From Aquatic forget-me-nots that dangle on the edges of your water garden to beautiful lilies that perch on the pond’s surface, plants are truly what makes your water garden stand out. Things like color, height, and planting conditions are things you’ll want to consider when it comes to planting your pond.

Here are our top & tips for Pond Planting

1: Create Interest with Variety

Random placement of plants with varying textures and colors create more interest than using plants that have all the same growth habit or leaf shape. Use a combination of waterlilies and marginal plants such as canna, arrowhead, aquatic forget-me-not, water iris, and more. The options are almost endless and you can recreate your water garden into something new every year simply by choosing different hardy plants

2: Group Plants Together

Interior decorators tell you to group like objects together when decorating your home, to create visual impact. Use this same principle when planting your pond. Plant a row of marsh marigolds along a stretch of the ponds edge, as opposed to dotting them here and there in single locations.

3: Short in Front, Tall in Back

This might seem like a no-brainer, but always put shorter plants in front of taller ones.  Most likely, you’ll spend most of your time viewing your water garden from a deck or patio, so keep that sight line in mind when planting your pond. You’ll create more visual interest when you have a mix of tall and short plants.

Small Pond Planting Ideas

4: Know Your Plant Size

One of the biggest mistakes novice water gardeners make is failing to realize how big their pond plants might grow. Be sure to take height and width of the mature plant into consideration and allow enough space for future growth. If your plants do become crowded and overgrown, you can always divide them or thin them out just like your land perennials. Give extras to a friend or consider planting some in a container water garden to grace another area of your yard.

5: Consider Each Plant’s Needs

Be mindful of how much sun your aquatic plants require, along with their planting depth. If a plant requires full sun, that’s a minimum of 6 hours of unobstructed (ie not dappled shade) sun per day.  If you’re not sure what your plant needs, ask the pro at your local garden center or search online for information.

medium pond pond planting

6: Go Green

A soft, calming space is created by using different textures and shades of green foliage. The combination is effective on its own and mimics the style of a Japanese zen garden where texture takes precedence over an array of color.  Play with color based on leaf selection alone, since you’ll find aquatic foliage in a range of colors such as dark green, lime green, and several variegated combinations.

7: Play with Colors

Choose colors you like best and consider the type of lighting your water garden receives. Yellow, orange, and white help brighten shady areas, while cool blue and violet tone down the intensity of the sun’s rays. Experiment by mixing warm colors with cool ones. Yellow waterlilies look fabulous against a backdrop of blue water iris. Likewise, a purple waterlily such as Nymphaea ‘Violicious’ looks amazing in front of an orange canna lily.

Most of all, use your imagination and have some fun.  Along with choosing fish, pond planting can be the best part of creating your pond.

large pond planting

The post Pond Planting Tips appeared first on FNC PONDS.

Pond Supply Chain shortages impact every consumer and business imaginable, and  we’ve all seen what can happen when a shortage occurs, especially in the last few years. Remember the Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020?

Recently it’s been more common to experience a shortage of things that make other things, things like building materials, mechanical parts and plastics. Also, the pond industry hasn’t been immune to the supply shortages. If you’ve signed a contract for an installation in the last few months this could be why you’re still waiting to see parts of it, like Koi fish or certain plants, or maybe even a skimmer box.

Key Components of the Pond Supply Chain

The pond supply chain includes several steps, from the production of materials and equipment to final installation. Here are the primary players involved:

1. Manufacturers
   Manufacturers are at the start of the pond supply chain, creating essential products like pond liners, pumps, filters, and pond-safe treatments. Some specialize in eco-friendly solutions or products tailored for specific climates, including UV clarifiers, aerators, and high-performance filtration systems.
2. Suppliers and Distributors
   These businesses purchase large quantities from manufacturers and serve as intermediaries for retailers and contractors. Distributors help ensure that pond products are accessible to various markets by handling bulk storage, shipping, and logistical coordination.
3. Retailers and Pond Contractors
   Retailers and contractors act as the customer-facing parts of the pond supply chain. They provide products to DIY enthusiasts or work directly with clients on pond installations and maintenance. Contractors, who have direct experience with products, also play a key role in recommending the best equipment and supplies based on specific pond needs.
4. Transportation and Logistics
   Moving pond supplies between each stage of the supply chain involves transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. Efficient logistics keep products moving, minimizing delays that can affect project timelines, especially in peak seasons when demand for pond supplies is high.
5. Consumers
   The final link in the pond supply chain is the consumer. Homeowners and property managers purchase pond products or hire contractors to install and maintain their ponds. Their feedback often influences product demand and drives innovation within the industry.

Pond Supply Chain of and Demand for Ponds

The demand for Koi fish is at an all time high due to the colorful fish being a huge home improvement trend, and rightfully so! Also, Koi ponds feel like a luxury aspect of any garden or backyard. Something that provides lasting enjoyment with only minimal maintenance.

There are also  supply chain issues and shortages of a wide range of pond building materials, particularly plastics. Aquascapes, one of our suppliers, produces over 50% of products used domestically. Thas been a huge benefit to us and many others. But even with this help, there’s still a shortage of many crucial materials for pond builders. This includes PVC, skimmers, pavers, and maintenance equipment. These material shortages stretch out the timetables for Koi pond projects. Sadly, this rises of prices on necessary elements used in building Koi ponds.

Unexpected Disruptions

Some of the unexpected disruptions of supply chain functions are something simple, like running out of something that makes something else. They could be more complex, like the COVID-19 lock-downs that shut down businesses of all kinds. 2021 and 2022 seemed to fair better for a while. Until things like a shipping container getting stuck in the Suez Canal, weather-related disasters, and even geopolitical conflicts happening with overseas suppliers that can slow or halt the supply chain movement.

What This Means for You in regards to Pond Supply Chain

All this to say, the pond market has been hit with a series of perfect storms. The reality is that FNC Ponds is working diligently to build and install each customer’s pond while making sure we maintain the excellent quality we’re known for. The supply chain problems are out of our control, and it’s a frustrating situation for everyone involved, but these obstacles aren’t something that will dissipate overnight. So whether you’re waiting for your dream pond, or you’re waiting for some new Koi fish pets, hang in there because the perfect backyard is something worth waiting for.  We also carry pond supplies on our web site.  Be sure to check it out!

The post Pond Supply Chain Update appeared first on FNC PONDS.

What is a Dallas Water Garden?  If you’re asking this question, we’re guessing you’ve already considered getting your feet wet with a beautiful water feature for your outdoor space.

So what is water garden exactly? It’s pretty simple, water garden is a man-made water feature, usually a pool or pond, which is designed to complement the natural environment. Water gardens typically incorporate aquatic plants, ornamental fish, statuary, waterfalls, and other decorations.

A water garden adds visual interest and harmony to just about any outdoor space, like residential backyards, courtyards, and parks to name a few. The main reason people invest in these ‘lovely lagoons’ is to compliment the landscaping, and add enhancement to existing gardens.

There are several different types of Dallas water gardens, which luckily means there’s a style to suit your individual preferences.  Styles include container gardens, raised and sunken ponds, and bog gardens. A container water garden is typically small and easy to care for and can be placed on a patio or balcony with ease. It’s a great option for those that want to ease into the water garden world.

For more extravagant ponds, there are raised and sunken ponds that are built directly into the ground and require more maintenance than other types of water gardens. Bog gardens are the most natural of the three and are designed to attract wildlife. They are generally dug into the ground, lined with plastic, and filled with native plants and fish.

What are water gardens for?

Although a water garden’s primary focus is on the plants, they can also house various species of beautiful fish. Water gardens bring harmony, tranquility and visual interest to any outdoor space. And honestly, they’re really cool.

Just how big is a water garden?

Though they may vary in any size or depth, they are typically small and relatively shallow, generally less than 24 inches deep. The reason for this is because most aquatic plants are depth sensitive and require a specific water depth in order to thrive.

Why a Dallas Water Garden?

A water garden is an aquaculture system – a diverse aquatic ecosystem, one of the most productive and efficient systems around.  In an aquaculture system, aquatic plants have a constant supply of water that has nutrients dissolved in it, which they can easily take up. The waste from fish and other animals in the system provide additional nutrient to the plants, making for a very efficient and productive system.

What do I need in my water garden?

One word…Plants! Plants are an important part of any Dallas Water Garden. They add life to the feature, provide balance and create a natural ecosystem, which promotes the health of the fish.  A well-stocked water garden should include various types of plant & fish species. Plants can be submerged, marginal, or floating varieties. We always suggest that a combination of these plant types be used to keep the water garden in optimal health and provide character to the look of the pond.

Who are water gardens for?

You! And anyone with an appreciation for peace, beauty and serenity. Lacking a little whimsy in your garden or just life in general, a water garden may just be what you need. With so many options for plants, stones, and fish, customizing your water garden is a fun and enjoyable project. An experience with a result that will bring joy into your life every time you step outside!  Contact us to see about getting a Dallas Water Garden of your own!

The post What is a Dallas Water Garden? appeared first on FNC PONDS.

Why would anyone want a Dallas Outdoor Water Garden?  The question should be why wouldn’t they?  Here are three reasons to have a water garden(to name a few!):

Add Beauty with a Dallas Outdoor Water Garden

Implementing a water garden in your backyard is one of the simplest ways you can transform the appearance of your backyard.

A water garden not only adds some essence of beauty to your backyard, but also adds a freshness quotient to the surroundings, which gives the place more of a natural look. Having a fresh, inviting atmosphere in your backyard can certainly eliminate your stress and add tranquility to the environment.

It’s not just ponds that can go in your back yard. Water features can include everything from pondless water fountains to spillway bowls.  People find the sound and sights of water in the garden to be very relaxing and inviting, no matter the form.

Amazing, Economical Pets

Another great reason for a fish pond?  How about some low maintenance pets, in the form of fish? Fish make great pets—they are super easy to take care of and only cost a small cost for fish food.  Koi fish can even be trained to come eat food out of your hand!   Fish are a beautiful hobby and make beautiful, easy pets.  You don’t need to worry about walking them or them going to be the bathroom inside the house, either!  Children love to watch fish swim and interact with each other and their environment.

For Good Luck

According to ancient Japanese philosophy, a  koi pond, brings you great luck. Koi fish are associated with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose.  In addition, many Japanese people believe that koi fish bring you good luck as well.  So, you will be double-lucky!

Ready for a Dallas Outdoor Water Garden of your own?  Contact us to see how we can help make your dreams a reality!

The post Three Reasons to Have a Dallas Outdoor Water Garden appeared first on FNC PONDS.