We are approaching the grand finale of yet another action-packed year. With another year wrapping up, it is time to embrace New Year’s resolutions for our own benefit, and to make a difference in the lives of our children and the community in which we live. The following are favorite resolution topics, but with a twist for water garden enthusiasts.
Nutrition and Diet – Relax, this isn’t about your weight. Most water garden enthusiasts can use a little guidance when it comes to feeding their fish. A saying we have in the field is: “Hungry fish make for a clean pond!”
- Only feed your fish when the water temperature is above 55 degrees. The fish are designed, naturally, to hibernate without eating when water temperatures fall below 55 degrees, so breathe easy. They will not starve as they will graze on algae if needed.
- Only feed your fish as much as they can consume in a single three to five minute feeding. If you are feeding in excess of this time frame consider yourself feeding algae and not the fish!
- Feed your fish in the spring and fall with a high carbohydrate food, which lists wheat germ as its first ingredient. This will enable the fish to digest their meals more easily when their metabolism is low like the water temperatures.
- Feed your fish in the summer months with a growth or color-enhancing food, which features fish meal as its first ingredient. This will bulk them up for their winter hibernation when they will eat little to nothing for a few months.
Lifelong Learning – Read and learn as much as you can about water gardens and fish. You can always call us for more info. 262-268-1121.
Better Communication – Speaking another language expands your world and makes new friends, including finned ones. Are you ready for your first Japanese language lesson? Kohaku (Ko-ha-koo) is a white fish with red markings; while Sanke (San-kay) is a white fish with red and black markings. Ogan (O-gone) is a solid colored Koi fish. One of my personal favorites is Showa (Show-a), a jet-black fish with red and white markings.
Travel – Within minutes of your house are situated delightful water gardens for you to experience at various hours and seasons. Go on a self-guided pond tour at your own pace to gain ideas from these personal paradises. Call for information on The Hurth Waterscapes Charity Parade of Ponds. 262-268-1121
Tune-Up – Each October, it is important to clean out your pond filters, trim aquatic plants that have dominated your pond over the summer, and do some simple routine maintenance to prepare your water feature for the winter. Free pond-cleaning seminars are offered to teach do-it-yourselfers, or you may consider hiring a pond professional to do this dirty work. It’s a dirty job, but someone has got to do it!
Health – Protect your prized pond fish from specific pathogens which could wipe out your entire collection. The most likely way for your fish to be introduced to an undesirable pathogen is by coming in contact with new fish.
To avoid this scenario, purchase your fish from a reputable fish retailer who specializes in pond fish and plan on quarantining every fish which you place into your pond! Quarantine procedures for your pond fish can be extensive. For details on quarantine procedures feel free to call Hurth Waterscapes at 262-268-1121
Community Service – Along with having water features at homes and businesses, populations at schools, retirement centers and other community-oriented facilities can also benefit from them. Through the Ponds for Kids program or other charitable endeavors, Hurth Waterscapes is willing to donate labor to the installation of water features to help others.
Rest & Relaxation – As a result of todays busy, high-tech, cell phone-congested lifestyle, people get caught up in long work days and struggle to find time to “stop to smell the roses.” While I enjoy roses, the plants I prefer next to my water features include those that release fragrant scents in the evening. When I find myself getting home late, the star jasmine planted next to my pond not only smells wonderful, but also is beautifully illuminated under a clear moonlit sky.
This coming year, consider creating or enhancing your own water garden oasis, where you may seek soul-renewing solitude, refreshing R & R, and reinvigorating times with family and friends.
Wishing you and yours a safe and Happy New Year!