|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INTRODUCTION
So you've decided to build your very own backyard water garden. You are in the process of actively planning out your design, and you're visualizing the end-result. But have you paused to consider what kind of pond construction you will be using? Do you know what kind of pond constructions exist? The majority of garden ponds utilize one of two types of constructions: a preformed shell, or a pond liner.
PREFORMED POND VS. LINER POND
Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. For example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is 60" x 48" x 24", which is too large for many car trunk sizes. Liner kits, on the other hand, present many difficulties for the beginner pond gardener. Since every liner pond shape is different, pond gardeners must customize their own pond and ensure that it is level, and that it does not have excessive wrinkling.
INTRODUCING FOLDING PREFORMED POND SHELLS
Algreen Products Inc.* has helped leverage both these problems by introducing a flexible preformed pond, as part of their 2005 catalog. According to Melissa Mulligan, a sales coordinator with Algreen Products Inc.,
"We recommend the flexible folding pond for any pond gardener who wants to build a top-notch pond. The folding preformed/liner hybrid is created with a proprietary blend of materials, which allows it to hold a customized shape. Yet it is easily transportable, since a typical folding kit comes in a box one-sixth the size of a regular preformed kit."
Algreen advertises that its folding pond includes built-in plant shelves, is weather-resistant, and is able to withstand extreme temperatures from 0 F to 105 F. Algreen guarantees that the pond will not chip, fade, or crack, and backs up this claim with a 20-year warranty.
Upon closer examination of the pond, one of its greatest features is its textured ridges. These ridges are strategically placed to allow beneficial bacteria to form growth colonies, which significantly reduces algae-buildup in the pond. When compared to its closest competitor, the Algreen folding pond seems to be significantly more flexible, and less brittle. Price-wise, the flexible pond kits cannot be beaten. Whereas their competition has a tendency to offer low-grade statuary pumps with their kits, Algreen kits include a heavy-duty Super Flo pump, and a flexible streamlet. The complete Algreen kit includes:
- A flexible preformed pond shell
- An energy-efficient, heavy-duty Super Flo pump (500 or 306 gph, depending on shell size**)
- Four fountain heads
- A telescopic riser and diverter for the Super Flo pump
- A flexible streamlet
- Two 6" silk water lilies
- Tubing and clamps.
As if that's not a great deal, a quick web search will reveal that this kit can be purchased from GardenSuperMart.COM*** with the following FREE accessories:
- FREE 7-color floating solar-powered light
- FREE floating solar-powered frog light
- FREE New Pond, Ammonia Remover, Natural Clear, and Pond Shade water treatments.
As of this article's publication date, GardenSuperMart.com lists the pricing for the 144 gallon granite folding pond (with streamlet) kit at $207.99 USD. The 72 gallon and the 105 gallon kit can be purchased for $157.99 USD.
Gerry Fung is a Sales and Marketing representative for Northbridge Products Inc. This article can be viewed in its entirety (with pictures) at http://www.gardensupermart.com/tips/pre ss_folding.asp
* Algreen Products Inc. has a website at algreenproducts.com
** The 144 gallon kits comes with a 500 gph pump, while the 72 and 105 gallon kits both come with a 306 gph pump.
*** GardenSuperMart.com has an online store at http://www.buypond.com/.
When selecting plants for the landscape, is important to select... Read More
Yes! You can attract hummingbirds to your home. Even if... Read More
Here are a few tips to keep your garden and... Read More
"Organic gardening is not just the avoidance of chemicals, in... Read More
How much have you thought about landscaping? Do you know... Read More
Kitsch is defined by several dictionaries as relating to poor... Read More
What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The... Read More
Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More
Planting wild flowers in your garden, or simply scattering wild... Read More
A garden a serves a man's every day need for... Read More
One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More
Tips for winter care of trees and shrubsWith the garden... Read More
Pruning your roses is one of the most needed and... Read More
Camellias Named by Linnaeus in 1735 in honour of... Read More
When I was a child, I loved to pick Dandelions.... Read More
Watch out, it's a tillandsia! Have no fear, I said... Read More
"The Ancient Art of Placement" called Feng Shui (pronounced phung... Read More
There are many varied definitions of what each color of... Read More
Growing your own seedlings is very gratifying and far more... Read More
Do pests 'gopher' your lawn? Chances are, if you have... Read More
If your grocer says, "Yes, we have no bananas. We... Read More
The growing of flowering or foliage plants on window ledges... Read More
The design of your garden has an amazing affect on... Read More
Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More
Summer is just around the corner, and your lawn could... Read More
Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More
So you've purchased a Porch Swing (or are about to)... Read More
The Adirondack chair is unlike any other chair every made.... Read More
Summer is here and it's time to plant and enjoy... Read More
Installing a backyard fish pond is an aesthetic addition to... Read More
Many gardeners like to enjoy their roses twice - first... Read More
When spring comes and the ground is thawed, it is... Read More
Bare Root Roses, what to look for when buyingThe first... Read More
Greenhouses are a great addition to anyone's garden. They come... Read More
More and more people are enjoying their time spent outdoors... Read More
Know if your plants are disease-susceptible. Your choice of plants... Read More
Keeping Your Soil HealthyYour soil is the most important part... Read More
Women adore getting flowers, most especially roses, as it is... Read More
What is the flower that everyone visualizes and associates with... Read More
Most people would think of fall as a season when... Read More
Your dozen rose gift doesn't only have to decorate your... Read More
When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem... Read More
This is more of a follow up on my original... Read More
If your fish hang out at the bottom of the... Read More
Once water temperatures increase in the summer months, fish become... Read More
Organic gardeners all know compost is fantastic stuff. But now,... Read More
Whether you call them Hydrangea Macrophylla, House Hydrangea, French Hydrangea,,... Read More
Imagine it's a special occasion and you've just received a... Read More
Part four in a seriesIt's hard to think about winter... Read More
No matter how pleasant a garden is, it is not... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |