Before you buy aquatic plants...

Before you buy aquatic plants you need to know something about the different types that are available. In the center of your pond you can plant water lilies and oxygenators which need deep water. Here you can also grow the floating plants such as the water hyacinth. On the shelf at the edges of your pond you can grow the marginal plants that prefer a planting depth of about a foot. Bog plants can be grown outside your pond provided that the soil is always wet.

The rule of thumb for deciding how many plants to grow in your pond is two oxygenators, one water lily and one marginal to each square metre of water surface. The oxygenators remain submerged but provide oxygen and are essential to help to control the growth of algae in the water. There are several varieties of oxygenators but, since some can become rather invasive, you are advised to consult you local water garden as to the best type for your locality. Read on

"I've just moved to New England and I want to start a garden this summer. It's very different here! How do I start? I feel like a beginner all over again." To find out how Barbara Barger answers this question read on.

Koi Pond Supplies

This page on koi pond supplies gives a brief overview of the things you will need to keep your fish healthy and happy. First and foremost, food for your koi. Then kits to test the water quality of your pond and, should these disclose any problems, we survey the various proprietary remedies that are available. Next a quick look at some statues and other items of decor that you can use to enhance the surroundings of your pond. Finally we consider the equipment and accessories that can help with the maintenance and day to day upkeep of your pond.
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A Solar Water Garden Pump

If you use a solar water garden pump, you can avoid one of those annoying features of using electrical equipment in the garden - having to provide a power supply. And there is the added benefit that the solar power is free provided courtesy of the sun. You will also, in your own small way, be cutting down on your use of the public power supply and so be acting in an environmentally friendly manner.

A solar water garden pump can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Probably the most popular use is to power a fountain. Here you have a number of choices. At the bottom of the range are small self-contained floating fountains with a built-in solar panel. One model can create a fountain of water up to seventeen inches high in bright sunlight. It comes with three nozzles for different fountain effects. Read on

Interflora agrees to 3i takeover

Interflora, the UK florist company jointly owned by 1,850 member firms, has agreed a takeover by venture capitalist 3i. It is thought that increasing competition from the supermarkets has persuaded members to vote for the sale.

Despite the competition independent florists believe that they have a bright future since their great strengths are service and skills which cannot be matched by the supermarkets. The florists offer same day delivery, often in a matter of hours, which is a service not offered by the larger outlets. In addition the independents have specialist skills in designing arrangements and displays.

Source: BBC

A point to remember when buying flowers is that they have their own special language so Check the meaning before you buy flowers online.

Gardening trends for 2005

"The topic of gardening trends comes up with each new year" according to Richard Poffenbaugh who lives in Ontario. "One thing is for sure, gardening or landscaping need not be boring. There is plenty of fertile ground for new ideas and ways of doing things." He then lists his top five choices for popular trends. Read more..

Another major trend this year is a form of gardening that was popular in the past and is now being rediscovered in a big way. "Terrariums, those miniature green worlds under glass that gardeners of a certain age remember so well, are making a comeback" says Denise Cowie. "Terrarium-workshop attendance is up; plant stores and gardening catalogs are showcasing fancy containers; the Philadelphia Flower Show has almost doubled the number of competitions for terrariums this year; and one lifestyle magazine even suggests making tiny terrariums out of clear glass ornaments left over from Christmas." Read on..

"Turn off your radio, take off your headsets and listen to the birds" is the advice of Dean Fosdick. "The programming comes commercial-free and the songs, calls and whistles are performed by some of the finest soloists in nature." Read on..

Just to bring you back to earth with a bump, here is some pratical advice from Virginia Hayes on what you should be doing in your yard now. Read more..

And don't forget to check out The Garden Supplies Advisor where new articles are added on a regular basis.