Loisiana Iris and Peltandra at the pond edge

We are especially lucky here at MacKenzie-Childs to have a nearly bottomless pond that supplies the water for our lawn and garden irrigation system. The pond, located at the site of a natural spring, dates back early times of the company. About ten years ago it was enlarged and became an integral part of the watering system. The pond serves as a reservoir for water pumped 900 feet up from Cayuga Lake. During the growing season our system pumps out of the pond for our non-potable water needs. Pond overflow is accomplished by a constructed stream bed whose path has formed the foundation for our White Garden. The stream returns water to the lake through the woodland gully (I have hopes for a future garden there!) and under the road to the shore.

Since we have had the pond, we have had issues with floating mats of algae in the summer. They are aesthetically unappealing and sometimes even smell bad.  Our algae load is inevitable for a few reasons. We have several mature weeping willows around the pond. These willows, while lovely and romantic, drop a lot of debris into the pond, contributing to the nutrient load in the water as the leaves and branches decay. The water in Cayuga Lake is nutrient rich; those nutrients are concentrated in the much smaller volume of the pond. And, the lawn and rose garden adjacent to the pond contribute soil nutrients after large rain events. The algae has lots of food for growth; hot days are ideal for mass growth.

Floating algae mats on the pond this spring

Because we drain directly to the lake, we cannot use light inhibiting dyes that are often used in ponds (that slightly unnatural blue water look) and absolutely cannot use any chemicals that would kill the algae; bad for the lake ecosystem and bad for the lawns and gardens we water. Various control methods have been employed. We have grass eating carp- meh- our problem is algae, not grass. We have pond skimmers, and even a kayak- to chase down the mats in the middle- my helpers LOVE it when I tell them we need to de-scum the pond!

Last year we consulted with a pond expert who has helped us develop a three pronged approach. He advised us to remove the plant material as much as possible (pond skimming is not going away), add microbial products that accelerate decomposition and digest algae, and lastly, planting some pond plants that will compete for nutrients.

Water Lilies held in barrels at Willow Ponds Aqua Farms

We implemented the first two options last year; resulting in good, but not quite good enough results.  So, I spent the winter leaning everything I could about water gardening. I read books, websites, and picked peoples brains. We ordered plants and wetsuits for me and Corinne. Two weeks ago we did not quite dive in, but we waded in, protected by wets suits and waders in, of course, 90 degree heat to place the pond plants.

My smokin' new wetsuit!

I have started modestly because I learned long ago the difference between book knowledge and experiential knowledge; I want to see how my initial foray does before I spend a lot of money on plants. This is a new garden area for me- exciting, but I so dislike messing up! After researching ideas, I decided to start simple. I chose Louisiana Irises and Siberian Irises as marginals; the books say they can be under 3 to 6 inches of water during the growing season, as long as the level drops down during the winter months. I also planted some Thalia dealbata and Peltandra undulata in the shallows. We moved some canna saved from last year’s garden into the shallows since they are supposed to do well in water. The most exciting plants we placed were Nymphaea sp., hardy water lilies. We had big pots with two to three rhizomes in each pot. Corinne and I could walk the pots out to the location we wanted them, floating the pot on the surface. When we were in position, we would say “1, 2, 3, sink” and try to make them go straight down. The leaves would then float to the surface. As yet, it does not look like much. I am hoping it will take off soon. I am already formulating plans for the additional plants I want to space around the edge.  

Water lilies (nyphaea sp.) in our pond

Yesterday when I went out to gather some pictures for the blog, I was very please to see how much more clear the pond had become in just two weeks. I am not sure what to expect, but I feel that I will be much more informed this fall and will be better able to expand the plantings next spring. Be sure to visit and watch it evolve!