I better go and cheque on Robbie, Dove, but he's a bit loopy already. I once caught him standing in a trailer so he could reach the leaves on an ash tree.
Try watercress Hartleyhare. Just buy a bag from the supermarket and chuck it in. It feeds on the nutrients that the weed likes. Easy to pull out if it gets a bit big.
Is your pond shallow? That can contribute as the water heats up more quickly.
Pam
I think its around 18 inches - 2 feet. I did put watercress in it last summer but it didn't grow very well and then died off in autumn. I've lost all of my oxygenators, one of my marginal plants and most of my water soldiers, so clogged with weed I threw them away. I bought a miniature waterlily last year and that doesn't seem to be growing either. Even the mussels have blanket weed growing on them!
Might give the straw extract a go...just for the start of spring time, or is that fighting against what natures intending....thoughts please. I mean nobody likes the algae apart from the creatures that need it and the plants that stop it growing.
I find the straw extract really good - totally wildlife friendly and helps create a healthy balance in the water - our pond was only dug this spring and already we have lots of wildlife living and breeding in there - if you scroll up to the pic of our pond you'll see
I went to the Garden Centre for more potting compost yesterday - I can't believe how much I get through! Whilst there I popped into the aquatic section and had a word with the pond specialist there. He assured me that if my (tiny...microscopic!) pond has clear water that is what is causing the red algae and the tiddly, wriggly worms (not too many of them). He said the clear water means I'm doing something right and that it sounds very healthy with an ideal balance of clear water and some red algae. The worms also indicate a very good mix and if any creatures do eventually move in they will be very happy.
Made me happy to hear all this anyway, so I am not worrying anymore about the algae.
I keep meaning to put some photographs up of my pond and every time I go outside I get distracted and end up forgetting. So until I eventually remember here's a few shots of the plants I have on my phone!
(Not plants - but our attempt to create a wildlife friendly access point until the pond is finished and we can get a bit more permanent.
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I better go and cheque on Robbie, Dove, but he's a bit loopy already. I once caught him standing in a trailer so he could reach the leaves on an ash tree.
I think its around 18 inches - 2 feet. I did put watercress in it last summer but it didn't grow very well and then died off in autumn. I've lost all of my oxygenators, one of my marginal plants and most of my water soldiers, so clogged with weed I threw them away. I bought a miniature waterlily last year and that doesn't seem to be growing either. Even the mussels have blanket weed growing on them!
Mussels? Are you sure you've not put salt water into your pond?
We now have four fresh water mussels in our pond. Its rather fascinating watching them open!
http://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk/bivalve.molluscs/bivalve.research/freshwater.mussels/
I find the straw extract really good - totally wildlife friendly and helps create a healthy balance in the water - our pond was only dug this spring and already we have lots of wildlife living and breeding in there - if you scroll up to the pic of our pond you'll see
htt p://www.ecopond.co.uk/product-detail.php?pid=1
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I went to the Garden Centre for more potting compost yesterday - I can't believe how much I get through! Whilst there I popped into the aquatic section and had a word with the pond specialist there. He assured me that if my (tiny...microscopic!) pond has clear water that is what is causing the red algae and the tiddly, wriggly worms (not too many of them). He said the clear water means I'm doing something right and that it sounds very healthy with an ideal balance of clear water and some red algae. The worms also indicate a very good mix and if any creatures do eventually move in they will be very happy.
Made me happy to hear all this anyway, so I am not worrying anymore about the algae.
I keep meaning to put some photographs up of my pond and every time I go outside I get distracted and end up forgetting. So until I eventually remember here's a few shots of the plants I have on my phone!
(Not plants - but our attempt to create a wildlife friendly access point until the pond is finished and we can get a bit more permanent.
And some of the inhabitants...