Philip Swindells

Installing a Fountain in a Garden Pond

Installing a ready-made fountain is not difficult. The fountain jet is attached to a submersible pump that is placed in the pond so that the jet is showing just above the surface of the water. However, the correct positioning of the pump is vital, for the spray jet and the manner in which it ejects water can have a considerable bearing upon the success of the fountain as a garden feature. It is important that the... (posted by Philip 5 years 309 days ago.)

How to Install a Pre-formed Waterfall

The easiest way of installing a waterfall or cascade in the garden is with pre-formed units. These are readily available from garden centers and water garden specialists, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can be used in conjunction with ponds of all kinds, whether pre-formed, lined, or constructed from concrete. The most important consideration when installing a pre-formed waterfall or cascade... (posted by Philip 5 years 309 days ago.)

How to Grow the Sacred Lotus or Nelumbo

The Lotus or Nelumbo are amongst the most beautiful and best known plants for the garden pond. They are not frost-hardy and only grow well outdoors in tropical and sub-tropical regions. In temperate areas, even where there is no winter frost, they are best cultivated with the protection of a greenhouse or conservatory. There are many different Lotus, some of which require a large pond... (posted by Philip 5 years 311 days ago.)

Raising Tomato Plants from Seed

Tomatoes, although technically short-lived perennials, are treated as annuals and raised from seed each year. They are sub-tropical plants that require a consistent temperature of at least 55ºF in order to germinate successfully, but a temperature of 70ºF will produce much quicker emergence and is generally preferred. Given warmth, good light and a damp friable growing medium tomatoes are very easy to raise from seed.... (posted by Philip 5 years 331 days ago.)