Philip Swindells

The management of water and the maintenance of its quality is the most crucial element in successful water gardening. A garden pond is an almost self-contained ecosystem which only interacts with the atmosphere for the exchange of gases such as oxygen and

The Lotus or Nelumbo are amongst the most beautiful and best known plants for the garden pond. They are not frost-hardy and only grow well outdoors in tropical and sub-tropical regions. In temperate areas, even where there is no winter frost, they

Algae presents one of the greatest potential problems for the gardener with a pond. There are many different species of algae, but from a practical pond management point of view they can be conveniently divided into two groups: suspended and filamentous.

Once a new garden pond has been planted and the waterlilies and other aquatic plants have been established for four or five weeks, ornamental fish can be introduced. There is no minimum number of fish necessary for a pond, although without any fish at all

The ideal garden pond is one that has a natural and harmonious balance. In the traditional well-planted pond with its modest complement of fish, a balanced ecosystem is a realistic and long-lasting proposition. However, it is essential that every componen

The construction of a garden pond demands considerable care and attention, but is well within the capabilities of most practical gardeners. There are a number of different methods of construction, each having virtues from both a practical and aesthetic po

A pond liner is a flexible waterproof membrane that covers the floor and the sides of a pond excavation. There are several different kinds to choose from. Polyethylene is useful when sandwiched between two layers of soil, while PVC, composition and rubber

Waterlilies and other aquatic plants can be planted successfully at any time from early spring into the summer. It is preferable to plant in early spring as then it is possible to achieve a good display during the succeeding summer. All aquatic plants enj

Waterlilies are considered by most gardeners to be the most important plants in the garden pond. Certainly from the point of view of a floral display they are essential, but they also contribute to the general well-being of the pond environment. Their flo

Most popular herbs can be easily raised from seed sown indoors during early spring. A greenhouse, although beneficial, is not essential. A sunny window ledge is all that is needed.