pond life tthehe ppresidentresident ss ......monthly board meeting time of signing up to reserve...
TRANSCRIPT
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
TTHEHE PPRESIDENTRESIDENT’’SS MMESSAGEESSAGE
NEXT MEETING 2nd Wednesday of the Month
June 12, 2013 7:00 PM
Doors Open at 6:30 pm Bring Snacks to Share
Will Rogers Exhibition Center 3400 N.W. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
PROGRAM:
Member Water Features ♦
Q & A Time ♦
Pond Tour Do’s & Don’ts ♦
Pick Up Pond Tour Signs
SPEAKER:
Dennis Wagner
Gary Guild
President’s Message .............. 1 Meeting Information .............. 1 Members Bus Tour ................. 2 New Members / Renewals ..... 2 Board Meeting Info ................ 2 Ad Rates ................................. 2 Event Calendar ....................... 3 WGSO Board Contact List ....... 3 Community Project ................ 4 Q & A ...................................... 4 Five Gardening Mistakes ........ 5 Tour Guide Sale Locations ...... 6 Summer Social ........................ 7 Miniature Gardens ................. 7 Bog Filtration .......................... 8 Algae ...................................... 9 Tips & Tricks .......................... 9 This & That ........................... 10 Pondering Points .................. 10 Upcoming Events Details ...... 11 Sign Up Genius ..................... 11 Birthdays .............................. 12 Club Contact Info.................. 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
MAY TORNADOS
Sometimes in life, events happen that make what we do in our lives every day seem so irrelevant.
The horrific storms of May 19 and May 20 were such events. Edmond, Shawnee, Newcastle, Moore, and many more towns, suffered widespread devastation, destruction, and unfortunately, loss of lives. There are probably very few Oklahomans that did not know someone that was affect-ed by one of the tornados. Our hearts go out to any of you who were personally affected, or who had family, friends, someone you knew, who were affected. We share your pain. Our WGSO family had several members who suffered damage due to the Moore tornado. While their homes will be rebuilt, and they will buy items to replace the ones they lost, their lives will never be the same again. Thankfully, and most importantly, all of them came out of the storms safe and sound. Freddy and Shela Hill had damage to their roof, house, lost both cars, and had their beautiful yard that they worked so many years to get just right, destroyed. Hopefully, once the large debris from the hospital, which is now in their backyard, is removed they will find that many of their precious plants, fish, and pond, survived. Robert and Debbie Guidry suffered a total loss of their home. Thank goodness they had a storm shelter that protected them. Jim Porterfield also had damage to his home. My apologies if I missed anyone. Please let us know if you suffered damage during any of the storms. Freddy, Shela, Robert, Debbie, and Jim - know that your WGSO family is here for you. “Members Helping Members” has never been more important, or needed, then now. Please let us know what we can do to help you and we’ll be there. Actually, it’s “Friends Helping Friends”. And you are our friends. As tragic as those two days were, the Oklahoma spirit came through as it always does. We can be tested, but we will not be broken. There is not a stronger group of people than Oklahomans. I’m proud to be an Okie, and an American. The outpouring of support from not only the entire country, but from all over the world, has been overwhelming. We all need the WGSO more than ever. I’m thankful that all of my “family” is okay. I’ve never looked forward to seeing all of your smiling faces as I am at the June meeting. I’m looking forward to getting back to the “irrelevant” stuff. Stay safe, Joe Hogan WGSO President
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
M o n t h l y B o a r d M e e t i n gM o n t h l y B o a r d M e e t i n g
DYI Hose Guide Copper pipe spins over rebar
as hose goes by. Screw a finial into a wine cork and insert into pipe for flair.
WGSO AD RATES If you would like to place an ad in the
Pond Life, the rates are as follows:
Business Card $10.00 1/4 Page $25.00 1/2 Page $75.00 Full Page $100.00
Ads are to be CAMERA READY PREPAID in advance. Send payment to the WGSO Treasurer, Kathie Smathers, 9201 SW 24th, Oklahoma City, OK 73128.
Send ad to the newsletter editor, Paullei Mumme at [email protected]. Ad must be in editor’s possession no later than the 20th of the month preceding publication.
Example: August issue must be received by July 20th.
All WGSO Members Are Welcomed To Attend
Monday, June 10 @ 6:30 pm RSVP Required
Modular Services Company 500 E. Britton Rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Russell Patton: 409-6186
The first driveway east of Channel Four. Building is ½ mile south of Britton Road down long driveway.
If you paid your 2013 Membership Dues last month and DON’T see your name, contact Elynn Wagner.
WWELCOMEELCOME WGSO MWGSO MEMBERSEMBERS
As of the 20 th of the month :
N E W M E M B E R S :N E W M E M B E R S : LLorraine Newtonorraine Newton
Bob & Debbie PtakBob & Debbie Ptak Lisa & Brian TippinLisa & Brian Tippin
Deborah & Mike ReevesDeborah & Mike Reeves
RENEWED MEMBERS:RENEWED MEMBERS:
Betty JohnstonBetty Johnston CCoy & Natasha McBrayeroy & Natasha McBrayer
SAT JULY 13 - SUN JULY 14
$35 per person
Are you ready to cruise around the metro in the comfort on an air conditioned chartered bus and view WGSO members’
ponds? Will you share your yard with us? See Diane Clark to sign up your pond for the WGSO Members Pond Tour – you don’t have to ride the bus to have your pond on tour, but we sure hope you join the fun. See Tonah Tharp to purchase a seat on the bus – you must pay at the time of signing up to reserve your seat. Sign-up sheets will be at this month’s meeting for both putting you pond on tour and purchasing a seat on the bus.
For those who have not been on a Members Tour before, we leave Will Rogers Park promptly at 9:00 am both days and return between 4:00-5:00 pm. We go to 10-11 homes both days and each day a different member will host a picnic lunch at their home. Pack your ice chest with lots of fun food and remember to bring your lawn chair, sunscreen, and camera.
There is no better way to meet fellow WGSO members and get to know more about each other than riding on the bus to go view each other’s ponds. It is so much fun! By the end of the tour, you can’t imagine what all you learn, the great ideas you take home, and the plants that sometimes is shared. Mark your calendars now so that you can go on our tour. Don't miss out.
HELP US OUT - WE NEED YOUR YARDS ON TOUR!!
Have you been hesitant to put you yard on the Pubic Pond Tour but would love to share your little piece of paradise with others? Here’s your chance! We need at least 20 yards (ponds & pondless water fea-tures) to visit. You don’t even have to ride the bus to put your yard on tour. We’ll visit about 15-20 minutes and then load up and move on to the next stop. Sign up with Diane Clark 802-6200
WGSOWGSO Members’ Bus TourMembers’ Bus Tour Great way to hold the
gate or shed door open.
Stepping Stones in the pond adds interest and access
in lieu of a bridge.
Never toss a worn out vinyl tablecloth. Instead,
put it to good use in your garden. Here, with its plastic side down, a tablecloth becomes a
sledge for moving bags of mulch or other awkward
loads. Tablecloths also are handy for corralling dirt
when digging holes.
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
Meet-N-Greet June 1 Pond Build @ Pond Pro
Board Meeting June 10 General Meeting June 12 Public Pond Tour June 15-16 Summer Solstice Party June 22 Koi Workshop @ Cross Timbers Koi June 29 Community Project Planning Meeting June 30 Board Meeting July 8 General Meeting July 10 Members Pond Tour July 13-14 Workshops TBD
Summer Social August 3 Board Meeting August 12 General Meeting August 14 Board Meeting September 9 General Meeting September 11 Board Meeting October 7 General Meeting October 9 Fall Weiner Roast TBD Board Meeting November 11 General Meeting November 13 Board Meeting December TBD Christmas Dinner December 11
2013 WGSO BOARD2013 WGSO BOARD OFFICER/CHAIR NAME CELL OTHER E-MAIL
President Joe Hogan 206-1272 [email protected]
Vice-President Tonah Tharp 973-4209 340-6495 [email protected] Secretary Andrea Farriester 664-4293 [email protected] Treasurer Kathie Smathers 820-2996 261-0298 [email protected] Historian Dennis Wagner 550-8923 265-3996 [email protected]
Past President Melinda Parsons 520-3520 286-0885 [email protected] Activities/Newsletter Paullei Mumme 642-4767 [email protected] Entertainment Serena Surbaugh 406-7326 [email protected] Librarian Jim & Mary Garrett 204-4267 373-2906 [email protected]
Membership Elynn Wagner 550-8923 265-3996 [email protected]
Plant Sales/Tour Guide Sales Gary Guild 397-5758 390-8112 [email protected] Programs Jim Maida 691-7630 [email protected] Refreshments Claribel Collier 396-8074 N/A Refreshments Phil & Sarah Grissam 454-3571 [email protected] Tour Guide Ad Sales/Members Tours Diane Clark 802-6200 947-6999 [email protected]
Tour Guide Publication Russell Patton 409-6186 348-1560 [email protected] Website Jim Porterfield 414-4371 799-7974 [email protected] Members Helping Members Tom Thompson 693-5098 [email protected]
Community Projects Chairs Michael & Robin Perry 990-6058 [email protected]
WESTERN OAKS PHARMACY LOCATED IN MERCY HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER
REG. PHARMACIST & OWNERS
DENNIS & ELYNN WAGNER
Open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Mon - Fri
9 am – 11 am Sat.
2703 N ROCKWELL 789-6881
BETHANY, OK 73008 Res. 265-3996 http://blog.bamboofencer.com/rolled-fences/how-to-install-bamboo-fencing-on-chain-link-fenc/
BEFORE AFTER
Update a chain link fence with bamboo fencing secured to the posts. It provides an attractive backdrop to your garden and offers privacy.
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
Q: HOW MUCH SALT SHOULD I USE IN MY KOI POND? A: A good rule of thumb is one to two pounds of salt per every 100 gallons of water. This will be expressed in parts per thousands (ppt), referring to weight. A 100 gallons of water weighs approximately 800 pounds, so if we add 2 pounds of salt, the ratio of salt to water is 2 divided by 800 equals 0.0025 which converts to 2.5 ppt. Koi can withstand up to 5 ppt of salt, but most Koi keepers maintain a range from 1.5-2.5 ppt. Remember when replacing evaporated water to not add any more salt, only when doing a wa-
ter change. Salt can lessen the effect of nitrite on fish and also be used as a “bath” to treat the Koi. Also be aware that salt could damage plants, if your Koi haven’t already eaten them.
http://blog.petsolutions.com/pond-pet-care-corner/2010/11/29/faq-pond-101-from-pond-supplies-to-koi.html
Q: ARE THERE ANY SHADE TOLERANT AQUATIC PLANTS? A: Yes! While most aquatic plants require at least 4 - 6 hours of direct sun to flourish, there are however, several varieties of water lily, marginal, and floating plants that will do well in partial shade (3 - 4 hours of direct sun).
HARDY WATER LILIES: Comanche, Indiana, Attraction, James Brydon, Texas Dawn. Virginia,Charlene Strawn TROPICAL WATER LILIES: Panama Pacific, Tina, August Koch, Director Moore, Shirley Bryne LILY-LIKE AQUATICS: Water Hawthorne,4-Leaf Clover FLOATING PLANTS: Fairy Moss, Frogbit, Water Lettuce SHALLOW WATER PLANTS: Variegated Sweetflag, Imperial Taro, Black Magic, Ruffles Taro, Umbrella Palm, Chameleon Plant, Water Pennywort, Iris Louisiana, Corkscrew Rush, Cardinal Flower, Water Mint,Parrot's Feather, Sensitive Plant, Golden Club, Arrow Arum, Pickerel Rush, Lizard's Tail, Crushed Ice. For description, grow habit, hardiness, and photos visit www.watergarden.org/Shade-Plants. Source: http://www.watergarden.org/Shade-Plants
Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE TOO MANY PLANTS IN A POND? A: Yes, it is possible to have too many plants in the pond. Too many plants covering the surface of the water can interfere with oxygen and gas exchange. While it is true that all plants produce oxygen during the day, they also consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide at night. Too many plants can suck the oxygen from the pond causing the fish to suffocate. Carbon dioxide lowers the ph of the water, which can lead to a ph crash causing immediate death to your fish. www.ccwaterscapes.com/information/pond_basics.htm
COMMUNITY PROJECT: CHEYENNE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sharron Wolf of Cheyenne Middle School stopped by the WGSO display at the Spring Remodel & Landscape Show in March and invited WGSO to visit her 7th grade Science classes on May 21st.
Robin Perry, Connie Fisher, and Karen Wolf put together a hands-on experience for the students. Terry Fisher cut out the terra cotta pots that were used to make the miniature gardens. Connie summed the day up well, “We had a wonderful time at Cheyenne Middle School on Tuesday. The kids made their own planters- we made it each time we had a class come through. There were six classes of 14 very great kids. It was great to see the rapport the teachers had with the students. We also talked about starting plants in soda bottles. Some of the kids have done this before. We took lettuce core, celery core, and sweet potato to show how you can regrow your own vegetables.”
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
FIVE MISTAKES GARDENERS MAKE: By Dottie Baltz
MISTAKE #1 - PLANTING TOO CLOSE TO A BUILDING, WELL OR SEPTIC SYSTEM This is a huge mistake and I see it being done almost on a daily basis. It amazes me that even professional landscapers make this mistake often. Trees and shrubs should not be planted next to the house, period, yet it is done all the time.
The main reason is that the roots can eventually damage the foundation. In the case of large trees, tree limbs can fall and cause damage to your house. Leaves can block drainage and cause damage. Vines growing up the side of a house can cause damage to siding or soffits. Plants can block windows when they get too big, causing safety or security issues or blocking light from reaching indoors. Plants are also in the way when maintenance on the house needs to be done.
Same is true for planting too close to wells and septic systems. The roots can invade these areas and cause costly damages. Generally you should not plant closer than 25-30 feet to a well or within 50 feet of a septic system, and don't choose trees or shrubs that love water, like willows. Choose dwarf or smaller varieties when possible. Look at the plant tags and see how wide they are supposed to grow and then add a few feet to that number. Cut that number in half and that's how far away from a house, well, or septic you should plant it.
For example: The plant tag says a Golden Shadow Dogwood has a mature spread of 6'-10'. If I add 3' to the maximum spread, I get 13'. Divide that by 2 and my answer is 6.5'. So I will make sure when I plant this it will be at least 6.5 feet away from a well, septic or the foundation of the house.
MISTAKE #2 - NOT PLANNING AHEAD FOR THE MATURE SIZE OF A PLANT This kind of thing goes hand in hand with number 1. In fact, I make this mistake on purpose from time to time, but it's really important to know the mature size of a plant before planting it so that you don't plant things too close together.
In the case of trees and shrubs, you don't want to have to keep pruning it to keep it the size you want. Instead, plant the right sized shrub in the right spot and avoid all that extra pruning. I'm a lazy gardener. I don't need any extra work.
If you are filling in a large area with perennials, you may want to plant a little closer together for a larger impact now. Just remember that in 2-3 years, you will need to divide and move many of those plants because they will be crowding each other out. I planted too close together many times in the beginning because I needed to fill a large space. My only regret is that I also planted close to a tree that is growing faster than expected and it will be very difficult to move these perennials without damaging the roots of the tree. Learn from my mistake, don't do it.
MISTAKE #3 - OVER FERTILIZING This mistake is made all the time. They see a plant that isn't doing well and assume it needs fertilizer when in fact something else could be wrong, like soil pH or the wrong amount of water. Too much fertilizer can stunt plants, make them weaker and more prone to pest damage because they always have nice tender foliage for them to munch on. Synthetic fertilizers are even more damaging when not used properly.
To take the guess work out of fertilizing, stop using synthetic fertilizers and apply compost to your garden beds at least once a year; Twice a year in warmer climates with longer growing seasons (Spring and Fall). If you have roses or other heavy feeders that need more nutrients, switch to organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, compost tea or alfalfa tea. Espoma makes a great line of granular products too. If you insist on using synthetic fertilizers, use them at half strength and applied once a week, maximum.
If you are still having problems, have a soil test done at your local county extension office or laboratory. Don't know where one is in your area? Check with a good plant nursery (not a big box store) in your neighborhood for a recommendation. At home kits are ok for checking soil pH, but there are more tests the lab will do to determine what is actually in your soil and what may need to be added to make your soil better for the type of plants you are growing.
MISTAKE #4 - OVER WATERING Again, this is a very common mistake, especially with houseplants. In general, most plants need 1" of water a week to grow well. If they are slow growers, they most likely will need less water.
Always know how much water your plant requires for optimum growth. Though plants are forgiving, a cactus is not going to like having constant water all the time, but a rose bush may benefit from two or three deep soakings a week.
Before watering anything, stick your finger in the soil. If it feels dry three or four inches down, water deeply until that area is completely saturated. You shouldn't need another watering until the next week or you can let Mother Nature take care of it. Plants tend to perform better and be able to resist drought better when they are given longer waterings less often than shallow frequent waterings.
MISTAKE #5 - GROWING PLANTS THAT ARE INVASIVE This mistake is made by many new gardeners as well as experienced ones. Sometimes we love a plant so much we don't take into account that it could be choking out a native species.
What is an invasive plant, you ask? By definition it's any plant that thrives outside it's natural habitat, is adaptable to any growing condition and reproduces rapidly. Invasive plants are choking out native plants that our native critters need for food or shelter. This causes a chain reaction that can be detrimental to our environment.
Some plants can be more invasive in some areas than others, but it's always a good rule of thumb to not grow any of them in your yard or gardens, even if they don't appear to be a problem right off the bat. We have an old Norway Maple in our yard that I would love to cut down, but it's a mature shade tree that we need and it would cost a lot to have it removed. As soon as it is feasible to do so, however, it will be cut down.
For more information on invasive species, I encourage you to check out the National Invasive Species Information Center at http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov.
Those are my top five mistakes that gardeners make. There are loads more, but heh, isn't that part of the fun of gardening? To try new things and learn from your own mistakes? Happy Gardening! www.gardensandcrafts.com/tips_mistakesgardenersmake.html
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Bench from flagstone jetting out of retaining wall.
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
2 72 7 t ht h WGSOWGSO P U B L I C P O N D TO U RP U B L I C P O N D TO U R
Saturday* June 15 - 9 am to 6 pm Sunday June 16 - 1 pm to 6 pm
*SPECIAL HOURS - Select Homes on Public Night Tour - SAT NIGHT ONLY
9 am to 3 pm for Day Viewing ● 9 pm to 11 pm for Night Viewing
TOUR GUIDES ON SALE AT THE FOLLOWING RETAILERSTOUR GUIDES ON SALE AT THE FOLLOWING RETAILERS Call for Store Hours & Directions Call for Store Hours & Directions $ Denotes Retailers who offer WGSO Members Discounts
Buckley’s Sticks & Stones$ 9600 N I-35 Service Rd OKC 478-3188 Crosstimber Koi 300 Wade Martin Drive Edmond 340-9130 Decorative Water Gardens 2001 E Britton Rd OKC 359-0140 Edmond Rock 6401 N I-35 Frontage Rd Edmond 359-7625 Minick Materials #1 326 N Council Rd W OKC 789-2068 Minick Materials #2 14141 N Santa Fe N OKC 755-2068 Minick Materials #3 2724 Melba Lane Norman 329-2458 Pond Pro Shop$ 7901 N Kickapoo Shawnee 273-8363 The Real McKoi 11500 N Bryant N OKC 475-5562 TLC Nursery & Greenhouse #1 105 W Memorial Rd N OKC 751-0630 TLC Nursery & Greenhouse #2 8208 NW Expressway NW OKC 720-0091 Tony’s Tree Plantation 3801 S Post Rd E OKC 455-7700
A rock maintenance strip around the house ... catches splashes, keeps siding clean and minimizes pests. Put your foundation plantings in front of the strip.
Want to try something different in the garden? ... Darmera peltata... (Indian rhubarb or umbrella plant) Leaves can grow up to 24" wide. Can grow in moist or even boggy soil. Hardy to zone 5.
Foliage frenzy. Well-placed foliage can be just as stun-ning as flowers and many are very low maintenance.
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
-A Summer Place- The 2013 WGSO Summer Social will be held at the Will Rogers building, Sat. Aug 3rd from 5 to 8 P.M.
The theme this year will be the 1960s! We will be featuring dance hits from that era, a dance contest and a best dressed contest. Practice your 1960s dance moves and pull out your vintage clothes for a chance to win some great prizes!
Along with décor featuring a summer garden setting we would like to present pictures of our members from any of their “bygone eras”. If you have a picture of yourself from the 1960s or later, please give a copy to Serena Surbaugh by the July general meeting.
The menu will be hamburger and hot dogs. The club will provide the meat, the buns and condiments. The rest will be potluck. Come hungry and dance the evening away.
A signup list to assist with party planning as well as set up and cleanup will be presented beginning at June’s meeting. We will also have a sign up for attendance (RSVP is Required) and the potluck, at the meetings and online.
The 2013 Summer Social promises to be a lighthearted, fun evening filled with music, good food and good company. We will have some nice prizes to give away so sign up early and reserve your spot at the WGSO Summer Place.
Need a 60’s dance refresher course? Check out these sites: www.the60sofficialsite.com/Dance_Crazes_of_the_60s.html www.squidoo.com/5-favorite-60s-dance-moves www.pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=9638#.UZfIcLXVDzk
Miniature Gardens or Fairy Gardens are not just for kids. They are a great way to draw attention to a planter, neglected area in your yard or
even to add some color indoors. Select your plants, add some well placed stones and a few small scaled accents, to create your own mini landscape.
A word of advise: Choose a theme and a budget!
There are many on-line retailers and local garden centers that carry “fairy garden” accessories, but don’t forget to check out garage sales, thrift stores, and hobby
stores or get creative and make your own items.
If you are interested in WGSO offering a Miniature Garden Workshop, contact Paullei Mumme at [email protected].
Created by Joy Patton at TLC Workshop
Created by Joy Patton at TLC Workshop
Created by Paullei Mumme at TLC Workshop
Created by Paullei Mumme with items from TLC & on-line in hypertufa pot made by Paullei Mumme
Created by Paullei Mumme with items from TLC & on-line in hypertufa pot made by Elynn Wagner
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
ENHANCE POND FILTRATION WITH A BOG FILTER: Benefits Of Bog Filtration
In addition to water-clarifying benefits, bog filters provide the avid water gardener many pleasures. Bog filters dramatically increase planting
options and offer a satisfying project that enhances an existing water garden.
Imagine a pond filtration system that helps maintain water quality and produces beautiful blooms. It may sound strange, but that is exactly what a bog filter does. Applying the principles of bioremediation, bog filtration employs a lush planting of gorgeous, water-loving plants to re-move excess nutrients and improve water quality. Very little equipment is required to install this low maintenance filtration system. And best of all, unlike bulky conventional filtration systems, you'll want to show off your bog filter rather than conceal it. Learn more about this fascinating aspect of water gardening and find out how you can incorporate a bog filter to your existing water feature.
WHAT IS A BOG FILTER? A bog filter is an area dedicated for the dense planting of water-loving marginal or bog plants. It is a smaller, supplementary pond usually 10-20% of the size of the main water feature. The bog filter can be located inside or adjacent to the main pond. Whether it is internally or external-ly located, the bog filter must be connected to the main pond by a water circulation system consisting of plumbing and a pump. As water from the main water feature is fed into the bog filter, plants remove the nutrients and the biologically filtered water is returned to the main pond.
PRINCIPLE BEHIND BOG FILTRATION
In essence, a bog filter is a natural wastewater management system for your pond. This effective example of biological filtration relies on plants to extract such pond pollutants as organic waste, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate before they can accumulate and negatively affect water quality. This natural filtra-tion restores balance to the pond environment by increasing the ability to process or export excess nutri-ents. The result is cleaner, clearer, and healthier pond water. What makes bog filters different from conventional pond planting is the manner in which the plants are grown. In bog filters, plants are grown hydroponically in relatively coarse, nutrient-poor substrate (pea gravel). This planting method "trains" the plants to search for nutrients in water rather than in substrate or planting media. Conventional potted pond plants passively remove nutrients from fertilized planting media and rely minimally on pond water for nutrients.
Furthermore, bog filters incorporate a circulation pump. This pump actively draws water from the main pond and introduces it directly to the plant root system. A diffusion system, similar in principle to a water fountain, is placed at the bottom of the bog filter. This water conduit system relies on the up-flow principle so water drawn from the main pond percolates up through the planting media and bathes the plant root with nutrient-rich water. This method not only increases water circulation through the root system for healthy plant growth but also provides additional mechanical filtration.
HOW TO INSTALL A BOG FILTER One of the most beneficial features of the bog filter is its versatile ease-of-construction. It can be installed internally or externally relying on basic pond construction principles. Whether you install an internal or external bog filter, you will need a pump capable of turning over the total volume of pond water 1-2 times an hour. You will also need a water conduit system to transport and diffuse water into the bog filter.
The water diffusing system can be as simple as a spray bar constructed from PVC pipes with small holes drilled into them every 3 inches (Note: To prevent clogs, be sure these drill holes are smaller than the diameter of the pea gravel you intend to use). Using elbows and connect-ors, the PVC pipes can also be configured into an "H" shape or a grid. Make sure the end is capped or sealed so water flows out of the drill holes. To simplify plumbing, match PVC diameter to pump outlet diameter. Attach the pump to the water diffusing system to supply water from your main pond into the bog filter.
The "construction" of the bog filter now consists of creating a "mini pond" to house the water diffusing system and the plants. Start by desig-nating a level area for the bog filter and construct a retaining wall out of landscaping rocks (this step is done right after liner installation). The area within the wall will become your bog filter. Installing an internal bog filter is most conveniently done during new construction. However, it can also be installed by temporarily draining the pond during spring. For an external bog filter, locate it adjacent and slightly higher than the main pond. An external bog filter is similar in principle and construction to a waterfall and relies on a gravity return system. An external bog filter can be made using a liner or even a preformed pond.
INSTALLATION Once an area is properly selected and prepared, the water diffusing system can be installed. Place the PVC water diffusing system on top of the liner (holes facing up) and fill the bog filter 1/2 to 3/4 with rinsed pea gravel. Remove your marginal or bog plants from their pots and arrange them on top of the pea gravel. Then cover the plants up to their crowns with pea gravel. Once you fill your pond with water, you can plug in your water pump to "activate" your bog filter. Like any pond filtration system, the pump should be placed opposite the bog filter to maximize
filtration. By Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
Pond water is transported directly to plant roots and biologically filtered
water returns to the main pond.
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
PULLING THE STRINGS FROM ALGAE
We get the same question over and over again... How do I get rid of this algae? Then we have to follow with the question, What kind of algae is it?. There are several kinds that fall into one or two categories. Algae Bloom is "green water" and String Algae is algae that you can actually touch. You can't get rid of both the same way.
Algae bloom is free-floating algae and either requires balancing the system (patience is needed) or a UV system (no patience needed).
String algae is the algae that hangs from rocks in the waterfall, attaches to plants or simply hangs on the surface of the water (then called Blanket Algae). Do not confuse string algae with the soft, velvety, jelly-like coating that forms on the sides of the pond. This is good algae. The fish like to eat it and it contains beneficial bacteria. When your pond
has this kind of algae, generally, it is balanced. String algae can be brought in by water plants so pull off any stringy algae you see on new plants before introducing them into your pond. It has been surviving the winters here in Georgia though I can't remember it being that cold tolerant in the past. Perhaps it has become more hardy.
It used to be that pulling it off was the only way to get rid of it. If you use a herbicide, you'll kill all your plants. Algaecides can kill your fish. So, what is a string-algae-sufferer to do? String algae used to be tough to get rid of but not so much these days with the invention of new water treatments.
You can kill what's there with a product called AlgaeFix. This product was introduced only about 5 years ago but caught on quick! We LOVE this product. Just thinking of it makes me have warm feelings all over... ...Okay, enough of that too!
AlgaeFix only kills what's in the pond at the time. The string algae will turn black, die and fall to the bottom of the pond. It is a great idea to use AlgaeFix a couple of days before a thorough pond cleaning. You can easily blast off the black, dead algae from the rocks in the waterfall and suck its remains up with a wet vac. Whalah! The string algae is gone and the rocks on your waterfall no longer will resemble singers from ZZ Top. But, oh my gosh, it's back within a week and your pond is singing "Tush"!!
That's when barley comes into the picture - in the form or barley bales or barley extract. Basically, barley emits natural enzymes that thwarts the growth of string algae. Although the directions will say that you can simply throw the bales into the pond we've found that it's more effective if placed where the pond water will run through it and distribute this bacteria. Barley extract is more expensive but easier to use and faster.
Barley will do nothing to any existing algae - that's why you still need the AlgaeFix. It will only help prevent the algae from reproducing. Like any treatment, if you don’t have enough of this chemical in the water, it will not be effective. One barley bale pack per 1000 gallons is recommended by the manufacturer to do the job for 6-8 months. Don’t expect immediate results, even if using barley extract. It takes a couple of weeks to get started. From The Fish Health Edition of What's Up, Doc?, April, 2000 // Revised April 2007
Place a coffee filter in the bottom of the pot cover-ing the hole before add-ing soil. The soil will stay in the pot and the water
will still drain out be-cause that is what coffee
filters are designed to do; let water through.
AlgaeFix by PondCare and D-Solv by CrystalClear have the same active ingredients.
KEEP SAND IN THE CRACKS
Dry sand tends to get washed away or swept out of paver brick and stone patio joints. One solution is to use special polymeric sand that binds together when wetted.
You can buy the polymeric additive and mix it with dry sand yourself, or you can buy premixed bags of sand. Premixed sand is the most conven-ient solution. A bag ($24) covers about 120 sq. ft. on paver bricks.
Check with landscape suppliers and home centers. Make sure there is no sand on the surface of the brick or stone before you wet it.
www.familyhandyman.com/DIY -Projects/Outdoor-Projects/Yard/Landscaping/landscaping -tips-for-your-backyard
Wrap a hula hoop with ribbon of
your choice (lace,
burlap, organza, etc). Secure icicle Christmas lights to the hula hoop with wire or zip ties. Sus-
pend with wire/chain from patio cover or tree.
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
PONDPOND ERING PP OINTSOINTS
LIBRARY NEWS: Have you stopped by the WGSO Library lately? If not, you are missing out on one of the best bene-fits of belonging to WGSO. Whether you need some inspi-ration for your space or know which direction your headed and want some guidance, the WGSO Library will most like-ly have a book to get your creative juices to flowing.
MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS: Earn 2 Pond Points by
volunteering to help sit at the homes of our members’ ponds on the Public Pond Tour. If you can help out, contact Tom Thompson.
MEMBERSHIP: Only current WGSO Members can attend the Annual WGSO Plant Sale, Summer Social and Christmas Dinner. General Monthly Meetings are open to the public.
NEWSLETTER: Are you still receiving your newsletter via snail mail? If you have high speed internet access, try receiving it via e-mail. You get it a little faster and it is in full color. Past issues of POND LIFE are available at www.wgso.org under [Downloads] Want to see an
article in Pond Life about a specific topic? Email [email protected] with the request.
TECH NEWS: WGSO has started using Sign Up Genius to sign up for events. Go to www.signupgenius.com and type in [email protected] to see all WGSO events. You can RSVP, Volunteer, and select
Potluck Dishes, and even see what dishes are being brought to the event. Don’t forget that WGSO Facebook page also has club events, photos, and more. Archived newsletters and contact info is available at www.wgso.org.
$ 1 , 1 1 5 As of 5/8/13
Tickets are $1 @ Meetings & Club Events.
Solar Lights for the Patio. Need something you can move around and not have to pull out of the ground to mow the
lawn? 3 inch pvc pipe (cut in different lengths). Use Liquid Nail to attach them to a patio block. Paint with plastic friendly
paint and glue the lights on top. Very easy and inexpensive!
Recycle bottles to make plant waterer. Add flat back craft marbles
to slow the flow of water. Make a bottle holder out of a wire hanger.
www.lettuceshare.com/2010/05/28/wine-bottle-waterer/
Terra cotta or clay chimney flue liners (available at brick suppliers in the OKC area) can be placed in the pond to show off specimen plants, provide a safe haven for fish, as well as
support pond art work above the water level. It’s recom-mended to give a light sanding with fine grit sand paper to
smooth the surface to avoid damage to your fish.
Add interest to terra cotta pots with a simple designs
etched with a Dremel. Add a touch of color to the design with acrylic paint.
Loosely fit metal fence panel around a tree, then plant clematis or other flowering vines.
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Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
27th Annual
WGSOWGSO P u b l i c P o n d T o u rP u b l i c P o n d T o u r Saturday* June 15 - 9 am to 6 pm
Sunday June 16 - 1 pm to 6 pm
*SPECIAL HOURS - Select Homes Public Night Tour - SAT NGIHT ONLY
9 am to 3 pm for Day Viewing 9 pm to 11 pm for Night Viewing
Can you spare some time to greet visitors at the Merkel’s during the Public Pond Tour?
Contact Tom Thompson at 693-5093 [email protected].
SATURDAY, JUNE 22 Cockta i l s @ 6 pm
Pot luck D inner @ 7 pm
Sign Up on at the General Meetings or
www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FAEA823AB9 -summer
Joy & Russell Patton 3824 Whispering Heights Dr.
Edmond, OK 73013 348-1560
Ge t Creative w ith Ro ck Paint ing! WGSO will provide the supplies - just bring your imagination.
WGSOWGSO EVENTS CAN BE FOUND ON SIGN UP GENIUS
It’s a great site that allows WGSO members to RSVP, Volunteer, and even sign up for potluck dishes at our parties. WGSO will still have sign up sheets at the meetings and will transfer those sign-ups onto the Sign Up Genius site, which is great for our members who don’t have e-mail.
However, if you have internet access you, please check it out and create an ac-count. It’ll even send out reminders and notices when pertinent changes are made. Sign Up Genius will be a great tool in organizing Members Helping Mem-bers, Workshops, Events, and Parties. Just look for the icon in the newsletter to indicate the event is available on Sign Up Genius website.
How to find a WGSO Event on www.signupgenius.com
Click Find A Sign Up Tab
Enter e-mail of sign up’s list creator
Click on WGSO event to select
Click on MY RSVP
Create account and complete RSVP options
You can also edit your RSVP that we entered off sign up sheets
WWGSOGSO MeetMeet -- NN -- Greets Greets June 1 @ 10 am - Pond Build CLASS
at Pond Pro in Shawnee Earn Pond Dollars.
Pond Pro offers WGSO Members a 10% Discount.
WGSWGS O O M e m b e r s ’ B u s T o u rM e m b e r s ’ B u s T o u r
SAT JULY 13 - SUN JULY 14 $ 3 5 P E R P E R S O N
S i g n U p a t G e n e r a l M e e t i n g s Seat NOT Reserved Without Payment
Contact Diane Clark to put your yard on tour Contact Tonah Tharp to purchase a seat on the bus
Details on Page 2
Bring Your
KOI WORKSH0P - JUNE 29 @ 4 PM Pack up your lawn chair & ice chest and join us!
No RSVP Required!
CROSS TIMBERS KOI & PONDERING STUFF 300 Wade Martin Dr - Edmond, OK
South side of Second St. in Edmond, between Bryant and Coltrane
405-340-9130 w w w . c r o s s t i m b e r s k o i . c o m
WGSO Community Project:
Water Feature and Landscape at Oklahoma Veterans Center
WGSO is in the planning stage of this project. First planning com-mittee meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 30 @ 3 pm.
Details will be given to those who sign up for Planning Committee.
Our goal is to provide a water feature with landscaping to our veter-ans who reside at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Norman.
WGSO is asking for volunteers to form the planning committee headed by Michael and Robin Perry, as well as install volunteers and materials
from vendors. Our target install date is in October (actual date TBD) with a dedication ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11, 2013.
LOCATION:
OKLAHOMA VETERANS CENTER 1776 E Robinson Street - Norman, OK
PROJECT CHAIRS: Michael and Robin Perry
990-6058 [email protected]
WGSO SUMMER SOCIAL RSVP Required
Saturday, August 3rd 5 pm to 8 pm
Details on page 7
2
Bill & Kathy Merkel would appreciate some help during the WGSO Public Pond Tour.
No pond experience necessary- just greet visitors.
We have the following shifts still available: Saturday 6/15: 9 am -12 pm & 3 pm - 6 pm Sunday 6/16: 1 pm - 3 pm & 3 pm - 6 pm
Bill & Kathy Merkel 3101 E 32nd Street
Edmond, OK
Contact Tom Thompson at 693-5093 [email protected]
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WGSO POND LIFE Paullei Mumme 645 E Frolich Dr Midwest City, OK 73110
Mailing Label
The 20th of each month is the deadline for articles/advertisements for next month’s issue of Pond Life. E-mail articles and advertisements to Paullei Mumme at [email protected].
Water Garden Society of Oklahoma Newsletter: Pond Life June 2013 Volume 27 Issue 6
[email protected] www.wgso.org
Kris Bley Mary Carter Larry Collier Nancy Jones
Louis Morgan Donna Tinsley
MOSQUITO REPELLING
PLANTS: Citronella, Lemon
Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Castor, Rosemary,
Lemongrass, Cedar, Peppermint, Clove, Geranium, Verbena,
Pennyroyal, Lavender, Basil, Thyme, and Garlic.
Did we miss your birthday? Email [email protected] so we can update our files.
To make watering easier, sink a pot in the ground at planting time and sow the seeds (or plants)
around the outside of the pot. When you fill the pot with water, it drains out the holes in the bottom,
immediately reaching the roots of the plants.