Hello Summer! This month we will be having our Big Birthday Bash, a photo contest, and hopefully some warm temperatures. Check out the Koi Corner tab below to learn how to keep your fish safe in the hot weather.
This year Falling Water Gardens is celebrating 14 years!
Join us on July 9th and 10th for our Big Birthday Bash! We will have 5%, 10%, and 15% off coupons that you can use on any regular priced item with a max discount up to $150. We will also be serving complimentary snacks and beverages and there will be fun activities all weekend long!
This newsletter features many exciting things including our Water Feature Photo contest, Job Opportunities, and our fun glamping tent experiences! Click through the tabs on the left to see all the fun things we have going on.
Featured Design
These customers have a new contruction home that had a typical front garden installation. Rick created a new design for both the front and back gardens. The front garden used yellow and purple to compliment the dark blue home. Shade loving and fragrant plants were added along with garden path lighting. In the back garden we focused on adding some privacy and herbs. The color scheme in the back was more yellow and orange.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your garden!
Enter our Water Feature Photo Contest to
Win a Gift Certificate!
From July 1 to July 15 enter to win one of two – $25 gift certificates to be used here at Falling Water Gardens. Read below for all the details!
How To Enter:
There are 2 Categories –
•Water feature installed by Falling Water Designs
•Water feature installed by Home Owner
Step 1: Take a photo of your pond/water feature
Step 2: Click the button below to submit your photo and complete our entry form. (You will need to provide an email for this form to submit).
Step 3: Applicants will receive an email when voting goes live, plus we will broadcast on both Facebook & Instagram
Voting:
Voting opens on July 16 and goes until July 29th. We will announce the winner of each category in our August Issue and on our social media accounts!
Please only 1 entry per household.
Koi Knowledge
Terms
- Hi – (HEE) general term for red markings.
- Caudal fin – (KAH dal) tail fin.
- Caudal peduncle – the narrow part of the fish body that connects to the tail fin.
- Doitsu – partially or completely scaleless.
- Karasu – all black koi.
- Shiroji – (shee ROH gee) white area on koi.
- Shiro – (SHEE roh) white.
- Sumi – (SOO mee) black marking.
Colors
Click Here to Learn More About Koi Breeds
Keeping your Fish Safe in Hot Weather
Koi are happiest in water temperatures between 59 and 78 degrees. Of course they survive in our ponds in the winter in much colder water and they should be able to handle water warmer than 78 degrees if we give them some help.
High water temperatures are a problem because the warmer the water gets the less dissolved oxygen there is in the water.
Ammonia becomes more toxic as water warms and the higher your PH is in the pond.Here are some simple steps to help your fish through the heat wave:
Provide shade.
Hyacinth and Lettuce plants, big beautiful water lilies or other aquatic plants. A carefully aimed patio umbrella, or simply floating a pool toy in the pond. Pond dye will darken the water and allow less light to enter the water.
Provide Oxygen.
Turn up your pump if you can to provide more vigorous waterfalls. Add an aerator or an extra pump to splash more water. Ensure that your pumps run all night, don’t turn them off!
Reducing water temperature – methods
Reduce the water temperature by doing a partial water change. Pump out some of the warm water from the pond and put fresh cooler water in. If you do this you must ensure that you dechlorinate the water!
The hotter the day the more chlorine our municipalities put in the water supply, so it is vital that you dechlorinate before adding the new water. Dechlorinator is added before you add the freshwater, not after you’ve filled the pond.
Reduce or eliminate food to reduce ammonia
Reduce or eliminate the amount of food you feed to help reduce ammonia. As we mentioned ammonia is more toxic at higher temperatures and higher PH, so stop feeding to help reduce the ammonia. Fish go months barely eating in the winter, so they can go three days through a heat event without any problems.
DO NOT USE algaecides in this heat! Algaecides reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. You will kill fish using it now.
Expect more algae in your pond in the warm weather. Algae does not harm your fish it is just unsightly.
Falling Water Gardens is open seven days a week from 10am until 6pm. We have all the plants you need to add extra shade and dechlorinator to allow you to make cooling water changes. Come in to get what you need.
Featured Plants
Here are this month’s featured plants. We think this selection would look great in your garden right now. Visit our plant database to learn more about aquatic & terrestrial plants.
Aquatic Plants
Canna
Cannas are large tropical plants that produce gladiolus-like flower spikes in summer atop erect stems sheathed in large paddle-shaped leaves. Plants sold in commerce are mostly hybrids ranging from 1.5′ tall dwarfs to 8′ tall giants. Flower colors typically include red, orange, pink, yellow, cream and some bicolour Foliage colors include shades of green, bronze and striped/variegated. Dramatic foliage provides considerable ornamental interest when plants are not in flower.
Nelumbo nucifera ‘Perry’s Giant Sunburst’
Commonly called the sacred lotus in reference to the sacred and symbolic status the flower holds in Buddhism and Hinduism, Nelumbo nucifera ‘Perry’s Giant Sunburst’ is native to Asia and Australia. It is a large-flowered lotus that usually grows 3-6’ tall in shallow water and spreads by thickened rhizomes rooted in the mud.
Nymphaea x ‘Violicious’
The Violicious Water Lily is a hybrid lily by Mike Giles where he crossed a tropical and hardy water lily. A prolific bloomer with petal colors of blueberry, amethyst and even a beautiful magenta! There is also a burst of bright yellow at the center with a light sweet scent. Disease-resistant hardy water lily is easy to care for and will winter over.
Pontederia Dilatata – Royal Pickerel
Tall, upright plant that makes a beautiful addition to the pond or water garden. Produces intense blue flower spikes that continue all summer long. Mature size of 3 to 6 feet. Produces intense blue flower spikes that continue all summer long. Beautiful addition to the pond or water garden.
Terrestrial Plants
Carex oshimensis ‘Feather Falls’
Feather Falls Sedge has finely textured, variegated evergreen foliage. It is remarkably durable and thrives in shade but will tolerate full sun without burning. It produces long, narrow leaves that arch up from the crow and weep to form a well-behaved clump. It produces delicate, feathery plumes that emerge in the spring and it makes an ideal container or landscape accent.
Helianthemum ‘Henfield Brilliant’
‘Henfield Brilliant’ is a low-growing evergreen shrub with small, silvery-gray, lance-shaped, downy foliage. It has single, bright red-orange flowers with 5 paper-thin petals and bright yellow stamens. The flowers bloom for only one day but there are abundant new buds. Growing 6 to 8 inches tall and 1 1/2 to 2 feet wide, it forms a dense low mound that will cascade over walls or discourage weeds when used as a ground cover.
Penstemon ‘Blue Midnight’
Blue Midnight Beard Tongue features beautiful spikes of navy blue tubular flowers with white throats and violet stripes rising above the foliage from early to late summer, which emerge from distinctive purple flower buds, and which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It’s narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the season.
Plant Database
Have you checked out our plant database? It contains information about the plants that we sell at the nursery and more!
We have even taken it one step further and have incorporated QR codes into the database to help you save and recall information on the plants you are interested in at home or have bought from our nursery. You can bring us the saved plants from this data base to help us locate the ones you want. As well as when you come to Falling Water Gardens you will be able to scan the plant signs to get further information about the plants and flowers.
What is a QR code? In the simplest terms a QR code is a bar code. Most smart phones come equipped with a bar code/QR code reader that will scan the QR code and bring you to the web page of information about our plants. From there you can bookmark the page. If yours does not contain a QR code reader already, you can download one for free through your phone’s app store.
Gift Shop & Decor
Here’s a sample of items we think you’d enjoy this time of year. Be sure to visit the nursery to see ALL of the latest products and plants! We have a huge selection of décor and gifts to choose from! Our Big Birthday bash is the perfect opportunity to get that big ticket item that you’ve been eyeing and get up to 15%* off!
*Up to $150 max discount
Glamping
Have you heard of the term Glamping? Glamping, also known as luxury camping or glamorous camping, is that escape you’ve been meaning to take. It’s that little break from the hustle and bustle. When you’re glamping, there’s no tent to pitch, no sleeping bag to unroll, no fire to build. Glamping is a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury!
Set on ten acres in Monroe, Washington, Falling Water Gardens is home to gorgeous display gardens and water features. Feel free to walk through the property and enjoy the heavenly sights. There is also all sorts of farm life to keep you entertained. You can even feed and pet the koi!
There are 2 fully-furnished glamping tents available for rent. One tent sleeps 2 and the other tent can sleep up to 4. They both feature 1 queen bed in each tent with comfy comforters and pillows, they have electricity, coffee makers, water, and a small fridge.
You’ll find a spacious front porch with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. There is a common area with a BBQ and gas fire-pit.
These tents are perfect for couples or even families. Linen and towels are provided. Please bring additional towels if needed. Laundry is available at an extra cost.
Glamping is available June-August
Rate: $125/night
Huntsman Tent – Sleeps 2
- Queen size bed w/mosquito netting
- Couch
- Table
- Water, Coffee Maker & Small Fridge
Satterley Tent – Sleeps 4
- Queen size bed w/mosquito netting
- Daybed with pull out (forms 2 twin sized beds)
- Table
- Water, Coffee Maker & Small Fridge
No pets. No smoking or open flame inside tents.
Things to do in Monroe, WA
- Go Hiking (Links to a few locations 1|2|3)
- Ride your bike (Map of a few routes)
- See a Movie in town
- 5 mins away from the River and Swimming
- 30 mins away from Redmond Town Center
- 40 mins away from Downtown Seattle
- Evergreen State Fair (Aug. 27th – Sept 7th)
- Evergreen Speedway
To book your stay please visit airbnb.com or click here. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us.
Weddings & Events Venue
Wedding season is in full swing at Falling Water Gardens! Surround yourself with a landscape adorned with natural beauty on your big day. Our gardens and spaces make the perfect back drop to your garden wedding.
We are still booking for the 2023 season and have Saturdays available. Schedule a tour today and book your big event!
We are hiring!
We are currently hiring for Nursery Sales and Gardener positions! Review the positions listed below, apply to come work with us!
Nursery Sales Position
Our company has an immediate need for FULL OR PART-TIME SEASONAL nursery workers.
Enjoy working outside while developing your nursery skills and growing with a great, well-known company in Monroe, Washington.
Applicants who can demonstrate previous retail experience and/or plant knowledge are preferred. Previous retail sales experience is required.
This position assists the Nursery Manager in maintaining the plant material, surrounding gardens, and fish tanks. This is a very physical job requiring frequent lifting of 50 lbs. You must be able to work outside in rain or shine, cold or hot.
Tasks include:
Assisting customers with purchases, including use of point of sale system
Stocking the benches and gift shop
Digging, Edging, Mowing, Pruning, Planting, and Watering the nursery
Our nursery is open 7 days a week, from 10am till 6pm. You will be required to work AT LEAST ONE WEEKEND DAY per week.
Interested applicants should respond to this email with a resume and must answer the questions at the end of this ad. Please mention the Nursery Sales Position in your email. Please, no phone inquiries.
Position pays DOE. Nursery Sales $15-$17 per hour.
Applications without the following questions answered will not be considered.
Question #1: What applicable experience have you gained at previous jobs that you think will be helpful to our company?
Question #2: What has been your most physical job to date, or why do you think you will be able to handle a job as physical as this one?
Please answer the questions above and send your resume to info@fallingwaterdesigns.com.
Gardener Position
We are a destination nursery located in Monroe, Washington with many established garden beds and turf. Our company has an immediate need for PART-TIME or FULL-TIME SEASONAL gardeners.
Enjoy working outside while developing your nursery skills and growing with a great, well-known company in Monroe, Washington.
This position assists the Nursery Manager maintaining the surrounding gardens, turf and fish tanks. This is a very physical job requiring frequent lifting of 50 lbs. You must be able to work outside in rain or shine, cold or hot.
This position is primarily responsible for weeding, pruning, and planting new and established garden display beds throughout our nursery as well as maintaining the turf. This position requires frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending and twisting. This position requires an individual who can work without direct supervision and who can take initiative and keep busy.
Tasks include:
Digging, Weeding, Edging, Mowing, Pruning, Planting, Watering, Occasionally assisting customers with loading.
Our nursery is open 7 days a week, from 10am till 6pm. You will be required to work AT LEAST ONE WEEKEND DAY per week.
Interested applicants should respond to this email with a resume and must answer the questions at the end of this ad. Please mention the “Gardening Crew” position in your email. Please, no phone inquiries.
The position pays DOE. Gardening Crew $14-$16 per hour.
Applications without the following questions answered will not be considered.
Question #1: What applicable experience have you gained at previous jobs that you think will be helpful to our company?
Question #2: What has been your most physical job to date, or why do you think you will be able to handle a job as physical as this one?
Please answer the questions above and send your resume to info@fallingwaterdesigns.com.
Lead Gardener
We are a destination nursery located in Monroe, Washington with many established garden beds and turf. Our company has an immediate need for a PART-TIME or FULL-TIME LEAD GARDENER.
This job requires previous maintenance gardening experience to be considered for the position. Applicants must be able to demonstrate several year’s professional experience working on a maintenance landscaping crew through their employment history.
**This is not an entry-level gardener position.
Have you worked on a landscape maintenance crew in the past and would enjoy working at the same garden every day? Tired of starting work at 7am? Our nursery opens at 10am! You can work full or part-time, your choice.
This position assists the Nursery Manager in maintaining the surrounding gardens, turf, and fish ponds. This is a very physical job requiring frequent lifting of 50 lbs. You must be able to work outside in rain or shine, cold or hot.
This position is primarily responsible for weeding, pruning, and planting new and established garden display beds throughout our nursery as well as maintaining the turf. This position requires frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, and twisting.
This position requires an individual who can work without direct supervision and who can take initiative and keep busy.
Tasks include:
Digging, Weeding, Edging, Mowing, Pruning, Planting, Watering, Occasionally assisting customers with loading.
Our nursery is open 7 days a week from 10am until 6pm. You will be required to work AT LEAST ONE WEEKEND DAY per week.
Interested applicants should respond with a resume. Please mention the “Lead Gardener” position in your email. Please, no phone inquiries.
The position pays DOE. Gardening Crew $18-$24 per hour.
Applications without the following questions answered will not be considered.
Question #1: What applicable experience have you gained at previous jobs that you think will be helpful to our company?
Question #2: What has been your most physical job to date, or why do you think you will be able to handle a job as physical as this one?
