Imagine savoring the aroma of grilled delicacies, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, as you entertain family and friends. Welcome to the world of outdoor kitchens, where the joy of cooking meets the beauty of the great outdoors. There are numerous benefits of having an outdoor kitchen at your home that will transform your culinary experience and enhance your
Watching wild birds in your yard is an enjoyable activity any time of year, but this is especially true in winter when not much else is happening in your garden. Although some favorites, such as hummingbirds, migrate to warmer places in winter, many other species stick it out through the cold. There’s a few things you can do to attract
It’s important to know how to winterize your pond and prepare your fish to survive through the winter. Over the course of a year, your pond will accumulate debris such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and fish waste. Left unchecked, decaying debris can release toxic gas and reduce dissolved oxygen levels within the pond. Removing debris and swapping filtration systems
Backyard koi ponds are intended to mimic nature, however they require mechanical and biological means to maintain a healthy ecosystem and clear water. A properly designed pond often includes a biological filter, which combines both mechanical and biological treatment, to maintain the health of a pond. Without a biological filter, a pond can quickly become overrun by algae and sediment.
During the warm summer months algae can quickly become a problem for many ponds. Luckily there is an easy way to prevent algae growth without the use of any harsh chemicals. Aquascape Ion-Gen System The IonGen System is an electronic algae controller for ponds, waterfalls, and other decorative water features.This electronic device reduces yearly pond maintenance, allowing you to spend
Aquatic plants help blend a pond into the surrounding environment as foliage grows over rocks and gravel. As the plants grow they also provide shade which protects fish from predators and slows algae production. Below is a brief description of five plants that we typically use in our installations to help with water clarity and add great color throughout the
For homeowners considering installing a koi pond, here are answers to some commonly asked questions: Do Ponds Require Lots Of Maintenance? In reality, a properly installed ecosystem pond is less work than the area of grass it replaces. A balance of five key factors creates the basis for a truly low maintenance pond – filtration, circulation, plants, fish, and rocks
Ducks are fun to watch and may seem like a novelty to have as a visitor to your pond. Although one or two visits from a duck should not be an issue for your pond, you should stay on the lookout for signs that they are making themselves at home. Ducks can cause issues for your pond that neither you
The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and spring has finally sprung! There are many different ways to add some beautiful colors to your landscape in the early season. Trees & Shrubs Nothing says spring quite like cherry blossom trees. These trees produce a sweet smell along with their amazing pink blossoms. There are many varieties of
Koi are not the only type of fish you can keep in your pond. There are other pond fish out there that can bring beauty and benefits to your water garden. Some are pretty, and others, not so much. Nevertheless they all bring their unique characteristics to a water feature and will lend a little originality beyond the expected koi.
Warmer weather is on the horizon and it’s time to start thinking about your pond again. These maintenance tasks should be done while cleaning your pond and can help prevent future problems from arising throughout the summer months. Some pond owners enjoy performing their own maintenance, but you can always hire us to take care of it for you. 1.
Most pond owners already know that good water quality and a healthy pond habitat go hand in hand. However, knowing how to get or to keep high water quality can be challenging to many pond owners. A bit of basic knowledge will help you keep your pond looking beautiful and performing optimally throughout the season. In addition to plants, fish,
Koi fish are amazingly hardy animals and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In their native waters, koi are able to withstand very warm and almost-freezing temperatures. When kept in backyard ponds, there are a few points you will need to consider to keep your koi happy and healthy in below freezing temperatures. If your fish reside in an
Ice formations and drifts of snow create a wonderful scene in a winter water feature. If you’re like most people, you shut down your water feature for the winter season. While this is a perfectly viable option for most people, some opt to keep their water features running. To ensure that your pond and waterfall provide all the pleasures of
Fall leaves not only mess up your yard, but also “muck up” your pond. As the fall season progresses you may notice your pond water turning brown. The first step to fixing this unsightly issue is understanding what is going on under the surface. There are two forms of brown water – debris tea and excessive sediments. Debris tea
In Michigan, fall means nature is at its peak. It only happens once a year, it only lasts a few months, and the vibrant colors usher in the beauty of the season. But with great beauty comes great responsibility! Don’t “leaf” your landscaping to the wayside as winter approaches. Falls leaves have an appeal – they coat your yard with
When you have a beautiful pond, waterfall, or fountain, you want to enjoy it from every angle of your yard possible. Since you spend a lot of time in and around your pond you will want to ensure the plants surrounding your feature add to its beauty. Here are some great plants that can be added near your water feature.
The increased heat of summer weather increases the chances of adverse effects on ponds and lakes. Sunlight and air temperature contribute to rapidly increasing water temperature which negatively impacts a pond’s ecosystem. Thermal stratification causes warm water to rise which depletes oxygen from lower parts of the pond. Low amounts of oxygen in the pond puts the health of fish
Ecosystem ponds can be easy to understand if you have a good grasp of what components go into a basic, functioning ecosystem. An ecosystem pond works with Mother Nature to provide food, shelter, and safety to the wildlife around it. It also provides you with a natural, low-maintenance piece of paradise. It is important to remember that every piece of
Maintaining a koi pond is a rewarding and fulfilling hobby, and many of us grow more attached to our koi than we’d like to admit. Don’t let your work go to waste by letting predators get to one of your koi. Raccoons and herons are the most prevalent koi fish predators, so here’s how you can protect your koi from
Before you panic upon seeing a buildup of algae in your pond, keep in mind that algae are a completely normal part of any organic pond ecosystem. A small amount of algae in your water feature is perfectly okay! In fact, it’s a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Algae only becomes a problem when the growth becomes excessive and difficult
Waterfalls are often considered the most beautiful aspect of a landscape. In addition to their aesthetic, waterfalls serve a valuable purpose in ecosystems by aerating water for aquatic life and recirculating beneficial bacteria that keep surrounding water algae free. Could a waterfall survive without a pond? Absolutely! These unique features are known as pondless waterfalls Simplicity The name explains it
As a potential client, imagine being presented with a landscape design for your home and feeling like you cannot visualize the final product. Unfortunately, this situation happens more often than not. Traditionally, landscape designers present their plans as a 2D blueprint which shows an outline of their home and property and includes symbols that represent the proposed plant and hardscape
With spring right around the corner, you may soon notice some changes in your pond. Your fish will be slowly coming back to life and you may even be able to see some plant growth. When you understand the transition that your pond makes from winter into spring, maintaining a healthy pond will be easy! You may be starting to
