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With the drought conditions that we are currently experiencing, with no end in sight, everyone is interested in doing their part to conserve water. As unusual as it might sound, a water garden is very beneficial during drought conditions. Studies have shown that a properly installed and balanced pond actually requires less water then the same size area of grass to maintain. For example, it requires 120 gallons of water to maintain a 6' x 9' area of grass for a one-week period. The same size pond required 40-50 gallons of water to maintain its maximum level. If a water feature is properly installed and stocked, you can minimize water loss through splash, runoff and evaporation. To eliminate water loss insure that the waterfall stones are set into a catch area that will return any errant water flow or splash back into the pond. |
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Cutting down the amount of light that penetrates the pond can minimize water loss due to evaporation. This can be done by building the pond in an area that will receive at least partial shade from surrounding trees and structures. You can cut down the sunlight on an existing pond by properly stocking the pond with aquatic plants that will cover and therefore shade at least two thirds of the ponds surface area. Aquatic plants offer a whole other form of gardening, with unique foliage and dazzling blooms. They require almost no care and absolutely no watering! The best benefit of all is that you can sit in your backyard, enjoy the cooling sights and sounds of the water feature, knowing all the while that you are doing your part to help conserve our most precious resource. |
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