Restoring a Neglected Pond
| If the fabric of a neglected pond is in good condition, then restoring it to its former glory is not too formidable a task. Concrete and pre-formed ponds are quite easy to deal with, it is those that are constructed from a pond liner that are more difficult. They generally need a complete overhaul and re-lining. An overgrown pond in temperate areas can only be cleaned out satisfactorily, and some of the plants salvaged for replanting during spring or early summer.
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 If the fabric of a neglected pond is in good condition restoration is possible.
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| In sub-tropical and tropical districts plants can be moved at any time of the year, although spring and summer are unquestionably the best times even in warm regions. If there is no concern about saving any plants, then cleaning out can be done at any time, although replanting still has to await the spring or summer.
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 Fish are at risk during the whole cleaning process.
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To begin with reduce the water level sufficiently so that work can take place in reasonable comfort. Use a hosepipe to siphon out the water. Do not remove too much water as fish may be lurking amongst the plants. Fish are at risk during the whole cleaning out process and whenever possible should be netted and placed in buckets of clean water in a cool shady place. Once the plants have been removed, drain the pond completely.
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Any fish not captured during the removal of the plants will be found in the muddy mess that always settles on the pond floor. Take the fish in their buckets and place them in as cool a place as possible. Throw a little submerged plant into each bucket to make them feel a little more at home.
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The plants that have been removed should be left in their clumps as lifted until replanted. Do not split them up prematurely as they will deteriorate much quicker.Waterlilies should have all their leaves removed and the rootstocks plunged in water. Submerged plants can be put in a polythene bag with the top securely fastened. If kept in the cool, the plants will last for several days.
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 Waterlilies are usually worth rescuing from an overgrown pond.
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 Wash plants thoroughly to remove any vestige of algae.
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Once the pond is empty, scrub it thoroughly to remove any algae or other deposits. Allow it to dry out before refilling it with water. When replanting, only choose good quality plants from the assortment and select the youngest and most vigorous pieces for re-establishment. Discard tired clumps of marginal aquatics and woody parts of rootstock, especially of old waterlilies.
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| Before replanting young portions wash them thoroughly to remove any vestige of algae or eggs of aquatic pests. Irrespective of how the pond was planted previously, it is folly to do anything other than replant in containers. Planted baskets are so much easier to manage and help to prevent a pond from going into decline so swiftly. Leave the plants to establish for four or five weeks before re-introducing the fish.
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If they are returned to the pond sooner, they will disturb the plants and cloud the water. If buckets are too restricting for the fish, then invest in a small children’s paddling pool. Fish can live quite happily for many weeks in such an environment if kept partially shaded.
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 Planted baskets are so much easier to manage than direct planting.
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