Ponds 2013 - What's up?

Mary, my money is on the celery jumping just about anything. I first put it into a pot hanging from the rocks on the side of the pond into the water. It sent out roots into the water and into the rocks spreading across the top of the pond with roots every few inches. I didn't worry as I figured it would get killed in the winter. I was totally shocked to see the stuff growing up out of the almost non-existant soil between the rocks. It had to have sent roots deep that were protected from the cold. It has come back for two years. I have to chop runners hard as it wants to climb back from the pond up the dirt into the garden. If it continues to do this I will put a systemic killer on it. It is risky as it will follow the plant back to its roots which are on the outside of the pond. I would cut back anything that was growing into the pond. I have the horrible feeling it is slowly girdling the pond. I am hopeful that it is not strong enough to get through the liner. Shoot. Now I am really starting to worry.I never thought anything from 'outside' could survive our winters. Didn't consider it might go deep enough to be insulated from the cold.

Carolyn, how do you control yours? lol about the eagle. They really are beautiful even if they don't have the greatest rep. Carrying off small dogs and all. True story.. carried off a small dog several years ago down in Homer.

I was given some water celery last year. I sink several pots of my water plants in the Veggie Garden to over winter and the WC is one of those plants. I had some along with horsetail rush growing together in a large pot with a potted tropical water lily.They were just growing loose in that pot not potted up so I just pulled the whole mess out and dropped it in the Veggie Garden for the winter along with some other plants that are in pots. The TWL was brought inside to over winter. Wonder if I will have any water celery growing in my Veggie Garden. LOL

Mary/Merry Mary -

I know the water celery has jumped the perimeter of my pond into the various bogs. Periodically Dave will have to cut it from the waterfalls so the water isn't channeled elsewhere and as stated, the stuff is growing into my herb garden. I don't see the roots taking over the interior of the pond like an unpotted water lotus or a water lily can do. The roots are fibrous which makes them an excellent water filtration plant - but truthfully, at some point Dave and I will be moving South for retirement - build another pond and as we have discussed - this plant will not be a part of that pond.

We have the Golden Eagles as well as the Bald Eagles - such magnificant birds. I have heard they will carry off cats and small dogs - in my estimation, as unfortunate as that is, they are birds of prey and are doing what nature has designated them to do. It is the balance of nature and I understand that - I have a bigger problem with mankind upsetting the balance of nature.

No disagreement here -- as long as it isn't MY little dog that gets carried off. lol

I don't blame you there, Mary. Reminds me of the Sandra Bullock movie - can't remember the name - you know the one....The Proposal.

Thanks for all the info everyone! I really appreciate it! I'm wondering if it will be as invasive here in Florida (where we don't have good soil, moist soil, shady spots, or anything else!) People always say mint is so invasive, and here in the scorching sun and only sand, I can barely get a small contained pot to grow....same thing with chives. Maybe(?) water celery will be controlled here, by they elements, like the others.... stay tuned!! :)

Interesting. Yeah, it will be interesting. My bet is on invasive though.

I have done a bit of gardening in Fl. when visiting my FIL. I will say that it sure is easy to dig and things are pretty easy to remove. I couldn't believe how easy it was to remove a tree stump and tame the jungle that was his back yard.

I was given some water celery a few months back and just left in it the black plastic box it came in and its in the old pond about 1/2 down in the water. If it jumps out of the box and spread it will help shade the fish during our hot summers.

If it becomes invasive I'll jump in and thin it out.

Is it true that people eat it?

Bonnie

I have no clue! That certainly would make it more useful! I just saw the pinkish tinted one and thought I'd order some for the area that will be the bio pond. Now I'm nervous as heck! :D Don't the koi keep it nibbled back? Maybe I should put it in a center water floating planter?

Bonnie - I have read that people do eat it, but not something that I want to try.

MM - yes, the fish do eat it. They love it and honestly, if my fish had feet, they would have their feet spread to give leverage while pulling the water celery out. It is fun to watch them - somehow in the water, the fish seem to be able to hold their ground and pull it out, like they do have feet that are firmly planted on a floor and then they tug as hard as they can with their mouths. Quite often we find bare stems and such from the water celery stuck in and amongst the lily pads or in the skimmer basket.

On the flip side of that - my fish tend to spawn in the mass of water celery on the far end. I do think there are less spawning injuries because of the mass of WC. I don't know if you use the spawning mops, but it is an alternative.

Did a little research. They are highly recommended for water garden for edibles. Also, lots of other plants raised in water on the list. Not recommended you eat out of fish ponds that have been treated with algae or other chemical treatments.
Makes sence.

Talked about how to grow a water garden of edibles. Don't ask me where I found the site but I just googled it.

I'll have to take some out of pond to clean up and start in plain water. I'm just curious. If it doesn't kill the fish I wouldn't think it would harm humans. It's commonly used as a condiment or as a salad. Learn something new everyday.

Bonnie

Hmmmm.....pretty cool concept! If it's edible, then I'm ok with having extra!

M. Mary,
Supposed to be real cold tomorrow night (Sun.) Hope our fish hunker down and plants make it thru.
Bonnie

How cold are you supposed to get?

Thanks Bonnie! I hope you keep warm! My bananas already look bad from the last cold snap. I know they'll recover, but the brown tattered leaves drive me crazy to look at. I added an extra pump to the swimming pool holding pond, where my big guys are, just to keep the water moving. I didn't feed anyone today, in fear the water would chill too much. The water lilies haven't stopped blooming since last year, and the lotus are just now srouting their beginning leaves. I'm hoping this frost/freeze doesn't kill that baby greenery. My "barely there citrus trees have blossoms right now, so I don't want any potential setting fruits to fall off.
I recieved my water celery plants, 3 small bare rooted ones, and have them in a tub of water. Now that everyone has warned me about how invasive they are, I'm trying to decide what to do with them. I'm pretty sure I'll use them in one corner, where there's nothing behind it but decking. I want it to dangle in the water, so the koi have something to nibble on.
I'm hoping the cold wont effect the rest of my mollies. They're about 4 inches long, but the last cold snap wiped out half of them, including the really big one whose father was a blue guppy ( I know I know, I didn't believe it either until I researched it!) It was a normal large black and white marble molly, with a blue tail. I was shocked! I was sad to see it go, I don' t know if I'll ever get another one out of a brood.

Carolyn,
Weather man says 38. Ug!!!
Finally finished chipping mulch piles today so I put some around most of my plants. That should help protect them. I loaded my Australian tree fern and took down hanging pots near house and covered them with a quilt. I have 2 ruffled Boston ferns that I really like. I planted one last year in rocks around pond and it has spread on its own and looks great.
Poinsettas are still blooming but tonight might get them. Also, wisteria and glory bower and fire spike are blooming.
I'm sorry to say M Mary tangerines did nothing but wizzle up so none this year.
I also see I have some bromiliads blooming.
Keeping my fingers crossed. I hate looking at brown burned leaves from the cold. Ornamental banana plants got zaped in first cold snap. Usually they come back.
M Mary I'm sorry you lost such an unusual fish. Did the one that jumped out last week make it?
Heres hoping temps. don't stay down long.
Bonnie

I am hoping it doesn't get as cold for all of you as it says it is going to get. I am hoping it is warmer here too. Quite often the weatherman is way off - I hope that is the case with this bunch of weather.

MM - I am sorry you lost such an unusual fish too.

Bonnie -that is too bad about the tangerines - do you also grow the special oranges that are used in marmalade as well? Every spring and summer I make jams and jellies when the fresh fruits are available and have looked longingly at marmalades.

Thought you might enjoy a few pics that my DH took at our 2 local Flower Shows. Maybe give you all a few ideas.

Holly

is that the Phila Flower Show? I have not been in years. Every year I say I am going to get back there and I don't. This past weekend was DH's birthday and he wanted to go. ^_^

Beautiful pictures.

A few more.

No Carolyn, Some are from the Garden Expo in Harrisburg and some from the York Flower Show. Our plan is to head to the Phila Show on Friday and the Md. Orchid Society Show next Sunday. I really loved this fountain. Hard to really see but it sat in a small pond and the water flowed over the edges and into the pond. They had some nice plants in the pond.

Holly

such beautiful photos. I can almost hear the sound of the waterfalls.....

Thank you for posting them.

Love those curvy sticks in the middle of the fountain. Tall plants look like horsetail rush. I used to have some but they broke every pot I put them in and grew like wildfire. Nursery warmed me not to put them in ground as they would take over well they took over in the old pond too.

If I went to a show like that one I'd go bonkers. We used to go to Home Show in Orlando but it got very expensive considering what we would buy. But I do really appreciate having an electric gate on our driveway even tho we have replaced the motor 3 times. Keeps our animals in and others out. Trained my dog not to go thru it even when its open.
People constantly turn around in our driveway and I don'tlike them getting too close to the house so gate helps a lot.

Hope you all have warmed up. My pond water has been 30 degrees for 2 days. Supposed to warm up today and I sure hope so. Don't want to loose fish. They are hanging around right at the bottom. So far none floating bellyup.

Bonnie

I plant quite a few plants up here that I would never plant in a warmer clime or in an open pond in our area. I have some Horse Tail Rush that I grew in a very large pot last summer.
Well, I am on a Garden Show roll, Garden Expo in Hbg was Feb 22-24, York Flower Show March 1-3. We are heading to the Phila Flower Show on Friday, Sat will be Garden Wise a day long lecture series and then finally Sunday to the MD. Orchid Society Show the Md Home & Garden Show will be held at the same location on the same day as well.
I may have more pictures for you all if you think you would enjoy them. Depending on what I get maybe it would be best to put them on a different thread

I'm hoping the water warms up too Bonnie! Of course every time I say something like that, it goes to 90 the next day and I'm upset with myself for not being more specific with asking for wamer weather!

Holly -I would love to see your pictures! Sounds like you will have a lot of fun!

MM - pls send the 90 degree weather. I like it in the 90's!

Holly love the pics for inspiration.

Carolyn it wil be up in the 90's before we know it.

Bonnie

I am looking forward to it ^_^.

Looked at the pond when I came home from work - soon, very soon we should be looking at start up. I can't wait!

Brrr....Hopefully this will be the last night in the 30's....All fish look fine, so hoping the warmer weather gets here soon! Don't forget to set your clocks ahead this weekend!
:)

Soon it will be time to do spring cleanup of ponds. Mine are full of sludge which the oak blossoms turned into.

Thanks for the time reminder Mary. And yes I can do without these 30's at night. So far haven'tlost any fish due to the cold water. Just not feeding them yet.

Bonnie

It cannot come soon enough for me Bonnie. I see my fish moving around in the murk at the lower part of the pond. I would love to be able to hear my waterfalls going at night again with my porch door open and see the greenery in the back yard as I am sitting at the table with my morning coffee on a bright Saturday morning.

I checked my pond journals and last year, start up was on March 11th - the year before start up was on March 17th so we are in that time frame. I know that there was one year we started up and it was the first week in April - that is before I started journaling everything in 2007, so we won't go there! ^__^

You start up your pond much sooner than I do. I don't have that type of journal but I should start one. I mostly just have a plant list. Ric has this neat calendar that he down loaded. He is keeping a seed starting list on it and I was out taking pictures of some spring plants that popped up just a few days ago. I started thinking about doing a bed journal again.

Holly

I use the blogging feature on DG for my pond journals. I have tried to keep a written journal and too many items were being forgotten. I should have started with the pond journals online much sooner than I did - I have found that it has been an invaluable tool.

When do you start up your pond? Typically we get a pump up and running one at a time - we also will pull waterlily pots and get them all feritilized for the year and because everything is off the pond floor - we will do a couple passes and vacuum down the pond. This gets everything in good order for the ponding season. We don't get it all done at once, but it is definitely something I look forward to every spring.

Well the Birdbath Pond just takes a switch to turn it back on. It is the deep pond where we overwinter all the fish and some of the water plants. We don't always clean it out. Every other year or so. It doesn't have a filter just a pump. The pump stays in all season long. The other ponds are all above ground Box Pond and Bathtub Pond and the new little one. Those ponds are pretty much cleaned in the fall since we empty them before winter. Over the winter we will get some water back in them from rain and snow. The pump/filters for those ponds come out in the fall. So it is just a matter of moving plants from the deeper pond and those stored in the Veggie Garden back into the ponds. They are also the ponds were the Trop. WL will be put back into. Makes it easier to pull them in the fall. Usually around late April early May. The fish that we have aren't very fancy. I usually just let what I have moved to the deeper pond and pick up some new feeder gold fish for the other ponds.

I was down at my son Josh's house the other day and his pond was ice free. He has some rather large and nice fish. I could see them just hanging there not quite awake yet.

Somewhere in one of these threads, I had mentioned that my one small holding pond, which I fully admit neglecting, ended up with a few fish with ulcers. I've been working on the best process to rid them of them, so that if one of my larger fish every ended up with one, I would have the best "action" in place. Injectable antibiotics are very difficult to get your hands on.
So...I thought I'd share...should any of you end up in a similar situation.
1) Although it's expensive, a fish tranquilizer is a must! Finquel (which goes by different names) is what I used. I got a rubbermaid tubby (the ones just a bit bigger than the shoebox size) It's only takes a quarter of a teaspoon to a half of teaspoon to make the solution. I netted 2 fish at a time and dumped them in, so I could look at all of them while they were sleeping. Within just a few minutes, the fall asleep and roll over. The I could handle them, and laid them out quickly on a wet towel if they had a wound.
2) I swabbed any wound with iodine.
3) On the larger wounds, I broke open an antibiotic capsule (you can get them on ebay) and sprinkled the powder into the wound.
4) Here's the interesting part that I saw a guy write about in a fish forum.... He said to lightley sprinkle the wound with Denture powder! Now I've used anotbiotic ointment....bio-bandage...etc....BUT nothing has held on to slippery fish skin like a light dusting of denture powder, sealing the antibiotic in! It makes a non-toxic gel seal over the wound. I don't know how long with will last, but even if it's for a few hours or so, it's trapping the antibiotics ON to the wound for far longer than anything else!

I'll keep you posted, but thought I'd share as I went along!

Wow Merry Mary, who would have thought? Denture powder - that is definitely a new one.

Well thats one thing we always have on hand. Denture powder.

M Mary:
Do you use neosporin or ichthammol ointment on the fish? Last time I treated one with iodine. Just held it in my hand and poured it on but I figured it wouldn't last long being put back into the water. I have never used it on fish but tempted to try it Bag Balm as it is very healing and repels water. We used to be able to get pure lanolin from Australia but haven't seen it in years. It was VERY thick and healed up cuts and sores on our rabbits feet and cows utters. Feed stores used to carry Corona ointment which is a better smelling version but still not pure lanolin. Would sure like to get some of that again. I used it on my kids and us also. Would heal a cut up overnight. If you ever see any please let me know.

I'm sorry you are having to deal with ulcers. I do appreciate your sharing advice. That could happen to any of us anytime.
Bonnie