Water Gardening

Welcome to the world of water gardening at the arboretum lifestyle & garden centre.

We are delighted to announce that we have just opened our purpose built aquatic centre, incorporating all the latest in water garden technology.

Expert advice is freely available from our experienced horticultural staff in all aspects of water gardening. Whether you are building a small trickle fountain or natural waterfall, we have the answers to solving all your water gardening needs. Before you decide on what water feature suits your needs, be inspired and let your inspirations “flow”

Size
A small rigid pond is suitable for aquatic plants and few goldfish. But if you intend to keep larger fish, you will require a pond size
Of --  sq metres and a minimum pond depth of 45cm or up to 90cm for koi.

Style
Formal ponds are defined as geometric shapes (square, rectangular) that are usually used as centrepieces. These ponds tend to be sited in open sunny areas, thus making them ideal for water lilies that require full sun. With the informal pond this is where you can let your imagination run wild. A well-constructed informal pond can be made to look as if it grew in your garden. The aim is to build a natural stream-waterfall, so remember a natural pond just doesn’t appear in the middle of the lawn.       

Wildlife
Its really quite simple you provide a natural well balanced pond and Mother Nature will be happy to reside in and around your garden pond.

Construction materials
The two main materials used for pond construction are semi rigid ponds and flexible pond liners. The advantage of semi rigid pond liners is that they are fast and simple to install, the only restraints is limitations on size. As regards flexible pond liners you can basically construct any shape or size according to needs. They tend to be little harder to install, but the benefits are well worth the extra work involved. Flexible pond liners are ready available of the roll in various roll widths to suit all needs.

Pumps & Filters
The simple solution to clean healthy vibrant water
Arboretum now carries a comprehensive range of oase pumps that cater for all your pond requirements. The key thing to remember is that all pumps are not the same! For example if you are building a waterfall / filtration system oase recommend that you the Aquamax range of pumps. They have been designed for continuous use and can take up to 8mm in size of waste through the open impeller system, thus minimum-cleaning maintenance is required.

The Nautilus range of oase pumps are designed for fountain sprays and come in a vast array of sizes to cater for all your needs. Because of individual tastes, we offer an impressive range of interchangeable nozzles that are all full compatible with the Nautilus pumps. For all those that intend to keep large densities of fish, we recommend that you install filtration. Oase offer an all in one filter system that is both mechanical / biological, and when used in conjunction with the Aquamax pumps will guarantee crystal clear water with low maintenance.

Lights
What better way to bring you’re garden ponds to life at night. Oase offer a complete range of fully waterproof low voltage under water lights (IP 68 standard). From the small 20-watt lunaqua K2 light to the powerful 75-watt lunaqua 10 lights.

Power at your fingertips
With modern technology its now possible to switch your fountain pumps off and on by remote control, you can even adjust the flow/ height of your fountain spray from comfort of your armchair using the fm master 3 control unit.(operates up to 80m from power point)

 Aquatic Plants
When it comes to putting the finishing touches to your garden pond, where would we be without aquatic plants. Water plants play a vital role in establishing a healthy well balanced pond.

Water lilies
Water lilies the Queen of water plants, they require 5-6 hours of Sun each day and in return reward you with beautiful blooms from June to September. They also provide shade for your pond fish and help reduce excess light turning your water green.

Oxygenating plantsetics
These plants are grown not for their aesthetics but for the efficient way of using up nitrates from your garden pond water. This helps preventing algae growth, and also provides oxygen for your pond fish Ideally we recommend 1 aquatic basket  per m square, containing 3 – 4  bunches.

Marginal Plants
Hence the name this group of plants are planted in the shallow margins of your pond. They provide the natural aesthetics in softening pond edges and help intergrate your pond into the landscape. As with all plants that hate their roots in water, they take up nutrients from the water, therefore also helping to prevent your pond turning green. By choosing the correct plants you can have your pond flowering from early spring to late autumn.

Floating Plants
Floating plants can be used to add a splash of colour and texture to your pond. The showy floating plants like water Hyacinths and water lettuce are not frost hardy, but make a great summer addition to any garden pond.

For expert advice on what plants are most suitable for your water feature and step by step guide to planting your pond. Contact one of our experienced horticulturist who will be glad to advise you o0n your water gardening needs.

Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre
“Where inspiration grows and water flows”