Landscaping in the Sandhills

1
Landscaping in the Sandhills

• A Guide for the Do-it-Yourselfer
• Water Gardens

2
Introduction

• In the beginning
• Is this right for me?
• How much will it cost?
• How much work?
• How complicated?
• Major decisions
• Size, Site, Materials, Construction

3
The Basic Rules

• Dont buy the water lilies until the pond is
  ready!
  
• Keep it simple
• Double your estimate of cost
• Think bigger

4
Finding the Right Site

• No large trees
• 6 to 8 hours of sun
• Level area
• Drainage/floatation
• Large enough to satisfy you in the future
• Shape

5
Site Selection

• Access to water and electricity
• View from house or deck
• Reflection of the surrounding landscape
• Existing soil and grade
• Overall landscape organization
• Maintenance

6
Design Consideration

• Overall landscape design
• Space available
• Depth
• Shape
• Soil removal
• Edging
• Local regulations

7
Pond Materials

• PVC (fish grade)-- 7 to 15 years
• Butyl or rubber(fish grade)-- 30 years
• Fiberglass -- 50 years
• Concrete -- Lifetime (If done correctly)
• Ulti-Liner -- Lifetime warranty (geotextile
  fabric)

8
Installing the Garden

• Digging
• Leveling

9
Water Gardens One
10
Installing the Garden

• Digging
• Leveling
• Packing (Compacting)
• Base (Cushioning)

11
Water Gardens Two
12
Installing the Garden

• Digging
• Leveling
• Packing (Compacting)
• Base (Cushioning)
• Hauling materials
• Disposal

13
Chemicals

• Filling the water garden
• Chlorine impact
• Waiting period
• Additives

14
Water Plants

• Floating leafed plants
• Water lilies
• Water hyacinth
• Water hawthorn
• Submerged plants
• Cabomba
• Anarcharis
• Eelgrass

15
Water Plants Too

• Extras
• Duck weed
• Parrot feather
• Plants to surround the pond
• Lilies
• Lotus
• Marsh marigold

16
Combating Algae

• Cleaning the pond
• Regular pond maintenance
• Keep the pond topped up
• Beneficial bacteria
• Shade
• Dont overfeed fish

17
Wildlife in the Pond

• Goldfish
• Koi
• Turtles
• Snails
• Frogs
• Birds
• Other visitors

18
Insects in the Pond

• Mosquitoes
• China moths
• Dragonflies
• Water bugs

19
Controlling pH

• Test kit for water pH
• Neutral pH (i.e., 7)
• Raise pH with baking soda
• Lower pH with pH Down
• Cautions
• Go slow
• Chlorine
• Temperature

20
Pumps and Fountains

• Pumps
• Lots of sizes
• Whats it going to do
• Buy bigger and put a valve on it
• Fountainheads
• Lots of choices
• Waterfalls and creeks
• Bigger pump
• Back flow check valve
• Electricity

21
Water Gardens Three
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Filtering

• Pros
• Water clarity
• More fish
• Healthier fish

• Cons
• Cost
• Effectiveness
• Filter maintenance

23
Winterizing Your Pond

• Plants and animals
• Pumps and cleaning
• Filters
• Add a floater

24
Nets and Netting

• To catch fish
• Proper size
• Handle strength
• To remove debris
• Long handle
• Bird netting (Floater)
• Frame

25
Cleaning Your Pond

• Why?
• Fish waste
• Plant waste
• Windfall
• Tear Down
• Netting

26
Building a Bog Garden

• Digging
• To line or not to line
• Refilling
• Sand
• Compost
• Peat moss
• Water
• Plant selection

27
Plants for the Bog Garden

• Grouping by three to five plants
• Placement
• Height
• Color
• Flowering
• Availability

28
In Summary

• Getting started
• Location
• Digging
• Lining
• Plants
• Wildlife
• Maintenance

29
Water Gardens the Quick and Dirty Course

• Pond design
• Fiberglass pools
• Pond rushes and lilies
• Hide the edge
• Pump or not
• Fish