Action Water Gardens articles

Attracting Pollinators and Beneficial Insects

Attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects – Butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and hummingbirds

Mothers Day Sale!

Mother’s day is just around the corner! Celebrate the leading lady in your life by giving her some beautiful plants, fish, or offer to build her a new water feature!

Water Feature "Facelifts"

Does your pond or outdoor water feature need a “facelift” this spring? Action Water Gardens, Inc. is your go-to Certified Aquascape Contractor for the job.

Important Tips for Fall!

We briefly discussed some steps for fall prep in September’s newsletter, but now it’s time to start planning on what to do with fish, plants, and water. The weather has been warm, but the weather forecast for the upcoming weeks is predicting a few chilly days!

September Scavenger Hunt

Come join Action Water Gardens for a little bit of fall-time fun! On Saturday, September 15^th we will be hosting a scavenger hunt with the opportunity to win some great prizes!

FREE FISH FOOD!

You heard right! We said FREE! Join us on Saturday , September 8th to take advantage of this special offer! 

It’s finally gotten warm and we are able to go outside and enjoy our water features! Even though we all enjoy the nice summer weather, it also can be the prime season for fish to get diseases.

Got Muck?

In our July issue we talked about that annoying “green monster” that is algae and how to prevent it and clear it up, but what about the other clarity issues? Some of you might experience brown, tea colored water or just muckiness in general.

Leak or Evaporation?

Water loss becomes more relevant as the temperatures get warmer throughout the summer.  It’s not uncommon to see increased water loss at this time of year. Is it a leak or is it just evaporation?

Wood-chipping and Brush Removal Now Available at Action!

  Action Water Gardens, Inc.  now offers wood-chipping and brush removal services. The equipment we utilize can accept trees up to 10” in diameter.

Monthly Tip (April)

It is important to continue to add beneficial bacteria throughout the year- even during the colder months.

How to Winterize Your Pond

Beneficial tips to set your water garden up for winter.

Pump It Up!

Simple steps for your water garden pump during those cold months.

Easy Prep for Fountains, Pondless Waterfalls & Container Gardens

Winter prep for your fountainscapes and container gardens can be done in no time!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

100% of the proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Water Feature Closings

 It’s that time of year to start planning on what to do with your fish, plants, and water.

Hidden Features

Intruducing new sizes and colors of Dekorra® Rock covers

DIY Water Gardens

Get creative with your own container water garden!

Fall Prep

Give us a shout to set up your winter and fall prep service with the crew at Action Water Gardens!

Fish Diagnostics

It’s finally getting warm, the rain has stopped (somewhat) and we are able to go outside and enjoy our water features!

Clean, Clear, & Under Control

While owning a pond and/or waterfall has so many wonderful benefits, the maintenance can be the hardest part and sometimes you just can’t make the water stay crystal clear. 

Planting Tips

Plants are what make your water feature unique and stand out from the rest. Using plants can be a great way to add variety and depth to your pond, pond-less waterfall, or fountain.

Dog Days of Summer

As we approach the dog days of summer, you need to start thinking about what you can do for your water feature in order to keep a balanced ecosystem and your fish happy.

It's all About the Tropical Lilies

Check out our huge sale on tropical water lilies! 

Closed July 4th

Enjoy the holiday!

Thinking of Expanding?

How many of you out there have a pond or water feature that you’re thinking needs something extra, or a new personalized twist? Well this is the article for you!

Vacation Worries

Vacation season is here! Many people wonder what to do with their water feature while vacationing. Worry no more because at Action we have all the answers!

Plants and Fish Galore

Come check out our huge selection of plants, fish, and more!

The Green Monster

It’s inevitable one way or another but the good thing about it is that we have the exact products you need to help you clear that green slime right up and reduce maintenance!

T'is the Season for Predators

Simple solutions for you to try to help deter predators away from your beloved fish.

Plants & Floaters are in!

You know the water gardening season has officially begun when the floaters have arrived!

A Guide to Spring Opening

 Let Mark and the professional water clean out team here at Action take care of your water gardens’ spring opening needs.

Fountain Feature

Featuring a brand new line of Pagoda Fountain Rocks to spruce up your garden!

Welcome back, Spring

 Spring is on its way which means it’s crucial to take care of your pond or water feature correctly in order for it to prosper during the spring and summer months.

Now Hiring!

Apply to Action Water Gardens, Inc. today!

Click that "Like" Button!

 For those of you who give a review, let us know next time you’re in the shop and we will give you 5% off your next purchase!

Closing Down your Small Water Features

What you need to prepare for a worry and maintenance free season and an easy set up for spring.

Pump or Not?

Just like we need to prepare for winter, our water features need that same kind of preparation and dedication.

The Benefits of Aerators and De-Icers

We can help you and your water feature get prepared for the colder months ahead!

Fall's Not Over Yet!

Tips on what you need to do for your water feature to get ahead of the game come winter.

Product Feature: Fire Fountain

Here at Action Water Gardens we offer a unique water feature that incorporates the element of fire.

Spooky Pond Stories

Ever wonder what goes on in your pond when things go wrong? 

Don't Fret, Get a Net!

Having a protective pond net over your water feature is essential for proper fall maintenance and keeps your pond clean and debris free.

 Click here for Fall/Winter Prep Form

Cold Water Tips

The leaves are changing and the air is getting crisp which means fall us upon us and you might be wondering how to prepare your water feature for the season.  In this article we talk about the essentials for maintaining a water feature during this fall season.

Autumn is Arriving

Included is the Fall/Winter Prep form. Fill out this form and send it over to us at Action via fax or email and we can get you on our schedule. 

Product Feature: Floating Islands and Planting Baskets

Planting islands can be used to increase your planting space- whether you are limited on planting shelves around the edges of the pond, or you just love plants!

Filtration Station

There are advantages and disadvantages to every type of filter so we will list the features and benefits of each filter, hopefully making choosing the correct filter for your application easier.

The Health Benefits of a Watergarden

The negative ions that moving water releases into the atmosphere help to purify the air. If you've ever noticed that air smells and tastes fresher near a waterfall or just after a rain storm, you have had a firsthand experience of the impact that these ions can have. 

Koi FAQ

Koi usually live around 20 or 30 years.  The oldest Koi on record was named Hanako.  It purportedly lived to be about 226 years old.  It lived in a pond that was in a stable area (read low geologic activity) and was passed down from generation to generation.  Hanako died around 1977.

Container Gardening 101

A container aquatic garden is a small commitment in terms of finances and labor. It doesn't require special aerators or filtration if set up and properly managed.

The Heart of the Watergarden

It acts like a little heart, circulating and delivering nutrients, treatments and oxygen to the pond body.

Predator Control

Summer is the best time for water garden enthusiasts because we are able to spend the most amount of time outdoors doing what we do best…. hanging out by the pond! Along with the warm temperatures come unwanted enemies we don't really look forward to…

Got Barley?

String algae is a nuisance to say the least! Adding barley extract, pellets, or straw is a great proactive approach to prevent heavy string algae outbreaks.

Tropical Water Lilies

From the bright, radiant pink blooms and the red flares, to the unrivaled blue color of the King of Siam... There is no doubt that tropical water lilies have some of the most beautiful flowers known to the water garden.

Product Feature of the Month (June)

Carbon comes in many forms, diamonds, oil and pencil lead. As awesome as these forms of carbon are, only Activated Carbon from Action Water Gardens will help keep your water clear. 

Tip of the Month (June)

Have no fear, keep your pond clear with Rapid Clear! 

Have a Plant Party

Planting species from all three categories helps to create a sustainable pond ecosystem that works together to provide the most benefits for people and wildlife. 

Fish, Fish, Hooray!

Now fully stocked with over 8 kinds of Koi and Sky Blue Shubunkins, including, 4-6",6-8",8-10" both decorative and select butterfly and decorative and select straight fin koi.

Top Ten Algae Control Methods

To all pond owners and water garden hobbyists! There is a solution to that dreaded green monster we call, algae!

Spring Maintenance

How can one tell if a water feature will need a full clean-out this season or just tidied up a little? If there is a layer of "crud" at the bottom of the pond and the water is dark in color, it would be a good idea to do a full clean-out.

Product Feature: Sludge & Filter Cleaner

Sludge and Filter Cleaner should be used regularly until your pond is completely closed for the season. This product will greatly improve water quality by minimizing the amount of sludge or muck buildup on the bottom of the pond. Regular use of this product will also make springtime maintenance much less of a hassle! 

Aquatic Plants Now Available!

This batch of perfect plants is no ordinary shipment. Included in the bunch, are roughly 20 unique tropical cultivated varieties from around the world as well as about 20 varieties of hardy plants including grassy filtration bog plants.

A Fine Catch for Action Water Gardens, Inc.

No two ponds are ever alike and a water feature of this perfect magnitude is just waiting to be created once again for another happy client.

Clean Out form

Its not too early to start thinking about re-opening your feature in the spring! Feel free to complete and return our spring maintenance form to get on the list before the spring rush! 

O'Brien Residence

More reasons to have the crew at Action Water Gardens, Inc come out and service your waterfeature. 

Algae Control

Algae control is often considered to be the biggest headache in water gardening. There are different viewpoints as to how algae should be controlled or eliminated - naturally, artificially, or a combination of the two.

Time to Think About Spring

As things slowly awaken from their winter hibernation, there are some things that you can do to make sure your water feature gets off to a good start this spring.

Tropicals as Houseplants!

Pond and water feature enthusiasts often choose tropical plants for their dramatic foliage and colorful flowers, despite the fact that they will only get a single season to enjoy them. This isn't always the case though! Most tropical plants can be turned into houseplants during the colder winter months. What better way to brighten up the drab, gloomy overcast of winter?

Plant Feature

-Moss Patches can make there own soil from particles in the environment

-Reindeers eat moss because it contains a chemical that keeps their blood warm much like anti-freeze in your car.

-Moss grows at 35 degrees.

-Moss has a zero tolerance for survival in pollutants

-For more than a hundred million years, moss and mushrooms had the land to themselves, but then, about 400 million years ago, these early mosses evolved into the earliest ferns

Creature Feature

Birds love ponds to take a bath, get a drink, and socialize. Bathing birds are especially funny coming in groups of the same type and bathing together splashing around.

Winterizing Small Water Features

Small water features add life to your outdoor space with lively movement and sound. We want to help you keep your fountains and spitters functioning and looking beautiful for years to come. Winter care is very important and should only take a few easy steps.

Fire, Frost and Fun

The simplest way to add warmth around your pond is with a patio fire bowl. This is a semi contained, movable fire pit and a great choice if you have a patio or lawn next to your pond. 

Bare Winter Landscape Around Your Pond?

Although now that it’s autumn, how about a little planning for the winter season to jazz up that frozen paradise? We have ideas from large sculptural accents to free craft projects.

Essential Winter Pond Prep Review

We know you have a lot to do as your pond changes with the seasons. In this article we will clarify the steps that you can take to have a healthy hibernating pond during the colder months. 

Fall Hours

Dr. Pond and our staff here at Action Water Gardens, Inc. would like to thank all of our returning, loyal customers for another great season! 

The Healing Power of Water Features

Falling water from fountains, waterfalls, and even your morning shower, releases negative ions into the surrounding atmosphere.

Ten Tips for Fall Pond Care

Water features in the landscape require special consideration when putting your pond to bed for a long winter's nap.

Product Feature: Pond Netting

Installing a net in the fall will help make the leaf removal process a non-problem, and at the same time, makes life easier come spring when you open your beloved water garden. 

To Pump or Not to Pump

If the hole does freeze over in very severe conditions, fish caretakers know the mantra — do not attempt to crack the ice. The concussion can kill the fish.

The Fish Are Back!!!

Watergardening season is in full bloom and we just got a  shipment of beautiful koi and goldfish.  We are pleased to announce that they are ready for sale and pick up. 

Product Feature: Cold Water Bacteria

 Aquascape Cold Water Beneficial Bacteria maintains a strong biological balance providing clean, clear and healthy water conditions.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!

Saying goodbye to summer is always difficult. The kid’s head back to school, the weather begins to turn cooler, and our loved aquatic plants start to fade. Now’s the time to do a little cleanup work in your pond before the water temperature becomes too cool for you to want to get in there. We hope this advice helps you manage your pond throughout the fall.

You Need This Plant In Your Garden, IF...

"Black Magic Taro" or “Elephant Ears,” this easy to grow member of the Araceae family makes quite the dramatic statement in any well-planted water garden.

Product Feature:Automatic Dosing System

Lets be honest..life gets busy! Sometimes pond and water feature owners just don't have the time to add products like beneficial bacteria to the pond for weekly maintenance. 

Monthly Tip (August)

String algae is a nuissance to say the least! Adding barley extract, pellets , or straw is a great proactive approach to prevent heavy string algae outbreaks.

"Got something to hide" ? - Dekorra Artificial Rock Enclosures

No one wants to look at an eyesore near their beautiful pond or water feature. The idea is to make it  look as natural as possible. Electrical outlets, extension cords, well caps, filters, and other objects can take away from the aesthetics and natural look of your landscaping.

Monthly Tip (June)

If you have been having trouble with water clarity or just have a slight discoloration or tint that you are unable to get rid of, then try using activated carbon. .

Vacationing? Worry not!

If you have a fountain or pondless waterfall, then this topic probably doesn't worry you as much you because these features can simply be unplugged while you are away on vacation. However, if you have a pond with fish there  are a few more things to keep in mind before you leave. Fortunately, there are precautionary steps that can be  taken in order to ensure that your water feature continues to run smoothly while away.  

Anti-Parasite and Anti-bacteria Foods

The warmer temperatures of Spring and Summer are here, and with them come something else... PARASITES.. 

The Dreaded GREEN!

The Patio Basin from Aquascape Inc.

Now you can have a beautiful water feature or fountainscape anywhere in your home, backyard, or patio. 

Ponds not your thing?

Fish Health

Keep your fish healthy by helping them build strong immune systems and slime coats.

Does your pond need a springtime overhaul?

If your pond is full of debris and its been a while since you have done a full clean out, then it might be time to give your pond a springtime overhaul!

Small Water Features, BIG Impact

Are You Ready for Spring?!

Are you ready for Spring? Apparently Mother Nature isn't! Making sure you open your pond from its winter hibernation in the correct way is vital for both fish health and the overall success of your ecosystem pond or water feature..

Fish Food Facts

 Regularly feeding with a well-balanced food will help keep your fish in tip-top shape and will also help increase color, health, and vitality. It's also beneficial to supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables such as orange slices, watermelon, peas, and zucchini. These are all great treats that are packed with vitamins and minerals to keep your fish healthy and strong. Koi treats that contain vitamin c and other essential elements are also available to add that extra something to your finned friends' diet.