With the temperatures rising should we be starting to think about the garden pond

A.� This isn't the time to start clearing out debris or changing the water, that should be done in late autumn or early winter when things are dormant. But the pond is starting to come alive now after the cold of winter and if you getting cracking now you can ensure it is healthy and vibrant through the spring and summer months.

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A.� Water quality is the single most important thing with a garden pond. Dirty water prevents aquatic plants growing, can cause distress or worse to ornamental fish and will not encourage amphibians like frogs and newts.

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If you've turned off your pond filter over winter, this is the time to give it a good clean and start it up again, before you start feeding the fish.

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The next thing to turn your attention to is the planting in and around the pond, and April is the month to do this. Plants keep the water clean and healthy by shading out the sunlight and absorbing the nutrients that would otherwise quickly produce a layer of algae.

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A.� These are vital and known as the oxygenators, producing the oxygen that enables the water to support other life. But be careful when choosing.

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There are a number of introduced aquatic plants still on sale that have proved highly invasive when they escape from the garden, clogging up rivers and streams. Avoid things like Crassula helmsii (Australian Stonecrop), Myriopyllum aquaticum (Parrot's feather) and Azolla filiculoides (Fairy fern).

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If in doubt, stick to tried and tested native species like Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae), Starwort (Callitriche) or pondweeds (Potamogeton species). If you think you might have an invasive pond plant contact your local Environment Agency for advice.

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A.� There are few things at the height of summer than the lovely flowers of water lilies, and there are types available to suit even the smallest ponds. A splendid alternative is the Water Hawthorn (Aponogeton distachyos) which has splendid white flowers that last for ages.

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Make sure that the network of tubers that support the plants are well below the surface to avoid them getting damaged by winter frosts.

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A.� These are also very important to the life of the pond, providing shade and havens for wildlife that aren’t permanently in the water.

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It is important to get the planting right, though. Marginal plants are for the damp, boggy parts around the pond but will not withstand having their roots submerged in the water itself. Classic favourites that are easy to lay your hands on are things like water forget-me-not, irises and marsh marigolds.

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A.� This is the time, with rising temperatures and the introduction of nutrients with the first fish feeds, that algae thrives, but if your pond is well planted don’t worry too much because as the plants get bigger they will take the nutrients that the algae needs. If you have fish, don't worry too much about a little algae as it attracts insects which the fish can feed off.

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