POND PATIENCE PLEASE
That title is a tongue twister of sorts, but I can’t begin to tell you how important it is during the month of May. One of the biggest myths in water gardening is that algae thrives only in hot weather. Well let’s add a new twist to “April Showers Bring May Flowers” and include algae in the mix.
CHILLY CONDITIONS
Yes, algae loves this time of year, the time when it's just starting to warm up outside, but the pond water is still a little chilly. Why would a sun-loving green monster like algae like cold water? Because it's arch-nemesis, beneficial bacteria, has a hard time getting started in cooler water. Another major player in the good fight against algae-plants- are just trying to get started, but it's also a little too chilly for them to do a lot to help battle algae.
WHAT TO DO?
Meanwhile, algae is thriving & has the run of the pond. Even your fishy friends are contributing a bit as their waste turns into plant fertilizer, a.k.a. algae food! This is the time of year when we often get frantic calls from homeowners asking us what exactly they can do about this problem.
Our answer? Talk to Mother Nature. It's important to keep in mind that ponds are living, breathing ecosystems & they aren't always going to be crystal clear. Algae is a part of Mother Nature's recipe. It helps feed & shade fish in natural lakes, ponds, sand streams & it's just a part of the circle of life. There is a low temperature bacteria (AquaClearer available at WaterScape Designs) that can definitely help you out in these cases.
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IT'S ALL ABOUT NATURE
Pond owners who have been around the block a few times understand the role of algae in the pond puzzle. They've come to grips that it comes & goes. "Patience is what will get you through May" is a favorite phrase we hear often. Some even comment that it makes them appreciate the summer months even more.
Regardless of how you view algae, keep in mind that it's only here to stay for a little while. It won't be long until the bacteria fires up, that plants start to feed on those nutrients, & May algae blooms are a thing of the past. Until then, lets just practice "Pond Patience, Pond Patience, Pond Patience!"
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