Backyard Blessings

Once again its that time of the year.  Temperatures are colder, days are shorter and wetter, and its time to get your ponds, water gardens, and water features ready for fall and winter.  Some of you chose to keep your ponds running year round, and some of you close them down.  However you handle it, Backyard Blessings is here to assist you in keeping your feature the way you want it for the fall and winter season. Here are our top 5 winterization tips.

1. Install Pond Netting -
October is a good time to install your pond net in order to keep out leaves, limbs, and various debris.   A clogged pond
from large amounts of leaves can suffocate your fish and the leaf removal process can be difficult. We carry various sizes of pond nets to fit your specific needs. We also build custom pvc canopies for the installation of your pond net, or have all the materials available for all you  D-I-Y Do it yourself-ers.

2. Install a De-Icer
De-icers, also known as heaters for your pond are essential for one of two reasons:
One, they create a hole in the ice to allow the dangerous gasses to escape, preventing your fish from sickness.
Two, de-icers are placed near skimmer boxes or submerged pumps to prevent them from freezing solid and breaking.
We always have de-icers in stock, come in and get you pond de-icer asap. If something happens to the one you already have, call us during the winter and we will deliver one to you.

3. Install an Aerator
An aerator for your pond is almost always a good thing. During peak seasons its beneficial, and absolutely beneficial for the fall and winter time.  Oxygen plays an important role into the health and functionality of any pond.  During the winter time, the areator assists in oxygenation, ice prevention, and release of harmful gases to your fish.

4. Use Necessary Chemicals
There are several chemicals, enzymes, and treatments available on the market.  Over the years we have narrowed down the selection to a few products that work very well. Call us or visit our retail location and we can help you choose the best method for your pond and water feature.

5. ONLY USE Fall/Winter Fish Food
Fish are cold blooded creatures.  Their metabolism, habits, and behaviour change in the winter time.  Be sure to change your fish food over to a fall and winter food also known as wheat germ. We have wheat germ, small and large pellet, large and small quantity.

There are many methods to fall and winter preparation on water features. Call or stop in today with your questions and needs and we will work with you to establish the best custom scenario for yours.  Call 317-899-5459 and schedule your winterization today!

Spring start up 101 (April 25th 12:00 Noon) FREE

Your best start ever! Spring is a crucial time to jump start the vitality of your pond. Come to this class to learn techniques for pond start up. Items of discussion will include:

• Pond Clean: benefits of having your pond cleaned or doing it yourself. Discover the immediate and long term benefits that a pond clean provides
• Product discussion: Microbe Lift PL, Algae Fix, & other products used for Spring start up and year round vitality.

Regular maintenance 101 (May 9th 12:00 Noon) FREE

Learn the best secrets for regular maintenance on your water feature. Learn what do and what not to do, what to add and what not to add. Bring your personal questions to be answered by the experts.

• Regularly cleaning your filter system keeps your pond clean and is beneficial for your pump.
• Products to use for regular weekly and monthly maintenance on your pond.
• Filtration, Aeration, Circulation: these three elements are essential to a healthy, living pond.

Filtration is accomplished by having filter media inside your skimmer box or another location. If you have fish it is essential to have an appropriate amount of biological filter media.
Aeration is accomplished by moving your pond water and splashing it back into the water by using a waterfall pump or a fountain. Aeration can also be accomplished by installing an electrical air pump.

Proper circulation occurs with a properly placed pump that is compatible to the size of your pond. We encourage your pond pump to turn over the entire water volume of your pond a minimum of 1.5 times per hour. Example: 1000 gallon pond = 1500 GPH Gallon Per Hour pump. You must have the appropriate amount of all three (circulation, aeration, and filtration) to achieve and maintain a healthy, living pond.

Natural, chemical & UV treatments 101 (May 9th 1:00 PM) FREE

Join this class to learn about the different chemical, natural and ultra violet UV pond treatments available to maximize the health and vitality of your pond.

• A combination of both natural and chemical pond treatments are often required to keep your pond clean and healthy, but its up to you to discover what combo works best.
• Natural: barley (extract, pellets, and bales), Microbe Lift (MLPL fall/winter prep), salt, bio-bags.
• Chemical: An overview of the best water treatment products used by Backyard Blessings.
• UV: Ultra Violet sterilizer: learn the basics to UV usage and care.

Plants 101 (May 9th 2:00 PM) FREE

Come learn about aquatic plants from the aquatic plant fanatics: how to care for the different plants, and how to identify the different species. Learn the proper placement of plants and where they thrive.

• How many plants should I have in my pond?
• Bloomers, non-bloomers, annuals & perennials (what blooms when)
• Native, tropical, aggressive, and invasive species.
• Lilies, Lotus, floaters & bog plants.
• Plant tabs and & other fertilizers
• Types of planters & soil to use
• How to keep your fish and other animals from eating your aquatic plants

Fish Care 101 (May 23rd 12:00 Noon) FREE

Join us to learn about the different styles of fish. Learn about Koi species, how to properly care for them, how to treat illnesses and how to prevent them, how to shelter your fish from predators, and when to start/stop feeding.

• US and Japanese import Koi, Shubunkin & Goldfish (comets).
• How to care for and maintain your fish so that they not only live but become happy healthy members of your pond.
• How to treat and prevent illnesses; discuss common illnesses and reference diagrams
• Sheltering fish from sun & predators (raccoons, big cats, large birds)
• Proper feeding amount, type, and seasonal feeding and care.
• Visuals to identify Koi species: identify the 10 most common and discuss characteristics.

Pond Building 101-105 (June 20th) Join this all day class 9:00AM-4:00PM.

Lunch is provided. T-shirt included. Cost is $30 per individual or $50 per couple. Stay all day or come and go as you please. This is a hands on workshop, participate as much or little as you want. Limit 20.

1. Choosing a water feature location; choosing a size/shape/depth/style/waterfall & stone.
2. Doing the dig
3. Installing the underliner & liner
4. Installing the equipment: skimmer, pump, waterfall filter & tubing.
5. Installing the stones and waterfall,
6. Add plants, water & start up chemicals.

Pond Building 101-105 (July 11th) Join this all day class 9:00AM-4:00PM.

Lunch is provided. T-shirt included. Cost is $30 per individual or $50 per couple. Stay all day or come and go as you please. This is a hands on workshop, participate as much or little as you want. Limit 20

1. Choosing a water feature location; choosing a size/shape/depth/style/waterfall and stone.
2. Doing the dig
3. Installing the underliner & liner
4. Installing the equipment: skimmer, pump, waterfall filter & tubing.
5. Installing the stones and waterfall,
6. Add plants, water & start up chemicals.

Fall/Winter shut down 101 (October 3rd 12:00 Noon) FREE

Preparing your water feature for fall and winter is important. Come to this class to learn the best strategies for maintaining healthy water and proper shut down for your plants, fish and water feature during the winter. Items of discussion will include:

• It is essential for your next year’s pond enjoyment, and for the overall wellbeing of your pond that you properly shut down your pond each year!
• Always place a heater into your pond so that the ice does not entirely freeze over
• STOP feeding your fish when water temp drops to 45 degrees.
• Build a pond dome with your net and pvc tubing
• Aerator or no aerator? Decide if you are going to keep your waterfall running or not. If not, decide what you will use to aerate or circulate the pond water.
• Add Microbe Lift AW once a month for proper biological activity during the winter months.

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