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Autumn Care for your Pond

Cleaning a pond in autumn can be a daily chore unless screen or netting is placed over the top. Keeping leaves and debris out of a pond is critical. Leaves can start decomposing in just a few days and can be toxic to fish.

When the water temperature drops below 50°, stop feeding fish and plants. Trim back the tops of hardy marginal plants; hollow stemmed marginal plants should be trimmed 1/2 inch above the water level. Hardy water lilies should be pruned slightly above the crown and lowered into the deepest part of the pond to remain ice-free. Trim back submerged plants and place below the anticipated freeze level.

Autumn care for your Pond...continued:

These steps will help prevent decomposition in the water.

Tender and tropical plants should be discarded or brought indoors before the first frost. If the plants will be over-wintered, provide them with a saucer of water and a strong light.

If your pond is shallow and will freeze solid, remove all plants and fish from the pond. Drain, clean and cover the pond before freezing weather occurs. If water is left in the pond the freezing and thawing of winter weather will most likely ruin it.

Autumn in the Perennial Garden

September is the best time to lift spring and summer flowering perennials, and divide them for spring. Cut back the dead tops of the plants to about two inches if mulching is planned.
Some plants it is better not to cut back such as dianthus, hostas and ferns. If in doubt, call us and we will be happy to answer any questions. Don't put mulches too close to the crown for it could cause crown rot. Also, don't mulch too deeply, unless the encouragement of mice, moles and other rodents is wanted. Pea gravel and other stones can be used as an alternative. Remove any remaining tops and winter mulch in very early spring.

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