Q: Should I use a bug spray for my plants?
A: It depends, if you have a serious bug problem. Like ants always eating your flower buds before they bloom. Then you could, but my first suggestion would be to try a non-pesticide first. We have downloadable guidesheets and website URL support in our download area on pesticide alternative treatments for various pests. If you must use a pesticide, only use a bug spray formulated for protecting vegetables for human consumption. And you should NEVER use any bug spray of any kind near your pond!
The sprayed chemical will get into your water and cause illness or death your your aquatic life (fish, frogs, turtles, water fowl, aquatic invertebrates)
The harmful effects of most every pesticide outweigh it's beneficial use. Among the horrors of pesticide use are illness and death to pets such as cats and dogs. Illness to children and groundwater contamination, and the illness and death of common yard animals such as; birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and beneficial or protected insects like the praying mantis.
We urge you not to use a pesticide if you can help it.
We also offer fully licensed pest control as one of our premiere services, please call us!
and click this link for more information in our services area.
Back to top
Q: How often should I water my plants?
A: Each plant has it's own specific needs. Some need to be watered more then others. The best advice here is to know and monitor
your plants. If you need to know the health care of a specific plant whose name eludes you. Try bringing a leaf sample to your local nursery to see if they know what it is.
Back to top
Q: Something's eating my plants?
A: If you are sure something is eating your plants, you should monitor the plant and observe it to see if you can see what may be your hungry enemy.
Back to top
Q: Will my fish and turtles eat my water plants?
A: Yes, but some fish and turtles will eat more plant material then others. Koi will readily eat most plants and uproot waterlilies and other underwater plants.
The best preventative is to keep your animals well fed and place a layer of larger stones over your potted plants. This will discourage
them from digging in.
Back to top
Q: What if my plant doesn't look healthy?
A: Then your in big trouble! No, no, just kidding. If your plants or plant is looking unhealthy you will want to check out a few things.
Are it's leaves discolored? If your plants leaves are turning yellow, its a good indication that it is receiving too much water.
If the leaves are brown or brittle. Then that may be telling you it needs water.
If your plant growth doesn't look as vigorous as before, or the same as previous seasons, then it may not be receiving enough nutrients. A good plant fertilizer will do the trick. But please don't over fertilize!
If you need our assistance or services, please call us.
Back to top
Q: Should I fertilize my plants?
A: Do they need it? If your ground is fertile and your plants are growing happy and healthy, then no.
But if your garden isn't as plentiful or as robust as it used to be, then that's a good indication they do need fertilizing.
Never use a spray or granule fertilizer near your pond. The fertilizer will cause an algae bloom and add excess nutrients into the water. Granules get washed in from rainwater or daily watering.
If you must fertilize your plants near your watergarden or pond, use a fertilizer stick that is inserted into the ground near
your plant.
Back to top
Q: Do I need to fertilize my water plants? And how?
A: Mostly no, water plants get their nutrients from the water which there is usually an excess of. But a few may. Sometimes potted waterlilies and lotus will need to be fertilized. An indication is a lily or lotus that doesn't bloom as frequently as it used to, this can also can be from old age, and the reduction of lily pads the plant produces.
If you want to fertilize your water plants, you must use a special fertilizer made for aquatic plants.
If you have a maintenance contract with us, you don't have to worry. We take care of all your plants needs.
Back to top
Q: Should I fertilize or use weedkiller on my lawn near my pond?
A: No, both fertilizer and weedkiller are hazardous to fish and frogs.
Frogs breathe through their skin and are very susceptible to any type of pesticide and bug spray, even granules.
Already there is a massive decline of frog populations all over the world. They are like natures warning system to us telling us there is something wrong in the environment. If you would like more information about this or would like to help.
Please visit:
Fertilizer will cause excess nutrients in your pond water which can lead to an algae bloom and reduced fish health.
Back to top
Q: My plant is covered with small insects, what can I do?
A: Any insect posing a threat to your plants can be taken care of using a non-pesticide treatment.
These include using beneficial insects which can be bought at a local nursery or other methods outlined in the pesticide alternative guide in our download area as well as supporting website URL's for the NCAP (northwest coalition for alternatives).
If you truly need to use a pesticide, you may try an over the counter bug spray made for vegetables used for human consumption.
Or call us!, We offer fully licensed pest control.
You may also click this link for more info in our services area.
Back to top
Q: I found black/orange spinyalligator like insects on my plants?
A: They sound like lady bug larvae, the sub-adult stage of lady bugs. They are one of the most beneficial insects you could ever want in your garden.
Lady bugs start life as an aphid lion, then pupate into a lady bug.
You can find a picture and more information on beneficial insects in our special customer only area.
Back to top
Q: What insects are good for my plants?
A: The absolute best insects for your garden plants are lady bugs, praying mantis, spiders, soldier beetles, dragonflies and damselflies, lacewings, and bees.
Back to top
Q: What does Poison Ivy look like?
A: Poison Ivy is most characterized by it's three leaf stucture, normally shiny.
Click on this Reference Link to display Photos of Poison Ivy.
Back to top
