Which Perennials should I divide in the Fall?

September and October are the best months to spruce up your perennial garden by dividing and transplanting some of your perennials. During these months the temperatures are cooler and rain is more likely. This gives the transplanted perennials time to take root and do well in their new surroundings. You should try to divide and transplant perennials about six weeks before the first hard frost in your area.

Some Perennials to Divide in Fall would include:
Astilbe
Asiatic Lily
Oriental Lily
Lily-of-the-Valley
Bleeding Heart
Siberian Iris
Japanese Iris
Veronica
Peony

Generally, bloom time determines when you should divide and transplant perennials. Spring and early summer flowering perennials can be transplanted in fall. Late summer and fall bloomers are better suited for moving in the spring.

For tips on dividing and transplanting perennials, click here, to visit P Allen Smith's Website.

Aquatic Connections Water Garden Center carries a beautiful assortment of perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs through the Spring, Summer & Fall months. Perennials planted around ponds and water features help soften the landscape and blend the aquatic plants and pond edges with the garden. Click here, for directions to Aquatic Connections showroom and display ponds.

Why use a Pond Aerator in your pond?

Pond aeration is vital in the winter months as pond water begins to freeze. In order for fish to survive, a hole needs to exist in the ice for the exchange of oxygen and the release of harmful toxins that can build up. A pond aerator is an inexpensive way to keep the water circulating near the surface of the pond and preventing a small area from freezing over. Pond aeration can be used year round to raise the oxygen levels in the pond water providing a healtier environment for fish and plants.

The Aquascape Pond Aerator 2 is a small, inexpensive pond aeration system that can easily be added to any pond. Click here, for more information on pond aerators. Visit www.aquaticconnections.com for upcoming pond winterizing seminars.

Prepare your pond for winter

Even if the leaves aren't falling in you pond yet, there is one thing you could do now, in September, to help get your pond ready for winter. The first step is adding a cold weather bacteria, such as Microbe Lift Autumn Prep. Microbe Lift Autumn Prep is specially formulated for pond winterization. Autumn Prep helps accelerate the decomposition of leaves, sediment and sludge that can accumulate in ponds during the Fall and Winter months. Four monthly doses are recommended, so that's why Aquatic Connections suggests starting the first application of Microbe Lift Autumn Prep in September. When used according to the manufacturer's directions, Microbe Lift products are safe for fish and aquatic plants. Click here, for more information on Microbe Lift Autumn Prep cold weather bacteria for ponds. Visit www.aquaticconnections.com for upcoming pond winterizing seminars.

What's the Most Unusual Wildlife you've seen in your pond?

My son called me to the kitchen window because he saw a hawk sitting on the top of our patio swing. He wanted me to get my camera and take a picture of it. I told him we needed to go to the dining room window for a closer shot. What we saw when we got there was unbelievable! The red-tailed hawk was still sitting on the swing, but THREE of his friends or family members were taking a bath in the stream of our pond! It was amazing! They hopped in the shallow area, got their feathers wet and then perched on a rock to shake the water off. One at a time they flew to the top of the swing to dry off. I just had to go outside and get closer. Three of the red-tailed hawks were perched on the swing and one was taking a longer more luxurios bath. I snapped some great shots before they flew away. We have seen frogs in our pond, a flock of robins take a bath in our pond and now Four Red-tailed hawks stop by. What is the most unusual wildlife you have seen in your pond?

More wildlife pictures are posted on our website www.aquaticconnections.com.

Learn how you can certify your yard as a backyard habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

How Do You Protect Your Koi?

Protecting your koi from predators can sometimes be a challenge. Pond owners have tried various ways to keep their koi safe from herons and raccoons. I decided to try a new item called Islandscapes by Freedom. In three easy steps, I filled, planted and launched my Islandscape. It gives the koi and goldfish in my pond a place to hide from predators. From above it looks like part of the landscape. It provides shade for the koi and goldfish and they love to hang out under it. Islandscapes come in five sizes, so they can add a splash of color and beauty to any size pond. The picture of my Islandscape was taken after it had been planted for 4 weeks, and everything is filling in beautifully. We're going to plant a larger one for the koi pond at Aquatic Connections. We may do it as a seminar. What do you think? How do you protect your koi? Post your comments and let everyone know. It may help someone out.