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GARDENER'S
READING ROOM
Ponds and Fountains
The
Water Garden as Water Conservation
 It
may seem like a contradiction in terms, but having a water
garden in your yard can actually save water. Did you know
that a pond or water feature uses less water than is required
to maintain a lawn? It’s true, a pond not only creates
beauty and a sense of tranquillity in your yard, it also requires
less water than many other gardening activities.
There are many other reasons to consider a water garden in
your landscape. A properly designed and installed water feature
is almost maintenance free. What tasks are required can often
be done monthly and sometimes only need to be performed once
or twice a season. Ponds attract all different manner of wildlife
to your environment. From frogs to birds to other critters
(yes, even raccoons and herons if you plan right!), this varied
array of wildlife contributes to your enjoyment of your yard.
They will add visual interest and activity, help to control
pests on plants and in the soil, and contribute their own
little bit of waste to enrich your earth and build up its
fertility.
If
you ever need to remove water from your pond, it is an excellent
source of nutrition for your surrounding landscape. Water
features help to cool and clean the air in their immediate
vicinity—a delightful bonus if our summer is hot! Their
sound helps to mask out the surrounding cacophony of noise
that often intrudes on our homes. Many people increasingly
feel that a well-constructed pond or water feature enhances
the resale value of your home.
So,
as people begin to talk more about water conservation and
the need to be watchful of how we spend and use this precious
commodity, consider talking to one of our experts at Sky Nursery
about how you can add a water feature wisely. Or attend one
of our free upcoming seminars on water gardening—see
the events calendar in this newsletter or call the nursery
for further information.
By
Charlie Shull, W.C.N.
Skylights Spring/Summer 2001, Vol 15, No. 2
Other
articles on ponds and fountains
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