2013 Demonstration Descriptions
at Springdale Water Gardens

All programs are NO CHARGE and NO REGISTRATION is needed.

Springdale holds free demonstrations each month beginning in March until October. The Pond and Waterfall Construction programs are the best way to get great information and where you can see a hands- on demonstration of installation techniques. Please note that if you attend both sessions that include Pond and Waterfall Construction, they are almost about three hours in length. Some of you may only be interested in one topic or the other. You can attend the first or second part of the two-part seminar, whichever suits your needs. Our spring and fall topics are timely, discussing care and maintenance of your water garden. These seasonal seminars are helpful to the beginner to understand the timing of pond care and the products that help make your job easier. Put one of our demonstrations on your calendar before you get started on your new water garden project. After the program, we'll be glad to discuss your specific needs, so be prepared with sketches, dimensions or other data that would be helpful in planning.

Pond and Waterfall Construction, Plus Stocking with Plants and Fish

Pond and Waterfall Construction is a two part program (about 2-1/4 hours) The topics are divided into two parts with a short break in between sessions. You may attend just one program or both, your choice. Part one is dedicated to pond construction and stocking with plants and fish while part two is covering pump selection and waterfall construction. Read on for the details of each part. Part One - Pond Construction and Stocking with Plants and Fish (Approx. 1-1/4 hours) Learn where to put your water garden for best landscape effect and enjoyment. We'll talk about shape and size and how to choose and install the correct pond liner size. The program deals with skimmers, how and where to install them. We will discuss filtration options, as well. Topics will include placement of stones and making planting areas along the edges of your water garden. We'll show you how to make an effective transition from the landscape to the waters' edge using a planting technique that is much more interesting and attractive than placing a pot on a shelf. A brief portion of the demonstration will be on how to stock plants, fish and scavengers to establish an ecological balance. Break for 15 minutes. Part Two - Build a Waterfall (includes pump selection) (Approx. 1 hour) Select the right pump for the job before starting on the waterfall. We'll show you how to choose the pump to fit your stream and falls. Once you understand the pump selection, we'll demonstrate waterfall installation techniques to help you build a beautiful natural waterfall.

Kids' Day $45.00 Registration Fee and Pre-registration Required

This is a favorite program for school age children, their parents and us too! We’ll take your child on a streamside and wetland tour to explore the fascinating world of water creatures and plants. Even though school is out for the summer, your child will learn (without even realizing it!) about pond ecology when they look in and around the wetland area here at Springdale. The wetlands help them relate stream habitat to the water garden creation that they will be making.
After the tour, we will make our way to the tent for selecting, planting and learning about the small water garden they will be taking home. We provide a kit that includes a Barrel Liner (23” X 15”), plants, scavengers and all the goodies it takes to make your child’s pond a success. Instructions are included for final set-up at home and seasonal care. This fun activity is geared to elementary school age children and has proven quite popular with home schooled children as a valuable learning tool. Each child can build their own creation, or they can share in the project for a fun family time.

Spring Care and Maintenance
Whether you are opening your pond for the season or you are a novice just starting your water garden, this class covers the basics for the spring and summer care of your garden pond. We dig into topics like when and how to feed your fish and plants, when to start adding beneficial bacteria, which products are best for algae control, and how to maintain your pond at its'peak. This program has a companion Fall session fall for maintenance tips on the colder part of the season.

Fall Care and Maintenance

Know what to do as the cold weather approaches to be sure your water garden is ready to go dormant. Recognizing the signs of change for the season means you"ll know when to stop feeding fish and plants. We'll talk about the maintenance issues you need to know about and how to make your fall preparations easier. Discussion of pond cleaning is covered. How to install a pond net to keep leaves out will be addressed. We will also talk about how to keep some of the ice off the pond using either a de-icer or a pump. This seminar has another segment in the spring for maintenance tips on the warmer part of the season.