Once there was a green pond that had fish but you couldn’t see them. The pond had a small filter and a pretty waterfall covered by algae. This pond got a present- a brand new wetland filter. The pond owner got an even better present- clean, clear water and happy fish! The fish were so happy they started a family. The End. Was this a true story? Yes! Last summer (2023), we rehabbed a pond filter system near Medina, MN by installing a wetland filter and the results were dramatic: green, cloudy water turned crystal clear. The pond owners were delighted! Can a wetland be added ..read more

Mid-April is spring start-up season for pond owners in Minnesota. A common question we hear during this time is, “Is it too cold to start my pond in Minneapolis?” (I mean, the ice just melted a few days ago….!) Here is an answer from Jeff, who helps start over 100 ponds each spring. Jeff: “The short answer is, “No. It is not too cold to start your pond. Add starter beneficial bacteria.” “If the temperatures are above 10 degrees, it is warm enough to run your pond. Add some starter bacteria, then add cold water bacteria (if the water is below 50F) or regular beneficial bacteria if the pond wat ..read more

Springtime in Minnesota is wonderful! We have more sun, more green in the landscape, more flowers, more birds near the pond activity, and unfortunately, more algae! If your pond is thawed, chances are the algae is already growing. Here are three quick ways to knock down pond algae in your pond. These tips also work for waterless ponds (also called pondless waterfalls.) Tip #1: Clean your pond! By removing debris like sticks, dead plants, and old leaves, you are removing a food source for the algae! Less food means less algae growth. Here is a video on how to clean your pond. Here is a list of ..read more

I think My babies are hungry, but what do I need to do? Wait for over 50-degree water temp. Use quality food, like Aquascape. Feed just enough, they eat it all. Figure out how much they eat so in busy times you know how much to drop in. When do I start feeding my koi and goldfish? As the temps are rise, the fish get more active. It can be very tempting to start feeding as soon as you see movement but remember, usually Minnesotans don’t start feeding their koi until late April! The decision of when to start feeding is water temperature.  Wait for that water temp to stay above 50 deg ..read more

You know that special ‘ahh’ moment when everything is right with the world? Your pond can give you that feeling! When fish and plants are in perfect balance, maintenance drops and pleasure peaks. More relaxing, less worrying. Let’s dive in and do the pond checkup! The most important part of your backyard pond system is the power duo of a biological filter and a mechanical skimmer. Mechanical skimmers remove any surface debris from the pond before it sinks and decays. Biological filters are homes to beneficial bacteria which break down excess nutrients in the water. Together, they clean the p ..read more

Aquatic Plants, Pond Plants, Locally Grown, Minneapolis St. Paul MN, Canna Type: Marginal Blooms: Flower color varies by species, 3″ across Light: Full Sun  Height: Up to 4 feet Zone: 7 Buy these pond plants here Varieties available this year: ‘Bengel Tiger’: ‘Bengal Tiger’ This stunning Canna has yellow leaves with green variegation and some red.  It produces deep orange blooms. ‘White Tiger’: ‘White Tiger’ ‘White Tiger’ has unusual creamy white flowers over eye-catching green and off-white striped foliage. ‘Wine and Roses’: ‘Wine and Roses’ ‘Wine and Roses’ has bright salmon pink ..read more

Aquatic Plants, Pond Plants, Locally Grown, Minneapolis St. Paul MN Type: Marginal Blooms: Foliage plant Light: Part sun to part shade Height: 3-5 feet Zone: 9-11 Taros have large heart-shaped leaves held up by tall stems. Not a hardy plant but worth growing for the dramatic color! Heavy feeder- fertilize regularly. Buy this Pond Plant Here Current Varieties: ‘Imperial’: ‘Imperial’ Imperial Taro has dusty black-purple heart-shaped foliage with bright green veins shooting out from the middle. ‘Pharoh’s Mask’: Pharaoh’s Mask Taro has deep purple stripes on glossy green, heart-shaped foliage.&nb ..read more

Aquatic Plants, Pond Plants, Locally Grown, Minneapolis St. Paul MN, Canna Type: Marginal Blooms: Red buds open to yellow flowers with a white stripe Light: Full Sun  Height: Up to 4 feet Zone: 7 This Canna has red buds that open into yellow flowers with a white stripe above brilliant green foliage variegated with cream. Buy this Pond Plant Here ..read more

Water garden plant: Locally grown near Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: bog plant Type: Marginal pond plant, bog plant Flower: As plant matures, you may see typical, brown cattail flowers forming towards the end of summer. Height: 4-7′ Light: Full to part sun Zone: 3-10 Water Depth at planting: Plant likes root zone to be at the water surface (soil under water, leaves above water.)  ​Native Cattail, sometimes referred to as Broadleaf Cattail or Common Cattail, has medium green foliage. Cut foliage back after frost just above the water line or leave standing until spring for winter interest ..read more

Aquatic Plants, Pond Plants, Locally Grown, Minneapolis St. Paul MN Type: Marginal pond plant Flower: Light purple clusters Height: 12-18″ Light: Full sun to part shade Zone: 7-10 Variegated Society Garlic produces clusters of light purple flowers held high above beautifully striped sage green and white grass-like leaves. Leaves are edible, use as you would chive. Buy this Pond Plant Here ..read more