New for 2006 – Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds-Gardening
New for 2006 - Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds
Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. For example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is 60" x 48" x 24", which is too large for many car trunk sizes. Liner kits, on the other hand, present many difficulties for the beginner pond gardener. Since every liner pond shape is different, pond gardeners must customize their own pond and ensure that it is level, and that it does not have excessive wrinkling.Recently, Algreen Products Inc. has helped leverage both these problems by introducing a flexible preformed pond. The folding preformed/liner hybrid is created with a proprietary blend of materials, which allows it to hold a customized shape. Yet it is easily transportable, since a typical folding kit comes in a box one-sixth the size of a regular preformed kit.The only problem with the folding pond shell was that it was a dark solid black color. Black is a color that does not occur naturally in a pond environment, nor is it very easy to disguise. No matter how much landscaping you apply around the black shell, it is still extremely difficult to hide the fact that you are using a preformed pond.New for 2006, Algreen is proud to announce the development of a granite flexible rock pond kit! This new folding pond shell has all the benefits of its black preformed predecessor, but both the pond and the streamlet look like rock.Algreen advertises that its folding pond includes 3 built-in plant shelves, is weather-resistant, and is able to withstand extreme temperatures from 0 F to 105 F. Each pond shell features textured ridges, which are strategically placed to allow beneficial bacteria to form growth colonies, which significantly reduces algae-buildup in the pool.Currently, there are two sizes of granite pond shells available from GardenSuperMart (GardenSM.com): a 144 gallon shell, and a 72 gallon shell. Both pond kits come complete with:- The granite flexible pond shell- A flexible streamlet- An energy-efficient, heavy-duty Super Flo pump (500 or 306 gph, for the 144 gallon and 72 gallon shells respectively)
A telescopic riser and diverter for the Super Flo pump- Four fountain heads- Two 6" silk water lilies- Tubing and clamps.At the time of this article, http://www.GardenSM.com has the lowest pricing for these granite pond kits. GardenSM.com has the 144 gallon granite kit priced at $166.14 USD, and the 72 gallon granite kit priced at $126.14. As part of their Grand Opening Special, GardenSuperMart is also including a FREE solar-powered frog light with the purchase of every folding pond kit.This article can be viewed in its entirety (with pictures) at http://www.gardensupermart.com/tips/granite.asp. Further information about the granite flexible pond kits can be obtained at http://www.gardensupermart.com/buypond/pics/granite_preformed.html.
Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds-Gardening
Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds
More than just a Preformed PondTraditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. For example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is 60 x 48 x 24 , which is too large for many car trunk sizes. Liner kits, on the other hand, present many difficulties for the beginner pond gardener. Since every liner pond shape is different, pond gardeners must customize their own pond and ensure that it is level, and that it does not have excessive wrinkling.Recently, manufacturers have helped leverage both these problems by introducing a flexible preformed pond. The folding preformed/liner hybrid is created with a proprietary blend of materials, which allows it to hold a customized shape. Yet it is easily transportable, since a typical folding kit comes in a box one-sixth the size of a regular preformed kit.The only problem with existing folding pond shells was that they were usually solid black in color. Black is a color that does not occur naturally in a pond environment, nor is it very easy to disguise. No matter how much landscaping you apply around the black shell, it is still extremely difficult to hide the fact that you are using a preformed pond.There are many preformed rock pond shells in the market, but these tend to be extremely large and cumbersome. However, one manufacturer, Algreen Products Inc., has recently introduced a new granite flexible rock pond kit. This new folding pond shell has all the benefits of its black preformed predecessor, but both the pond and the streamlet look like rock.The new folding rock pond includes 3 built-in plant shelves, is weather-resistant, and is able to withstand extreme temperatures from 0 F to 105 F. Each pond shell features textured ridges, which are strategically placed to allow beneficial bacteria to form growth colonies, which significantly reduces algae-buildup in the pool.Currently, there are two sizes of granite pond shells available from GardenSuperMart (GardenSM.com): a 144 gallon shell, and a 72 gallon shell. They both come complete with a matching streamlet, a pump, and fountain heads. For more information about these kits, please go to http://www.gardensupermart.com/buypond/pics/granite_preformed.html.Installation Instructions for Preformed PondsAfter you have unfolded a folding preformed pond, its installation is no different than for a regular preformed pond. To follow are instructions on how you can install a folding pond kit.
Remove the folded pond (and streamlet) from the box and cut the tape. Unroll the pond and streamlet. Once the streamlet is unfolded, push the sides and let stand for one hour to fully expand (preferably in direct sunlight). Push on the inside of the pond to open it fully. Once the pond is open, and the sides are up, let stand for one hour to fully expand. Dig out a marked area that is slightly larger than the depth and perimeter of the pond. Remove all debris (stones, roots, etc.) to avoid punctures and warps. Cover the bottom of the hole and shelves with a thin layer of sand. Place the pond in and ensure that it is level in all directions. Ensure that the leveled pond is just above the ground level. Start to fill the pond with water. While the pond is filling, backfill the edges with sand or fine soil. It is important to backfill with sand while filling with water to ensure that the wall does not warp or bend. Check the level of the pond (with respect to the ground) as frequently as possible because the pond may shift. Be sure that the soil is tightly packed around the pond for maximum support. Place flat rocks such that they slightly overhang the edge of the pond. Landscape the pond to your liking. You can now add a pump, a waterfall, a fountain, fish, aquatic plants, lights, and other accessories to your pond! Tip: A common mistake made by beginners is the failure to take into account how to dispose the large amount of soil that will be removed during the excavation.Gerry Fung is the Vice President of GardenSM.com.For more information about the granite preformed rock kits, please go to http://www.gardensupermart.com/buypond/pics/granite_preformed.html.
Rock Gardens – A Different Kind of Garden-Gardening
Rock Gardens - A Different Kind of Garden
Planting a Rock Garden is a great alternative to the normal flower and vegetable garden.Where Should This Garden Go:Typically an ideal spot for a rock garden is on a slope or naturally terraced area with rock formations already in place.However nature has not blessed every home with this perfect set up which means you will need to create an area from scratch using topsoil and rocks. This can be done most anywhere you choose against a wall or fence, along the house or back of a garage ? this is where I had one of my rock gardens ? having one within an existing garden would also look quite nice.How Big Should It Be:This decision of course is going to be entirely up to you taking into consideration how much time you have and how much space you have to work with.You may have seen pictures in magazines of very elaborate looking rock gardens with waterfalls or streams running through them and paths made up of large flat rock for walking.However, small, simply designed gardens look just as good and in the long run for many of use will work out better.This is especially true if you are making one from scratch, you need to consider the amount of time needed to build it and the cost factor as you'll be needing topsoil, rocks and plants. Remember the old saying we all head growing up "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach" well it applies here as well, start small and build up over time.I've had rock gardens at two different homes both had to be started from scratch and both started out small. The first started small mainly because I'd never done one before, in fact it didn't start out to be a rock garden at all. It started as a flower garden right behind the garage, but the discovery of some Hens & Chicks at a local nursery changed everything. Which now leads to the next section, plants.What Plants To UseThis type of garden is a little different from what you may normally be accustomed to ? large plants with brightly colored blooms. Here you want plants that are relatively small, there are many low growing perennials available. And don't get to caught up in whether the plants has flowers or not, what your looking for is something to enhance and complement the rock clusters you've put together.Also don't limit your choices to just plants, small dwarf evergreen shrubs can also be used and will add another texture to the garden. In fact is space permits add a few larger shrubs to the back of the garden, which works as a backdrop to really put the rock garden in the spot light.Examples of Plants & Shrubs:Perennials