Mulch is a necessity not only for the pleasantries of the eyes but also for the maintenance and care of your plants and gardens. A healthy layer of mulch will help to retain moisture in the ground, creating a favorable environment for the health of your plants. In other words, mulch is nature's moisturizer for the ground.

Mulch also helps in the prevention of weeds. Though it is not always 100% effective, the addition of a layer of landscape fabric, or even the lost cost effective solution of newspapers, placed between the soil and the mulch is an added defense against pesky weeds. After time, mulch (and newspapers) will decompose enriching the soil, so renewing the mulch on a yearly basis is a beneficial approach.

String Algae is a yearly enemy of a large portion of pond owners. Algae's attack on a pond can be so rapid and so quick that it can seem to penetrate and take over a pond in a matter of days. This can prevent a crystal clear view of the fish or other features within the pond. There is much debate and much solutions that some will hold up and others will throw down.

Like most things in life, there are cycles that must be waded through and pond life is no different. The key is to keeping a healthy balance within the pond so that throughout the cycles, your pond can thrive.

First, a balanced pond needs a balance of plants and fish. Plants help to feed on the nutrition in the water keeping it away from the algae, provide oxygen, shade, and beautify your pond.

Secondly, fish love to feed on algae. It is recommended that you have one inch of fish for every twenty gallons of water.

Thirdly, once you have a healthy plant and fish balance, be patient before you begin to spend money and time on bacteria. Certain bacteria can have an immediate impact on the algae, but can be short lived without having the correct balance within the pond.

If you have a healthy balance of plants and fish, it may be time to add a does of helpful bacteria to remove the algae. Before applying bacteria, remove any loose algae. At this point in the year, try not to clean your Bio-Filters or to change your water because you can remove the bacteria that is fighting to destroy the string algae.

We have a GREAT supply of bacteria that will help in the fight of algae. S.A.B. (String Algae Buster) is a treatment to immediately fight against string algae until it is under control. Also, AquaClearer is a bacteria additive that helps to keep the water clear and prevent against further string algae attacks.

Though perennials are a great addition to your garden, it is the simple task of pruning that can make them really be worth their money.

There are three types of pruning. The first is known as deadheading. This is the task in which you remove the faded flowers from the plant. This helps to promotes continued growth and helps keep the garden looking tidy.

The other is thinning, which entails cutting out stems and shoots at ground level. This helps to remove clutter from the plants and once again adds to the tidiness of your garden.

Cutting back is the third form of pruning. Many perennials can be cut back to keep them from becoming leggy, to promote new foliage and to encourage repeat bloom. Plants that are prone to flopping over benefit from cutting back in early summer because it will prevent the need for staking later in the season.