An aquatic garden centre offers a wide variety of services to the community. A large majority of these centres will stock all that is required for the upkeep of a water feature such as a pond or waterfall. It is important to understand that the type of plants that are available in the shops will also depend on the size of the pond you have in mind. There are many different types of plants available and some of them require constant attention and care. Before deciding which plants to use in your landscape pond, you should take into account other factors such as sunlight, space, shape, height, and whether or not they are native.
When choosing aquatic garden centre supplies, you must ensure that they can supply what you need to maintain your pond. For example, some pond plants require floating plankton to survive. If you cannot find these fish in the shop, you may have to source them elsewhere. Some suppliers will be able to keep stocks on hand and will therefore not need to purchase them.
Landscape ponds normally come with a kit that contains everything that you need to create the perfect setting. Certain pond plants are specific to tropical plants and others are specific to other environments. A large amount of research is required before choosing the plants and pond colours that will complement your garden. These stores can also provide advice on various plants and how to care for them.
Landscape ponds also come with a range of accessories to protect them from pests. Pond liners are one such accessory, enabling you to control the growth of algae and other unwelcome organisms. This will prevent your water feature from becoming unsightly and will prevent unwanted visitors. There are many different types of pond liner available and it is a good idea to check with your supplier to see the range that is currently on offer.
Water features do not only have to be used to showcase your landscaping. They can also provide a safe use for pets and young children. Ensure that any pond liner you choose contains safe use requirements for young children and pets. There are many safe use guidelines available for both plants and fish and it is essential to read these. Some aquatic garden centres offer educational programmes on the benefits of using natural eco-friendly products and eco-treatments, including water lilies.
Some water lilies are sensitive to temperatures and require the same temperatures as fish and aquatic plants. If you are looking to stock a pond with water lilies then you may need to buy the water lilies in smaller numbers, or have more than one variety in pots. Lilies are great aquatic plants for both beginners and more experienced gardeners, due to their bright blooms. It is a good idea to grow your water lilies from seed, as they will grow to full maturity in just two years. Once established, they will continue to bloom for several more years.
Not all plants thrive in ponds and rivers. A lot of research has been undertaken to establish which varieties are suitable for use in ponds and which ones are most suitable for use in large rivers. The best way to get a general idea of what these varieties are is to visit your local garden centre and look at horticultural exhibits. Plant samples can be brought to you can then decide which of the varieties will best suit your ponds and rivers. Some plants will tolerate extreme temperature changes and others will not. It often helps if you can plant certain species alongside each other to provide a more balanced habitat.
Most plants are relatively easy to maintain. There are certain water lilies which are more delicate and require extra care. These should only be kept in well-oxygenated conditions. A lot of research has been carried out to ensure that these plants are safe to use in ponds and rivers. Many plants will also need periodic maintenance to keep their colour and shape. It is recommended that you contact a professional water garden centre before you start adding any plants to your water garden.