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Post by plocket on Mar 2, 2007 11:10:44 GMT 1
I've already mentioned my Mum & Dad's ponds, and Sean has already suggested that in order to get the right balance mum shouldn't fuss about removing stuff like duckweed. However she is still worried that the blanket weed will take over the pond if she leaves it and has asked if it will stop the wildlife from living in and around the pond. Should she keep removing the blanket weed so that it doesn't clog the pond, or will it get to a stage where it won't grow any more? She has newts, frogs and dragonflies every year, and some glorious huge golden beetles that she really doesn't want to lose.
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Post by madonplants on Mar 2, 2007 11:42:07 GMT 1
I would just keep on top of it. Blanketweed comes for three reasons.
1. Nutrients
2. Light
3. Heat
If you make sure you have 50-75% surface coverage, via lilies and floating plant, this will help with the light aspect.
Nutrients will be taken out by the plants in the pond, especially oxygenating plant and reeds. Obviously most reeds are tooooooo big for the average pond, but Typha Minima will be OK.
Heat there is not a lot you can do, except for creating shade by plants grown outside the pond. I am here using Gunnera, but Rheum is OK or any plants that actually create shade. Actually I would suggest trying to rid the pond of duckweed as 'if' you don't keep on top of it, it can take away light for the oxygenating plant to grow. It is a balance, but the results are worth it in the long run.
My last wildlife pond I made at another house, I used azolla to stop blanketweed coming in the first year, but the lily suffered a bit. I didn't get any blanketweed that first year though. After I got rid (hard work) I did get a bit of blanketweed, but the tadpoles liked it and I just kept on top of it. Obviously everything was OK, as I had two species of newt, frogs that bred, dragonflies and the odd toad, alongwith all the other wildlife, waterboatmen, great diving beetle(urgh!) and plenty of others.
Also if you take the weed out, leave it by the pond, so that any critters can get back into the pond. Then dispose of it in the compost bin.
Hope this helps.
Keith
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Post by The witch on Mar 2, 2007 12:46:52 GMT 1
I agree with everything Keith has said, but would strongly advise against introducing Azolla aka Fairy Moss. BTW Azolla must not be allowed to get into rivers etc. it must be disposed by composting or put in the dustbin. If your M & D add more plants to their pond they will compete with the blanket weed for nutrients, eventually eliminating it. Another thing is not to allow fertilisers used in the garden to access the pond - know as run off, as this will feed the blanket weed to.  |
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Post by plocket on Mar 2, 2007 12:54:19 GMT 1
Thanks guys! Mum and dad don't really want to introduce plants into the pond but if you could recommend something native that might encourage them. I'm trying to gauge the area of the pond but am hopeless at sizes - I'll see if I can find a photo which might help.
There is quite a bit of shade provided by a hedge and hawthorne tree on two sides, but it's a big pond and even if mum does drag out some of the blanket weed she'll never get all of it simply because she can't reach. She did put something in which she's really regretting now, but sends in dad wearing his waders - he pulls as much as he can out.
There aren't any beds or borders nearby, or agricultural farming beyond the hedges, so no worries about fertilizers.
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Post by plocket on Mar 2, 2007 13:04:42 GMT 1
Two views of the pond, taken in 2005, which will hopefully give you an idea of the size.   |
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Post by madonplants on Mar 2, 2007 13:19:16 GMT 1
I agree with everything Keith has said, but would strongly advise against introducing Azolla aka Fairy Moss. BTW Azolla must not be allowed to get into rivers etc. it must be disposed by composting or put in the dustbin. If your M & D add more plants to their pond they will compete with the blanket weed for nutrients, eventually eliminating it. Another thing is not to allow fertilisers used in the garden to access the pond - know as run off, as this will feed the blanket weed to. I know The witch, I wouldn't do it again.  I did it as a experiment, which worked for what I used it for. I like experimenting, probably brought about from the scientific backbround I have!! ;D It was a pain to get rid of as you have to get rid of every single bit, or it is not worth doing. That is all marginal plants re potted and thoroughly checked. When the pond was clear the plants went back in. If you could get some photos, maybe we could help with what plants to use. Basically though for a wildlife pond it is best to use british native species. Keith |
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Post by madonplants on Mar 2, 2007 13:21:48 GMT 1
Oh see you have just done that!! How deep is it, do you know and is there shelves all the way round?
Keith
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Post by The witch on Mar 2, 2007 13:35:10 GMT 1
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Post by plocket on Mar 2, 2007 13:47:43 GMT 1
Those are lovely suggestions The witch - thank you very much.
Hia Madon! It's shallow on the brighter end of the pond, away from the hedge and hawthorne but there don't seem to be decent shelves in the shadier areas. And it's pretty deep in the middle - easily up to dad's waist! The water's pretty low in those photographs too - it's probably about a foot deeper in the winter.
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Post by plocket on Mar 2, 2007 14:19:11 GMT 1
Ok I've had a brain-wave! It's mum's birthday in a couple of weeks and I thought I could get her some pond plants (subject to dad's approval!) so wonder if you could recommend a mail order supplier?
I particularly like the golden club and water hawthorne, but also like Nymphoides Peltala - would that also be suitable do you think?
Thanks! Px
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Post by madonplants on Mar 2, 2007 14:27:11 GMT 1
I would suggest plants like our native Marsh Marigold, Bog Bean to maybe trail around the edge, Water Violet which oxygenates as well as appearing above the surface and flowers, Water plantain (which newts love), Hornwort, oxygenating plant, these are the first things , plus Water mint (can be invasive so maybe not) that always go into my wildlife ponds. Then it will be a choice of water lily. N. Attraction would be OK. I know The witch, a red one, but my favourite. It is a large one and will cover a good part of the pond in no time. If you plant it in a good sized container it will be in it for many years before it needs splitting. For the rest it is up to your M & D. Try and have some reeds, not big ones, like the Typha Minima I mentioned before. They are good at getting rid of excess nutrient, which help the weed problem.
Mainly if they are native all the better, but I am sure frogs and newts won't mind.
The more plants the better, as stated, to get rid of nutrients in the pond.
Hope this helps, must have lunch and need to go out to get some bits for the fridge!
Keith
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Post by madonplants on Mar 2, 2007 14:31:20 GMT 1
Ok I've had a brain-wave! It's mum's birthday in a couple of weeks and I thought I could get her some pond plants (subject to dad's approval!) so wonder if you could recommend a mail order supplier? I particularly like the golden club and water hawthorne, but also like Nymphoides Peltala - would that also be suitable do you think? Thanks! Px If you can give it 1-2ft planting depth then yes. I have used these people, but just remember they will come bare rooted, so you will need pots, aquatic compost and gravel to top off. www.pondplants.co.uk/index404.phpKeith |
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Post by The witch on Mar 2, 2007 14:34:28 GMT 1
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Post by plocket on Mar 2, 2007 14:42:13 GMT 1
That's a lovely site thanks Keith.
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Post by debbiem on Mar 3, 2007 11:49:18 GMT 1
What a fantastic pond they've got there Plocket, wish I had the room to have one like that, it's so natural. |
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Post by plocket on Mar 3, 2007 12:05:47 GMT 1
It's even on the OS map of the area Mrs B!!!
Dad thinks natural plants for the pond, as a b'day present for mum, is a splendid idea so I'll be using that site of yours Keith - thanks again.
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Post by The witch on Mar 3, 2007 14:18:17 GMT 1
What did you think to the Bromfield site Plocket? |
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Post by plocket on Mar 3, 2007 18:12:12 GMT 1
Oooh I'm glad you asked The witch because I hadn't spotted your post  SORRY! It's lovely! I'm spoiled for choice now! Thank you The witch! |
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Post by madonplants on Mar 3, 2007 19:54:25 GMT 1
Plocket, the best way to chose is have a list in your mind (if possible) of the plants you want to buy. Then check out both sites to see if they both have them. If mine has most go there, if The witch's has most go there. They are both good sites as I used mine and was happy with them and obviously The witch is happy with hers. You might find that your local aquatic centre has what you need, so you won't have to go online at all. Then the plants will be 'ready' to go straight in the pond, without needing to pot up. There you are, I have put a right spanner in the works now, haven't I?? Keith |
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Post by plocket on Mar 3, 2007 21:55:38 GMT 1
Not really Madon! I'd already decided that I'd use the one with most from my list! I've tried my local supplier (Stapeley Water Gardens) but all their stuff seems to be out of stock at the moment for some reason. I'll let you know how I get on!
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Post by madonplants on Mar 3, 2007 22:22:49 GMT 1
You have Stapeley near you? Aren't you lucky? Can't believe they have low stocks even at this time of the year! Maybe they will have more in soon.
Keith
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Post by The witch on Mar 4, 2007 0:03:32 GMT 1
I have just remember about another good oxygenating plant.  Stratiotes Aloides aka Water Soldier it floats in the summer and sinks to the bottom of the pond for the winter, it flowers too.  Have a look here ;D |
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Post by madonplants on Mar 4, 2007 0:53:22 GMT 1
That is just a floating plant, isn't it? Don't think it oxygenates the water. Helps with light suppression though and native.
Keith
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Post by plocket on Mar 4, 2007 18:28:15 GMT 1
I think mum's already got some of those water soldiers - I didn't realise they were native. I had a chat with mum about her pond yesterday and she's going to hold off doing anything about the blanket weed at the moment - I didn't tell her that I was going to buy her some plants but dad thought it was a great idea. I'll let you know what I get and from where when I've ordered.
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Post by seanmckinney on Mar 15, 2007 21:47:56 GMT 1
Ahhh I see this is a thread I missed in the down time of my internet connection. Ummm please describe in more detail these "glorious huge golden beetles" and compare them to "great diving beetles". If your beetles are great diving beetles then you DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT want them in the pond, they and their 2 to 3 inch young  are merciless predators and will even take goldfish. They will probably decimate your frog, toad and newt tadpole populations and they bite humans. Sorry I have forgotten the intention of your parents' pond if it is as a wild life pond then honestly I wouldnt be that worried about blanket weed, once the other 'proper' plants are established and thickly growing I am fairly sure you wont have any blanket weed worth worrying about. BUT I am saying that based on my pond where I have left the plants run riot and I dont feed the fish unless the food is mosquito larvae and I seriously doubt you could put a paper back book down anywhere in the 'open' water of my wildlife pond and not have 25% of the book sat on some form of plant. Also I doubt any floater would do well in such a pond, the rooted plants seem to remove all the available nutrients from the water. I agree that azolla should not be added but to give an indication of the effectiveness of the "proper plants" let run wild at removing the nutrients from the water I cant grow azolla on the wild life pond, it was there in a carpet at the start but then died off and never prospered since then. Nor does duckweed and I ended up shifting my frogbit to the more nutrient rich fish pond. That said is seems this isnt your parents intention so I would carry on removing BW as had been suggested. However re plants some of which I have seen suggested, bog bean is spot on and I think it produces the most beautiful flowers early in the year  I really like those for some reason. Bog arum is nice too though, for me, an infrequent bloomer ( keep an eye out in B&Q for that, they are likely to be the cheapest source but if you get any get them EARLY in the year, they seem to have a 20% sale on outdoor plants shortly after their pond plants come in and if they do the same this year it would be a good time to buy, if you buy late in the season (post July etc) the rhyzomes are going off.) Arrow head are nice and may actually be what the chinese call water potatoes BUT CHECK THAT BEFORE EATING THEM, B&Q also sell those and ditto the same instructions Golden club I like but have only got it to bloom once in 3 years, I have read it likes deep soil in its pot and that it will grow in up to 2ft of water but mine seemed to struggle with 18" of water over the soil, it now has about 9" and seems happy Water hawthorn very nice with really odd blooming times and a wonderful scent, it also self seeds like rabbits. I have even had seedlings come up in 4ft of water Greater and lesser spearworts, nice plants. Marsh marigold, cant fail to impress, single or double and there is/are a white/s too but I havent had much success with that colour. The forget me nots are nice but not so readily visible in my mixed up vegitaton. Yellow flag an iris but keep it contained. Mimulus, the yellow one but once it takes off again keep it contained. Marsh St Johns wort, lovely velvety leaves from memory but I couldnt over winter it and gave up replacing it. Cotton grass, supposedly likes acid soil, ie peat, but does fine in normal soil, nice white tufts when the seed head form Lobellia cardinalis (victoria), stunning purple red plant with bright red blooms that I never over winter successfuly and the snails and slugs love it. The mints, wonderful smell and will spread if you let them but get several varieties, you'll notice the different smells. Plantains are nice but the big one (greater) can be a rampant self seeder apparently and should be dead headed, I cant tell in the wildlife pond but dont remember any 4ft flower spikes from it last year Brook lime, veronnica beccabunga is a surface spreader that IMO looks straggely unless forced up out of the water, then it forms, for me, low stands which are nice. Nymphoides Peltala, hmmmm I like it but it can spread via runners all over the place. If you could get and grow some of the tropical species the flowers are stunning but I dont think you's stand much chance in staffordshire. The native one is not a great bloomer for me Water soldiers, imagine pineapple tops and I probably need to get rid of some, mine can get to 2ft across, they have an occasional white flower but dont like handling as the leaves/fronds are rather brittle Loosestrife, striking 4- 6ft tall purple flower spikes that if native should be dead headed, there is a white version which I think is smaller Water violet, nice but apparently tricky to start, though I think I have managed it 2nd or 3rd time around I had a nice crowfoot that gave a white bloom but I it didnt over winter and I cant remember the name for certain but it might have been "ivy leafed" Ragged robins I like but I cant get them to do well Not sure if that helps any BUT SERIOUSLY CHECK OUT THE BEETLES. If you are interested in mimulus, water soldiers or floating heart let me know and I'll have a look, they'd cost you postage + a quid or so but I think you'd be happy enough with the quantites. I may have greater spearwort to dump later in the year, I am not sure what the juvenille leaves I noticed in the fish pond are from but it may be that |
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I did it as a experiment, which worked for what I used it for. I like experimenting, probably brought about from the scientific backbround I have!! ;D It was a pain to get rid of as you have to get rid of every single bit, or it is not worth doing. That is all marginal plants re potted and thoroughly checked. When the pond was clear the plants went back in.
SORRY! It's lovely! I'm spoiled for choice now! Thank you The witch!