“The sound is the best thing, Any time the windows are open, the soothing gurgle of flowing water fills the house”
The sights and sounds of moving water will transform any outdoor space into an outdoor oasis. Your yard transforms into an oasis for birds, butterflies, fish and frogs…..but more importantly, an oasis for you and your family to enjoy more! Garden ponds or disappearing streams wash away the stresses of the day, while giving you a peaceful setting to visit with friends, make memories with the children or just have some “me” time.
By far, the most popular water feature in America today is the ecosystem pond, also known as a garden pond or water garden. They blend seamlessly into your landscape, creating a natural focal point with soothing, relaxing sounds….All for much less money….and maintenance……than you think. Ecosystem ponds work like magic. They mimic nature and employ extremely efficient, yet “low-tech” bio filtration. While nature is busy doing the “dirty” work, you are relaxing and enjoying sparkling clear water, vibrant plants, and healthy fish.
If you are looking for the sights and sounds of water, but don’t want a full-blown pond, then a disappearing waterfall or stream is an excellent option. Instead of a pond, there is a hidden underground reservoir of water that recirculates to the water fall. You enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds of water, with the added benefit of being able to turn it on or off with the flick of a switch. Come visit our showroom and see our display up close.
Ecosystem ponds can be easy to understand if you have a good grasp of what components go into a basic, functioning ecosystem. It’s important to remember, however, that every piece of the ecosystem must be present in order for a true ecosystem to be in place. Eliminate one of these elements and you’ve got an unbalanced system that won’t be so low maintenance anymore.
Circulation System – a fancy way of saying “pumps and plumbing.” The proper size pump and pipe diameter are extremely important for the aesthetics of a water feature. More importantly, an efficient circulation system keeps the water moving and provides the necessary oxygen levels for healthy fish and plants.
Filtration System – Every system needs a biological and a mechanical filter. A biological filter provides surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and remove excess nutrients from the water. A mechanical filter pre-filters the water and houses the pump; it will also skim debris from the water’s surface to prevent the accumulation of organic materials on the pond floor.
Fish – Fish are an integral part of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, fish are often seen as creating a maintenance nightmare. Contrary to popular belief, fish will actually reduce pond maintenance! They graze on string algae and bottom feed from the pond floor. The fish waste is part of the nitrogen process that takes place within the pond. The fish waste is broken down into a convenient fertilizer for your aquatic plants! Since ecosystem ponds mimic nature, it is important not to have too many fish in your pond. Natural ponds are not crowded with fish, and neither should a garden pond. A koi pond, on the other hand, is a true fish pond, with much greater filtration to support much higher fish densities.
Aquatic Plants – Mother Nature’s true filters. Plants naturalize a pond by providing color, texture, and fragrance, and from a filtration perspective, they’re amazing.. Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.
Rocks, Gravel, and Bacteria have been a controversial element in the hobby for many years. Many enthusiasts have steered away from rocks and gravel out of fear that their system will become a maintenance nightmare. On the contrary, rocks and gravel will not only make your pond look more natural, they also protect pond liners from UV light degradation. In addition, they provide tremendous surface area for beneficial bacteria to break down excess waste in the water and organic debris on the pond floor.
Having all these components in place makes all the difference in the health and success of your water garden. By working with Mother Nature, not against her, you are rewarded with a chemical-free wonderland of water! The truth is that most people opt for the ecosystem way of water gardening because it’s easier, and just makes sense. A low-maintenance ecosystem pond provides you with more free time to enjoy friends and family … while gathered around your pond, of course!
