web sites that give you all the advice and resources you need to get started:
Water Gardening Books:Here are some books to use in researching which pond shape and depth fits your location best. These links take you to Amazon.com...where you can save up to 20% on most books.
Wildlife or Camping ActivityTake a nature break in a riparian biosystem to discover how water, plants and animals balance each other. Make a map, a list, or a journal of your observations to share with friends and family.ENJOYThe trickle of droplets. The shimmer of ripples. The glimmer of reflections and the sparkle of sunshine. Life doesn't get any better than these precious moments!LEARNWater watching is an age old custom. Watching the sunset over the ocean...the sunrise over a lake. Experiencing the gentle power of water helps allay fears of its power shown in floods and storms. learning respect for water and its actions is a basic skill of adulthood.MAKE A CHOICEHow can you apply what you know about water to make your family life more secure and more ecologically sustainable?MAKE A CHANGEWhat WILL you do today to move toward your goal? Even one small action today makes a difference. And you can add a little tomorrow and the next day... Together we will restore our environment in our community and around the world.
For more articles about WILDLIFE GARDENINGGarden Decor: Aquascaping for Beauty and PurposeButterfly & Caterpillar Gardening and the Environment Water Gardening is the New Frontier Rocky Sloped for Habitat Mailorder Gardening for Wildlife Friendly seeds and plants Butterflies are Flowers of the Air
If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; |
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