Myths & Misconceptions

Do fish only grow as large as their environment?

This is a very common question that we get asked at the nursery. The goldfish we sell at the nursery can eventually have bodies as long as 7-9”, and tails that get to be 6”-8” long. The Koi we sell can easily reach lengths over 2’ long.

Contrary to popular belief, the fish are genetically programmed to the size we just mentioned. Putting a fish that is genetically programmed to grow big in a small pond will not stop the fish from growing. What usually happens is that as the fish grows large in a small pond, the water quality deteriorates until the fish expires. That’s why it stops growing.

You can keep large fish in a small pond if your water quality is excellent. However, it’s always better to give a big fish a large pond volume because they are less likely to expire or have issues.

You can’t plant a garden in July or August because of the heat.

The reality is this: You should not dig up and transplant a tree, shrub, or perennial from your garden in the heat of summer.

In order to dig up and move something that has been growing in your garden for a few years, you have to cut up a significant portion of it’s existing root structure. By cutting back the plant’s roots and relocating it in the heat, the plant will respond by dropping most of it’s leaves or top-growth. It will go into shock.

If you need to transplant an existing plant, it is best to do it when it is dormant in the fall/winter, or just as it is emerging in the spring.

There is never a bad time to take a new plant home from the nursery, take it out of the pot, and put it into your garden. The plant has been getting by with the small amount of roots it has in the pot at the nursery. It will thrive once planted in your garden because it can finally stretch out it’s roots and grow.

Be sure to give it plenty of water during the six-week dry spell we tend to experience in July and August.

Common Mistake When Netting A Pond

A common mistake when netting a pond is placing the netting just over the pond and rocks. This will not stop the heron from spearing fish. It only stops them from being able to get the speared fish out of the pond. Instead, you should install the net about 16″-18″ above the waterline. The heron won’t be able to reach the fish this way.

View our instructional video here.

Have more questions? Call the nursery: 360-863-1400 or email us at info@FallingWaterDesigns.com.