Building Aloha Ponds & Water Gardens
There is nothing quite as soothing as the sound of water. When it comes to building an aloha pond and water garden, however, the extra island touches accomplish that sensation of feeling far away on a well-deserved vacation. Installing this mermaid's lagoon might sound overwhelming at first, but these guidelines will make the task fly by. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Body of the Garden
1. Pick a location that offers each of the following: make sure it is near enough to the house so that it can be enjoyed year round; build it against a natural or man-made rock formation where the waterfall tank can be placed and hidden among the stones; and ensure that the location receives equal amounts of sun and shade as this is not strictly a fish pond, and the various flowers need sunshine.
2. Dig the pond a minimum of 3 feet deep to ensure that the koi have ample room as they grow.
3. Place the pond underlay, a synthetic fabric that protects the pond from punctures and can be purchased at any home supply store, in the pond area, smoothing it against the earth's contours and trying to limit any wrinkles.
4. Situate a waterfall tank at the top of the rocky overlay and let its waters trickle down and fill the pond.
5. Select the koi for the pond. With a wide range to choose from--sapphire-blue Asagi to the Koromo--it is important to keep options open.
Aloha Plants
6. Select some floating plants, such as the water lily, to help to stunt the growth of algae.
7. Though not strictly a floating plant, (as its leaves tend to be above the water), lotuses are a hardy addition to help with the pond self cleaning.
8. Add submerged plants, such as eelgrass and water milfoil, also known as oxygenators, to keep the water from taking on a green oozy texture.
9. Add edge plants, as they provide natural hiding places for frogs and small birds. Amongst edge plants that lend a particular tropical appeal are marsh marigolds, cattails and arrowhead. Simply make sure that are perched over the pond, and that they are planted 5 to 10 inches deep.
10. Complete the Hawaiian home-while-still-at-home with other touches. Plants such as Japanese irises, liatris and trollius can crown the area, as they do quite well in moist soil that seeps from the pond. Another floral option to enhance the aloha spirit is to plant Pua Aloalo or, as it is commonly known, the Hibiscus brackenridgei. It cannot be too near the pond area, as it thrives on sunshine, but it will lend the entire area the taste of Hawaii.
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