Maintaining a Koi Pond

September 5

One of the most beautiful and relaxing water features that you can install in your garden or yard is a Koi pond. Koi ponds are a great way to enhance the appearance of your home, and they can help reduce your stress and negative energy. There is something calming about watching brightly-colored fish swimming peacefully in tranquil water: the effect is soothing, almost hypnotic. Koi fish symbolize good fortune, courage, and perseverance; and they are fairly easy to take care of. However, keeping your Koi pond well-maintained will require some work on your part. Your friends here at Pacific Dreamscapes want to offer up three tips to keep your Koi pond (and fish) in great condition.
  • Check your water – Regularly perform checks on the pond water to ensure that is has the right temperature and is free of algae, which spreads quickly and hogs the oxygen that is meant for your plants and fish. Water is generally checked for ph, nitrate and nitrite levels, and hardness. The best way to ensure that your pond’s water is clean is by the use of water filtration systems, but these filters also require regular checks and cleaning. Include plants like Anacharis, a type of plant that filters the water as they grow. You can also keep your pond water fresh by draining one-tenth of the current water and replacing it with “new” water regularly; as well as changing your pond’s water every month.
  • Check your fish – Check to see if your fish have any diseases or injuries. Koi fish are easy to take care of, so there shouldn’t be any problems as long as they are properly fed. And while we’re on the subject of feeding, make sure that your Koi aren’t overfed; as this could increase the levels of nitrite and ammonia in the pond, which in turn could lead to problems such as fish parasites or fin rot. Also, make sure that your pond isn’t overpopulated, and that the Koi have enough space to feed and breed properly.
  • Check your pond and items – When changing your pond water, clean all of the items that are in your pond such as decorative rocks, sculptures, tiles, and other pond features to keep them algae -free. Clean the sides of the pond as well. Use a proper algae scrub and plenty of hot water. Then, remove items that can harm your fish such as dead plant life, harmful insects, and even the residue that builds up and gets caught in your pond’s water pump and water filter.
Pacific Dreamscapes can help you design and build a Koi pond in your yard or garden, or; if you already have one, we can help maintain it for you. Our ponds are constructed with durable rubber liners and a layer of pebbles which allows beneficial bacteria to colonize and break down pond muck, and helps prevent UV breakdown. We provide Landscape Contracting and Design services in San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Coronado and all nearby cities in San Diego County. Call us at 858-583-4105 for a consultation, or contact us online.

Backyard Landscaping – An Important Area To Landscape

October 18

For homeowners in San Diego, a huge part of owning a house is landscaping the backyard. Whether it is front yard landscaping or backyard landscaping, the work should be done. While the front lawn is necessary because it’s more visible to others and neighbors who drive by, the backyard is no less important. The backyard is where pals and families collect for bbqs and birthday parties and where some families place their pool. The majority of backyards are landscaped with careful thought and preparation. Unique factor to consider is taken into the positioning of every blade of lawn, each ornamental stone and all of the species of flowers that beautify a yard. Backyard Landscaping Flowers, stones and yard are simply some of the ways to landscape a backyard. Big shade trees, waterfalls and natural gardens are some other methods. The style of your landscape will depend upon your pastimes, interests and goals for your yard. Yard landscaping can be a lot of enjoyable, specifically when you make it individual. Landscape your yard to reflect your character and your houses personality. Include a bar to your back patio if you and your household like to captivate. Clean up the bbq grill and don’t forget the citronella candle lights to keep the bugs away. Maybe you’ll wish to construct a croquet course, miniature golf course, or put in a sand lot for some sand volleyball. Whatever your preference, make backyard landscaping fun for the whole family. Keep your household in mind too, when it comes time to maintain the backyard landscaping. Big backyards will need a lot more upkeep and grooming. Taking care of the yard can be a good household activity. You can cut the lawn, pull the weeds and get the kids involved in watering the plants. If you have a fruit tree in your yard, you’ll most likely be spending a long time picking up the fallen apples or cherries. And of course, you’ll likewise have to reserve time to have the tendency to your natural garden. It can be surprisingly gratifying to grow your very own herbs and use them in unique dishes that you cook when you’re entertaining good friends and neighbors. Backyard Landscaping with Artificial Turf If you are the type who would rather keep your yard to yourself, then perhaps you do not have to worry about the huge, green lawn. Perhaps you ‘d rather have a quaint yard with standard backyard landscaping. You can put in some turf, tactically position some shade trees and plant a few of your preferred flowers. You may wish to consist of some bigger bushes, if area enables as they will add some beautiful green to your colorful yard. This kind of yard might require the exact same maintenance as a large backyard, however not nearly the time dedication. No matter what your character states about your yard landscaping, something’s for sure– house owners all over will tell you to develop your backyard just the way you want to. Front yard landscaping or backyard landscaping, the work must be done. Whatever your choice, make backyard landscaping fun for the whole household. Keep your household in mind too, when it comes time to keep the backyard landscaping. Possibly you ‘d rather have a quaint lawn with standard backyard landscaping. No matter what your character says about your yard landscaping, one thing’s for sure– property owners all over will inform you to develop your yard simply the way you desire to. If you are interested in getting expert opinion for your San Diego County Backyard or other Landscaping in San Diego, contact Pacific Dreamscapes at  (858) 583-4105 or email us at info@pacificdreamscapes.com

A wonderful backyard landscaping idea

October 14

An excellent backyard landscaping concept is one that everybody can make use of. There are many different yard landscaping concepts and most of them are respectable but to discover the one that is right for you which is simply what your backyard needs might take some reading. This post will help you to discover the best backyard landscaping concept for your home. A good backyard landscaping concept is to use palm trees. Numerous people like to use deciduous trees in the lawn and this is always an excellent idea however it is the palm trees that will give the lawn the structure and the stability that it requires for an excellent backyard landscaping concept and style. San Diego Backyard Landscaping IdeasYou need to look for a backyard landscaping idea like the one above that will benefit you all year round. Deciduous trees will not be stunning in all seasons, many perhaps, however not all. Palm trees on the other hand are always wonderful and they look as beautiful in the winter season as they perform in the summertime and this is why they produce such a terrific yard landscaping concept. The key to any fantastic landscaping style is to discover a yard landscaping idea like this that will keep your lawn interesting no matter what time of the year it is. Another great yard landscaping idea is to utilize hardscape. When looking for a good backyard landscaping concept you require to look for other options besides simply plants. There is much more to landscaping than just plants and trees. Because they will simply accent all of your other wonderful backyard landscaping walls, fences and ideas can frame your residential or commercial property perfectly and utilizing them is such a fantastic yard landscaping concept. They will frame your backyard as a photo frame frames a gorgeous painting. Take a look at this sort of backyard landscaping concept as well in your search for the one. Many people like to use deciduous trees in the lawn and this is always a good concept but it is the evergreens that will offer the lawn the structure and the stability that it needs for a good backyard landscaping idea and style. California Landscaping IdeasThe key to any great landscaping design is to discover a yard landscaping idea like this that will keep your backyard intriguing no matter what time of the year it is. When looking for an excellent yard landscaping concept you need to look for other choices besides just plants. Fences and walls can frame your home magnificently and utilizing them is such a terrific backyard landscaping idea due to the fact that they will just accent all of your other fantastic yard landscaping concepts. If you’re interested in scheduling an on-site consultation for a backyard landscaping idea or landscape service, contact Pacific Dreamscapes at (858) 583-4105 or email info@pacificdreamscapes.com

Custom Backyard Water Fountains in San Diego

March 24

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Backyard Water Fountains

The gentle trickle of a backyard water fountain or an outdoor wall fountain brings life, motion and peace to any backyard. Water fountains can attract more birds than Koi ponds or still water and the soothing sounds of trickling water will transform your space into a peaceful retreat. Backyard water fountains pair great with waterfall design and xeriscape or low water landscape designs.

Custom Backyard Water Fountain Feature in San Diego

This fountain water feature was built in Carlsbad, San Diego CA in the summer of 2012. For this project, we used Aquascape products and Basalt stone columns purchased from KRC in Lakeside, San Diego CA. The Aquascape components of this fountain water feature consisted of an Aqua Basin, Ultra 800 pump and LED lighting and transformer. The first process was to excavate the soil needed to install the aqua basin. The basin serves as a place to conceal the pump and plumbing. Set the basin on compacted gravel to ensure a solid foundation. Once the basin is installed, make sure it is completely level. The next step is to insert the Ultra 800 pump inside the fountain basin. Attach a kink-free pipe to the pump and run it up through the hole that has been drilled in the basalt rock column. Install the lighting to your fountain water feature and attach to a low voltage lighting transformer. To complete this fountain water feature project we covered the aqua basin with black Mexican beach pebbles. Depending on the size of your fountain, your project can be completed in as little as one day.

Custom Backyard Water Fountain San Diego Design Projects

For more San Diego Backyard Water Fountain Design Ideas or if you want to schedule an on-site appointment concerning a Backyard Water Fountains Project in San Diego County, contact Pacific Dreamscapes at 858-583-4105 or email estimates@pacficdreamscapes.com. You can also look into features such as Pondless Waterfalls here.