Scented Mentha for Ponds and Water Gardens On my retail Aquatic Nursery Lilies Water Gardens, I have a very special and popular collection of plants that are suitable for ponds and their surrounding areas. The three species I grow, are all quite different in growing habit but they all have one thing in common, and […]
Read in fullHow to grow Water Lilies for Maximum Blooms We have all seen established Water Lilies in village ponds, parks and gardens displaying dozens of vibrant majestic blooms at any one time throughout the summer months. By following a few simple steps, we can easily achieve this kind of display in our own back garden ponds […]
Read in fullAstilbe for Pond Surroundings and use In the Water Garden Astilbe, (also known as False Goats Beard) is a perennial native to mountains, ravines and woodlands in Asia and North America. There are many different species that have been cross-bred to produce the many hundreds of hybrids available today. As a result, different hybrids flower at […]
Read in fullCan You Simply Throw Lead-Weighted, Oxygenating Plants Into Your Pond? The answer to this question is a definite NO! Many different bunched oxygenating plants are sold in the aquatic pond plant industry, and almost all are sold with lead weights. The idea behind this is that the weighted bunch can simply be thrown into your […]
Read in fullGrowing Pond Plants in Environmentally Friendly Biodegradable Pots I have been experimenting with growing pond plants in biodegradable pots known as Vi pots. These are made from natural fibre extracted from annual crop waste such as rice husk. The pots come in 2 different sizes. All have 4 small drainage holes in their base, a […]
Read in fullMemories of Beam Brook Aquatic Farm in Newdigate, Surrey During my childhood, I used to frequently visit a very special place called Beam Brook Aquatic Fish Farm. Also known by locals as The Field Station. This article is a journey back to my Memories of Beam Brook Aquatic Farm in Newdigate, Surrey. Where This wonderful place […]
Read in fullThe Allotment Water Garden Over the years, many customers have come to my retail nursery to purchase pond plants for water features in their allotments. These small container ponds can be created very simply by using half Oak barrels, old Belfast sinks, old style bath tubs etc… In fact, anything that is watertight and can […]
Read in fullHibernation time for Frogs, Newts, Toads and Grass Snakes, with winter approaching, our Amphibians and Grass Snakes will be getting ready for their winters sleep. In late summer and early autumn, our British Frogs, Newts, Toads and Grass Snakes will be eating plenty so as to gain enough weight to sustain them during their annual […]
Read in fullAlso known by their Latin name (Nepa Cinerea), Water Scorpions are insects that look similar to land Scorpions. Dark brown in colour and 3-5 cm in length, they certainly are a strange-looking insect. Strangest of it is their long narrow tail that looks like a sting. In fact, this is actually their breathing apparatus! They […]
Read in fullWhy Wont my Water Lily Produce Flowers? People often ask me, why wont my water lily produce flowers? This is a question that I am frequently asked, but the good news is, it’s a question that can be easily answered. By going through the check lists below you should find an answer that will rectify […]
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