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Press Releases
Pondering Life - Lake Country Journal
published for March / April 2003 issue of the
Lake Country Journal
by Chip Borkenhagen |
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I occasionally find myself stressed over things that make sense for me to worry about and sometimes even things over which I have no control. Thinking it might help me to achieve better balance, my wife, Jean, has tried to interest me in puttering around in our vegetable and flower gardens. But for whatever reasons, they didn't capture my attention. Then came the water . . .
It was through a new friend, Daniel Dix, that I learned about the ancient art of water gardening. Dan explained that because our bodies are made up of about 90 percent water, we have a primal affinity for water-we are drawn to it naturally. After he helped us build our water garden, it soon became clear why this form of gardening is so appealing.
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I find the ongoing details of finding and installing new plants, stocking different fish, and arranging stone formations is very enjoyable work. But the big payoffs are the untold magical moments beside our pond, when it seems as though all my frustrations and concerns in life wash right through me, flow over the waterfall, and cascade into the pool. Sitting along side its calming water, watching the fish show off their fancy "plumage," listening to the soothing sound of the water falling over rocks that I have carefully placed, and noticing many more birds in our yard than ever before, make me wish I had built this pond long ago.
Whether one lives on a small lot in town, on a lake, or on a larger piece of wooded acreage, a pond not only provides a peaceful sanctuary, but also increases the value of your property. And with the plethora of materials and help available, it is no longer a daunting and mysterious endeavor. From a fifty-gallon plastic Fleet Farm instant pond, to a half-acre miniature lake, you are only limited by your imagination. Many Lake Country residents and businesses are now building their own versions of a mini-paradise, making it easier than ever to find advice, swap fish and plants, and become inspired by the creativity of others.
Some may ask, "Won't my pond breed mosquitoes?" and "How can I keep my pond water from turning green?" These kinds of questions are valid and the answers are usually simple. For example, mosquitoes only breed in stagnant water. With a pump and waterfall system, as diagrammed (click here), the water is in constant movement. Any bugs or larva are usually quickly eaten by the fish.
Green water is usually the sign of an over-algeated pond. This can happen from over-feeding the fish or plants, too much direct sunlight, or dirty filters. It typically takes a period of adjustment to find and maintain a good balance, ensuring that all the essential elements of your pond are working in harmony with each other. When the elements of your pond are in place (a good pond is never "completed") life is good. With the song of the water splashing on the rocks, you're finally able to relax in a lawn chair or hammock and enjoy a tall glass of lemonade; you watch your fish dart around in their mating chase and the new water lily you just planted opens up to a deep crimson red-life is great! Come on in . . . the water's perfect.
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