Beneath The Surface. A Compendium of Facts, Fancy, Tidbits, Tips

Transcription

1 EASTERN IOWA POND SOCIETY, INC Visit us at Beneath The Surface President 2008 Officers: Monica Morley 319/ Vice President Dave Bell 319/ Secretary/Treasurer Jackie Allsup 319/ Editor Volunteers Monica Morley 319/ Co-Editor - Maria Hamilton Webmaster Josh Spece 319/ josh@inthecountrygardenand gifts.com Librarian Herman & Rosie Michel 319/ conner173@mchsi.com A Compendium of Facts, Fancy, Tidbits, Tips April, Thursday, April 10th Monica & Gil Morley / Elena Murillo s home 6702 Spring Cove CT. NE Cedar Rapids IA Dinner 6:00 pm * Speaker At 7:00 meeting follows Speaker: Chuck Porto - 7:00pm Iowa City Landscaping & Garden Center Retail Manager H is hort ic ult ural roots began as a child w ork ing in his f am ily 's W es t D es Moines garden w here they c ultivated 1. 5 ac res and s old v eget ables out of t heir garage and t o v arious rest aurant s. In January of 2003, C huck bec am e t he host of the KXIC Sat urday Law n & Garden Show ( AM 800 ), a loc al c all-in gardening inform at ion s how. Chuc k lives in Iow a Topic: A Garden For All Seasons Shrubs and Small Trees for Multi-season Interest. Bring your chairs.. for slide show in the garage Saturday April 26th at 6:30 pm Bob & Stephanie Geers 3615 Honey Hill Dr SE Cedar Rapids IA Speaker Laura Krouse Laura Krouse raises vegetables and crops on a small farm near Mt. O Vernon. She has installed several soil conservation and water ver 40 quality members improvement practices on her farm, including a 4-acre pond successful and a year 3-acre at the upland celebrated th close of a No- wetland and restored prairie. She is the chair of the Linn vember Soil 18th and meeting. Water Conservation District. with awards and a writing Volunteers were recognized Topic: Rain Gardens pen engraved with Eastern Iowa Pond Society Inc. Bring your chairs. Happy Pondering for their participation in the Pond Expo, Pond Tour,

2 Minutes March 22, 2008 P age 2 Meeting was called to order at 2:00 pm by President, Monica Morley. Hosts were Greg and Martha Bickal. Monica thanked the Bickal s for opening their home to 35 pond members and one visitor. The treasurer s report was given by Monica, in Jackie s absence: Income Membership: $ Expenses: $ Total Account: $4, New members present: Jim & Sylvia Blood and Anthony Patti Monica reported contacting several businesses asking for discounts. She has received confirmation that Iowa City Landscaping and Garden Center in Iowa City and Earl May Garden Center on the NE side of Cedar Rapids will give 10% discount to members. (See page 7 for details) Monica contacted Oakes Daylilies and they provided copies of their 2008 catalogs, which were passed out. If you would like one, please see Monica. Monica has purchased lilies in the past from this company. Monica referred to a past idea from members of a picnic without a meeting. She has reserved Noelridge Park Pavillion by the duck pond for Saturday, August 30. Jamie Beyer will be speaking. This social event is open to the Waterloo club and Central Iowa club. Event is also open to past members. (Further details on Page 4) Reminder: Membership renewal deadline is April 1. Monica reporting receiving Kirkwood s request for a $500 scholarship. She will turn the request over to the treasurer/secretary to hold, along with other suggestions, for dispersing of pond proceeds. Rose Milden opened discussion regarding Kirkwood s request for payment now so it could be listed in the school s catalog. Monica explained that any dispersement would have to wait until after the pond tour and was dependent on the proceeds from the tour. She urged members to bring any ideas to the group. Committee Reports: Commercial Relations: Bob Geer reported a good response from contributors of prizes. He has prepared thank you post cards (see below) which will be given with each prize and asked that the recipient mail it to the vendor with their thanks. This is a great way to encourage continued support from the various vendors. Programs: Larry Thompson asked if there was interest in having Rick Patterson from the Indian Creek Nature Center speak at a meeting. The response was positive and Larry will contact Rick. Monica introduced Greg, who spoke about Pond Filtration. It was a very informative presentation and Greg provided handouts. After his talk, members were given the opportunity to ask questions and to visit his Koi house and ponds. Greg mentioned that his ponds were not up and running and he was planning on remodeling his ponds, which would include putting in bottom drains. Greg mentioned he would be placing an order for drain domes for $16 each. Anyone interested should contact him. Vice President, Dave Bell, lead the 3P s (Plants, Products, Problems) 15-minute discussion. Among things discussed, new member, Jim Blood, asked about white algae, and happily found out that it was carpet algae and was considered a good thing. He had been considering draining his pond to get rid of it. Prizes were awarded to the following: Sylvia Blood, Larry Thompson, Kerry Shaner, Jim Blood, Gil Morley, Joe Holtzman, Carl Unkel, Roberta Ward, Bob Kontz, Roy Gaddis, Dave Kunkle, Mia Bickal, Janice Bell, Robert Ward, and Gary Hunerdosse. Monica wished everyone a Happy Easter the meeting was adjourned at 4:10 pm. Submitted by Maria Hamilton Co-Editor

3 From March 22nd meeting P age 3 Creative Gardening Series Member,Greg Bickal, talks about filtration Dave Frieden checks out materials Greg uses as Karen Frienden listens for more tips that Greg had to offer. LECTURES at Cedar Rapids Public Library 500 1st Street SE Visualizing Changes in Your Landscape Tuesday APRIL 1 6:30pm 8:00pm Professional Gardener and author Janet Macunovich The club members receiving lots of information on filtration Vice President,Dave Bell, starts the 15-minute open discussion he calls the 3 P s, Problems, Plants, and Products. New addition to the meetings. Growing Perennials in Cold Climates Tuesday APRIL 8 6:30pm 8:00pm Michael L. Heger, author and owner of Ambergate Gardens will present. Shrubs for Cold Climates: Beyond Burningbush Tuesday APRIL 15 6:30pm 8:00pm Join Glenn Herold, Professor of Horticulture at Illinois Central College for this lecture Looking for a Special Fish? Greg shows his invention, Bio Rope, that he uses. He said it is much lighter than the lava rock that some members still use. David Zahn from Moline will take orders for any type of Japanese fish. David was a vendor at the 2007 Pond Expo. Call him for details 309/

4 Special Event Potluck Picnic Guest Speaker member Jamie Beyer Saturday, August 30, 2008 P age 4 Jamie is a Lifetime Master Gardener from the Ames/Boone area and is founder and immediate Past President of the Central Iowa Water Garden Association. Water gardening has been a passion of Jamie's for over 45 years and, currently, he has three 10,000 gallon ponds and one 27,000 gallon pond which contains many kinds of water plants and fish. He combines this experience with his Master's Degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology to become uniquely qualified to be one of the Midwest's foremost experts on the subject. His broad background of fisheries, dynamics of water, wildlife ecology, and horticulture gives him impressive credentials. Jamie frequently speaks and writes on all aspects of water features and water gardening to gardeners in the Midwest. In addition, he also has a consulting/installation business, called Midwest Waterscapes, which he works as a water garden, fountain and pond consultant/installer to people that want extra help. Jamie has considerable experience installing ponds, diagnosing water garden problems, teaching classes and helping do-it-yourselfers, do it right. Since the late 80's, he has been involved with the design and installation of over 700 water gardens and features. Jamie and co-author Veronica Fowler, wrote the Ortho Book "All About Garden Pools and Fountains". Over a half million copies of the book has been sold since it's publication. Topic FISH & WILDLIFE OF WATER GARDENS Mark your calendar Don t miss this exciting event. Saturday, August 30, :00 pm to 10:00 pm Noelridge Park Pavillion/Cedar Rapids IA

5 P age 5 Member Deb Kontz Top 5 Picks On Koi Health Just for fun 1. Do not expire at a meeting or in the vicinity of ponders. You will be dissected. And then everyone will see your guts. 2. If you are dissected, everyone will know your diet. and analyze your fat content. Double gross. Again, you have been warned. 3. Parrots or large tropical birds in your indoor fish wintering area help your fish survive. I've seen proof. As a bonus, they can help YOU survive by warning when strange ponders are in the vicinity. Or pelicans too, I suppose. 4. Many ponders are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to fish nutrition. Composition, compounds, supplements...hey wait... weren't we missing a few members last meeting? Maybe a little TOO knowledgeable. Can anyone spell s-o-y-l-e-n-t g-r-e-e-n? Mm-hm. Just the right algea content too. Let's see if they ever "show" again...! The members, I mean. 5. My water is pretty clear and my fish look alive. That's a pretty good day for me. With more meetings and information, however, I hope to someday join the ranks of members who have a fish the size of which swallowed Pinnochio. At least the action sized one. If you are interested in participating in the 2008 Pond and Garden Tour let us know.. A few things to keep in mind, are your walkways safe for the public (senior citizens) to walk. Do you have an entryway to enter and one to exit. Do you have good parking. At a later date the Pond Tour Committee will set up a time to come out and view your pond. April Birthda ys Eileen Serbousek Looking for Ponds for the 2008 Pond and Garden Tour April 17th If you would like your birthday printed in the newsletter, us at mespringcove@aol.com or sign in with the Hospitality Committee: Elena Murillo or Gil Morley. You also must be a current 2008 Member. Any questions contact Monica Morley

6 Hosta of the Month by Josh Spece P age 6 First Frost With spring just around the corner, frost is the last thing any gardener wants to hear about. Try to look past the name, though, because Hosta First Frost is a real winner! Being a sport of Halcyon, First Frost has some stellar relatives including one of my all time favorites June. First Frost greets us in the spring with a rich, buttery-yellow edge and a strong blue center. Like its parent, the blue coloring is among the best of any hosta and it holds the color most of the season. By early June, the gold margin fades to creamy white. In either combination, the margin and center colors always offer a striking contrast. The good leaf substance keeps First Frost looking fresh until the first frost of autumn. This hosta grows steadily into a 30 wide mound that has lavender flowers in July. Hosta First Frost is one kind of frost I welcome in my garden! Josh Spece is a long time member of EIPS. Congratulations To Members, Carol & Dennis Sindelar, who won Runner-up Best of Show with some Electric Yellows and a Borlyi (cichid) at the EIAA Fish Show at Noelridge Easter Weekend What s Up. Iowa Koi and Watergarden th St. Des Moines, IA under construction Owners Julie Leonard and her husband will have high quality koi. As well as food, supplies, test kits, Koi hobby books and magazines. Along with a veterinarian Koi health assessments. A sad Good Bye to our fellow fish buddies who have passed on to peaceful waters. Our fish sympathy to: Jackie Allsup Joe Olsen Becki Lynch Robert & Roberta Ward Karen & David Frieden Hugh & Kathi Albrecht Joe Hall Ode to My Fish Unknown Author O, w et pets, never have I yet been so fortunate to get companions such as you. Unlike my cats, you do not scratch, nor prey on small fow l, nor at midnight yow l. You may not purr nor w arm my knees, but it's for sure you know how to please. You are quiet as the fog; not so for my dog. He jumps and w ill drool, and acts much the fool. You may not fetch, nor happily greet me, but it's not a stretch to say that you love me. You are beauty in motion, and freedom in form; your life's but an ocean and mine to death foresw orn. But never w ill I be alone, as long as you are at my home.

7 10% Discount P age 7 Member Josh Spece s business In the Country Garden & Gits offers a discount to members. You must show your current membership card at time of purchase th St Independence IA % discount on pond plants and water gardening supplies (includes fountains & water bowls). Must show your 2008 membership card at time of purchase. 520 Hwy 1 West Iowa City IA % on regular priced vegetable and garden plants. Also pond products. Must show current 08 membership card at time of purchase Northland Ave NE Cedar Rapids IA (only) New member Tony Patti s business, AJ s Copper Garden, is located at 3146 Hwy 6 Trail Homestead, IA and also has a Gallery located at Trail Amana, IA, He designs sculptures with copper, brass and stainless steel, mounted on steel posts, so they will last a lifetime, even outdoors. Check out his website: AJsCopperGarden.com Thank you goes out to Oaks Daylilies for sending 2008 catalogs for our members. I have purchased daylilies and had great success. Upon my request they sent the catalogs. Please support them. Check out their web site also. Catalogs available at the meetings until gone. Monica/President I have contacted several business in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City area. Requesting membership discounts. As of this time we have acquired 3 additional business along with In the Country Garden and Gifts. Please support all of them by making purchases from them using your membership card to receive the 10% discount. Monica Morley/President

8 Dead Fish.Now What?? -Jackie Allsup, KHA P age 8 The good news is, it s finally Spring! The bad news is, as the ice is melting off our ponds, many of us are finding our beloved pets are dead or very sick. Phone calls are coming in; What do I do now? Now if you ve lost all your fish Just walk away.sadly just wait till it gets warmer before you mess with it. There s not much to be gained by going out there when water temps are still in the low 40 s to catch pneumonia messing in the cold water. When it s warmed up enough to play in the water and you feel like you can stand to again work on the pond, without filling it up with dirt, you can then go out and first give it a thorough evaluation. Let s try to figure out why the fish died? Was it a water quality problem? Did I allow the ammonia to increase and the ph to decrease by not doing water changes? Is there a lot of debris in the bottom? Did I fail to keep a hole open or an aerator running? Did I not keep the snow shoveled off all winter? Is the pond raised above the ground, which allows the water to get too cold, or is the pond too shallow for fish? Or, do you feel like possibly one fish died early on, causing the water to deteriorate and causing the other fish to die? It s important to try to figure out what went wrong, so we can actually fix the problem. Whether it is owner/operator failure or Mother Nature, we can t fix something if we don t realize the problem. It may be an appropriate time to realize, this fish keeping stuff takes some work. There are no pets on earth that can go 4-5 months without any type of care at all. Sadly, we must realize our fishy friends can not go unattended for a whole winter either. If we re not going to bring them in, then maybe we need to realize we are going to have to shovel snow once in a while or run a hose from the house. I can hear it now: I did the same thing this winter as last! There is no denying this winter was especially cold and snowy. Ice preceded snow and it just never let up. We may have even thought the snow on our ponds was a good insulator. That s a wrong line of thought for many reasons. Regardless the reason, we must move forward to save the remaining fish if there are any. As you might guess, getting all dead fish out as quickly as possible is imperative, especially if you still have some live fish. You ll need to test your water. Most likely that will tell you why your fish are dead, but not always. Most people are finding ammonia off the charts. Some are experiencing low ph, some POs (pond owner) are not. If you re finding high ammonia and still have some live fish, you need to immediately get it treated and bound, then start water replacements, Simply drop in a sump pump to get some of the water out and run a hose from an inside faucet, if you have to. Use straight cold water from the tap. (Be sure to treat for chlorine if needed.) Do a series of water changes over the next few days to dilute the icky water out and rebuild your gh and ph levels if necessary. Your surviving fish will appreciate the new refreshed waters. You ll need to examine the remaining fish to decide their condition. If they are covered with fungus or heavy slime coats or are display signs of pineconeing, you might want to consider bringing them inside to warm them up and treat them. Pond side heavy salt dips are also a good treatment for ailing fish. (.6% salt bath for 30 minutes and them return to the pond..6%= 6teaspoons per gallon) If the remaining fish aren t doing too badly, then continue with your usual Spring routine. Now that winter is over, we can consider raising the salt level up to.3% (added over a 3 day period,.3% = 3lbs per 100 gal) for a couple weeks or so during the Spring to help deter parasites and help your fish s osmotic systems adjust to the warming water. Adding products like Koizyme can help keep the pathogenic bacteria down in your pond. With dead fish, your pond may be full of these nasty bugs, that will cause ulcers and other problems with your winter stressed fish. If you examine the gills on your dead fish, if they are tattered and white and fungusy looking you already have major water problems and more stringent measures may need to be taken to save any fish at all. Once water parameters are stabilized, we can keep a better eye on its quality and just as soon as it gets warm enough to actually work out there, vacuum the bottoms, clean filers, and get things running again. (Remember to always clean filters before turning them on again) With a little extra care, our ponds can again support a thriving fish community. With thorough evaluations and a little honesty about pond conditions and stocking levels, we can continue to enjoy our fishy friends for many years to come.

9 TENTATIVE 2008 Meeting Schedule Times determined by the Host/Hostess Programs will be updated as available along with the times of the meetings. May 8th Dave & Karen Frieden Becki Lynch/Ornamental Grasses May 24th Carl Unkel 5:00pm/Potluck June 12th Jeff Garner & Kerry Shaner 6:30 Rich Patterson/Indian Creek Nature Center 7:00 June 28th Pre-Pond Tour July 13th Pond Tour July 26th Roberta & Robert Ward Photo Contest August 14th Jo & Gary Hunerdosse 7:00pm August 23rd Hugh & Kathi Albrecht 7:00pm August 30th Social Picnic Event/Noelridge Park Pavillion Jamie Beyer 5:00 pm September 11th Becki Lynch September 27th Bob & Deb Kontz/Jamie Beyer October 25th Herman & Rosie Michel TBD Recognition Night Eastern Iowa Pond Society Membership Application 2008 To become a member of the Eastern Iowa Pond Society, complete this form and mail it along with your dues to : Eastern Iowa Pond Society 206 n. 3rd ST PO BOX 148 QUASQUETON IA Dues are $10.00 per calendar year. Make checks payable to: Eastern Iowa Pond Society New membership Renewal Name: Address: Phone Number: address: Newsletters will be mailed to all members. Dues will be $10.00 per family, payable November of previous year and delinquent April 1st of each year. These dues entitle a member to participation in all activities and receive a monthly newsletter.

10 Eastern Iowa Pond Society Inc. Box N 3rd St Quasqueton, IA Non profit organization Eastern Iowa Pond Society Inc. Visions Our Mission Statement We are committed to providing a social atmosphere for members dedicated to sharing and learning the pleasure of water gardening. We are a non-profit organization. Membership of this association shall be open to any individual without regard to race, creed, national origin or Sex, who shall render membership dues as specified in the governing documents. History The Eastern Iowa Pond Society was established by Sharon Weiss in 1996 to encourage and promote water gardening and ponds. Meetings Meetings are held at different members homes the second Thursday at 7:00PM and the fourth Saturday in April, May. June. July, August and September. During Feb., March, October and Nov. meetings are held once a month on a Saturday. No meetings are held in December or January. Yearly Planning A plan-the-year meeting is held on a February afternoon at a central location to hammer out strategies on how the club will conduct business and to plan activities for the upcoming year. Activities A yearly Pond Tour event involves selected members opening their ponds to the public. Speakers, demonstrations, field trips, plant and fish swap, pot luck, and club projects are all activities that happen during the year. Dues Dues will be $10.00 per family, payable November of previous year and delinquent April 1st of each year. These dues entitle a member to participation in all activities and receive a monthly newsletter.