A STRANGE FOAM IN THE POND An elderly client called one day concerned that there was a bunch of foam in her pond that wasn't there the day before. She described it, and is asked if it smells a bit like the ocean. She takes a big whiff and says that it does indeed! Trying to be delicate, in consideration of her age and sensibilities, it's explained to her that it's simply excess proteins in the water and told that it will dissipate in a day or two. She questions the assessment and doesn't understand what that means. So, she's told point blank that it's sperm. She gasps and, after a moment of co ..read more

Keeping Koi and Pond Fish: 3 Basic Rules , or have enjoyed a pond for several years, you’ll want to know about three basic rules that will help you create and maintain a healthy habitat for your finned friends. We want fish to be happy and your water gardening experience to be as enjoyable as possible. Once you become familiar with your fish and their basic needs, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the full benefits of ​Your pond water should always be . On occasion, the water might be green due to suspended algae, or slightly brown due to tannins. is expected in the spring when the plants ..read more

​Fish dart beneath lily pads while the melodious sound of a waterfall entertains your ears. Lush aquatic and terrestrial plants make you just want to take deep breaths of oxygen-rich fresh air. Enjoying a naturally balanced pond in your backyard is an attainable luxury for every homeowner. Most pond owners are aware of the importance that good water quality plays in a complete pond ecosystem. However not knowing how to get or keep water quality can prove challenging to some pond owners. A bit of basic knowledge will help you keep your pond looking beautiful and performing optimally. ​In additi ..read more

Buying new pond fish for your water garden is a fun and rewarding experience that typically happens in the spring thru early fall here in Phoenix. Although you’re excited to add finned friends to your pond, be sure to ask yourself the following questions when you’re at the pet shop: Are the fish display areas clean? Look at the general cleanliness of the store. If the store is not clean and well cared for, more than likely the retailer does not care about their fish either. Are there any dead fish floating in the holding tanks? If you see any dead fish floating in the tanks – even just on ..read more

​Backyard ponds have become an exciting landscaping trend! Most homeowners want a pond to add ambiance to their yard or to simply enhance their outdoor living space. Their goals range from fish collecting to plant collecting to simply wanting to enjoy the sight and sound of water. Ponds create a respite from the techno-crazy world and a haven for prized Koi and local wildlife. Yet few realize the countless environmental benefits of installing an ecosystem pond or water feature. ​According to the National Gardening Association’s 2008 Environmental Lawn and Garden Survey, 9 out of 10 households ..read more

Yes, we have raccoons in Phoenix, AZ! Arizona's backyard ponds serve as tranquil havens, providing homeowners with a slice of nature within their property. However, maintaining these water features comes with its challenges, especially when raccoons decide to make your pond their nightly playground. Raccoons can wreak havoc on ponds, causing damage to aquatic plant life and disrupting the aesthetics of your backyard paradise. In this blog, we'll explore effective strategies to defend your Arizona backyard pond from raccoon intruders, while preserving the  harmonious coexistence between yo ..read more

Build it and they will come! Everything needs water to survive, and if you have a living backyard pond in Phoenix, you can count on visitors. Some of these will delight the eye; others may not be so welcome. An organic, healthy water source is a boon for local wildlife, as well as native & migratory birds. But everything in life is a package deal, especially when it comes to backyard landscape ideas. The possibility of pond predators seeking out your backyard pond is a valid concern in terms of the safety of your pond's inhabitants and your family, but the possibility shouldn't be a reason ..read more

Why Your Water Garden Needs Submerged Pond Plants , submerged pond plants live entirely underwater – well, almost. They do flower and the flowers will rise to the surface of the pond for pollination. However, most of these flowers are insignificant and don’t constitute a compelling reason to purchase the plants. Submerged pond plants act as a wonderful in your pond, consuming excess nutrients. Here are some great reasons why you need submerged plants in your pond.​ For the most part, submerged plants take their nutrients directly from the water, which means they for their dinner. Algae is noth ..read more

Many people believe that their pond must be power washed in order to be appropriately “cleaned.” This may very well apply to non-living water features. However, here at The Pond Gnome, we have three primary reasons for not wanting to perform this commonly-requested service on that are on and hiding within the rocks. Dragonfly larvae, frogs, tadpoles, and many invertebrates inhabit the cracks and crevasses between the rocks. A gentle rinse with a garden hose is no problem for these critters; however, a blast with 1,600 pounds per square inch of water pressure is a death sentence to these benefi ..read more

What to Expect When You're Expecting -- a Phoenix Ecosystem Pond! Welcome to the world of ! Unlike lawns and pools, ecosystem ponds in Phoenix are not as common knowledge for most of us. Very few Phoenix natives or early transplants grew up with a backyard pond or knew anyone who had one. And if we did, it’s unlikely that they were practicing organic water gardening specifically. But why go through the trouble of creating an ecosystem versus just tossing in some chemicals and getting instant results? For one thing, ecosystems are Earth-friendly. There is in an organic pond, and life will visit ..read more