This week, Dermot O'Neill went investigating some water features in the National Garden Exhibition in Wicklow this week. But first he did some research a little further afield...
Dermot is just back from France where he visited the gardens at Versaille and saw Monet's wonderful water lilies
The addition of water to any garden can add a touch of magic. Not only can water features be used as an important focal point but the addition of a pond or pool can be valuable for attracting wildlife to your garden. Dermot visited the National Garden Exhibition Centre in Kilquade, Co. Wicklow, where he spoke to owner Niall Power about the best and most suitable water displays that listeners might like to try in their own gardens.
The National Garden Exhibition Centre has one of the most comprehensive ranges of water features in the country. These water features are on show within a series of display gardens that are open to the public. A visit will help to inspire you to find one that is suitable. Even if you live in an apartment or have a tiny town garden you'll find one suitable. If you have plenty of space there's everything from large fountains through to streams and waterfalls, which will help transform your garden.
For more details about the National Garden Exhibition Centre and its opening times, check out www.gardenexhibition.ie or call 01 281-9890.
Dermot O'Neill's Top 10 Water Gardening Tips for Autumn
Remove dead and decaying leaves from marginal plants and water lilies.
Now is a good time to cut back and remove excessive growth on submerged plants before natural dieback starts.
Remove any tender water plants to a frost-free place.
Feed fish on warm and bright days.
Provide artificial cover for fish to hide beneath over winter as herons can be a problem
Allow some stems of marginal plants such as rushes to remain standing for dragonfly larvae to climb in spring.
Put a net in position over your pond to catch autumn leaf fall. Remove these leaves on a regular basis.
Remove pumps, clean the filters and store them. Lights can also be removed if not required over winter.
If a pump is being left in place over winter, you will need to raise it closer to the pond's surface. This helps to avoid mixing cooler surface water with warmer, deeper water.
In frosty weather, keep an area frost free as this will help to avoid the build up of poisonous gases in the water.
This week, Dermot O'Neill went investigating some water features in the National Garden Exhibition in Wicklow this week. But first he did some research a little further afield...
For more details about the National Garden Exhibition Centre and its opening times, check out 
