Thank you all for your answers. My Koi eat my water lilies, is there anything I can substitute for this so they will stop?!

Collect your kitchen greens and give them a real treat. Old lettuce, celery leaves, and even carrot tops are great. Allow the fish to eat for 30 minutes and then remove the excess.

I’ve searched local Gwinnett florists but no luck. Please help!

Try calling a nearby florist and they most likely answer your questions. I found a nice list of Georgia local florists. http://www.localfloristsonline.com/Georgia-Florists.html I suggest phoneing one near where you live.

Instant tranquility. Just position your chaise lounge near the serene sounds of an outdoor wall fountain. Stress levels decline, bliss readings rise.

Outdoor wall fountain tips for apartment dwellers
Flowing water brings sound and movement to even the tiniest of balcony gardens, creating an aura of spirit-lifting tranquility. In recent years, the choice of balcony-sized water features has grown to include everything from budget-priced kits to superb artist’s pieces. Outdoor Wall fountains make the most of vertical space, while small bowls or pools can splash, spill, bubble or spray according to the music you like best. Water plants, such as water lilies and iris, are optional. Good ideas and practical advice can be found in by reading your favorite Website for Small Gardens.
 
Wall fountains are versatile-indoors or outdoors
The beauty of purchasing an outdoor wall fountain is that many of the kits can also be used inside as well. When selecting an outdoor water fountain, you want to think ahead and make sure the outdoor water fountain will age well over the years. They can be made from a variety of materials and for extra drama, can be illuminated. 
 
Most outdoor wall fountains are not so hard to install
The sound of water in the back yard garden adds a lovely touch of serenity and a feeling that all is right with the world. The tinkling sound of gently running water from an outdoor wall fountain just has a peaceful effect to the heart and soul. An outdoor wall fountain relaxes, calms and takes us far away from the pressure cooker stresses of modern life.  Many psychiatrists incorporate water fountains in the gardens of treatment facilities. Outdoor water fountains are featured on rooftops of metropolitan skyscrapers so that business executives can unwind and distress. 
 
City dwellers with the small courtyard or compact backyard can create a haven of paradise by adding a variety of plants, goldfish, tasteful statues and an outdoor wall fountain. Just about all outdoor wall fountains are very surprisingly tasteful in design. Many even come in a lightweight resin, which has the added benefit of being easily attached to the common privacy wooden fence without additional hardware being necessary.
 
Tips for Apartment Dwellers:
Flowing water brings sound and movement to even the tiniest of balcony gardens, creating an aura of spirit-lifting tranquillity. In recent years, the choice of balcony-sized water features has grown to include everything from budget-priced kits to superb artist’s pieces. Wall fountains make the most of vertical space, while small bowls or pools can splash, spill, bubble or spray according to the music you like best. Water plants, such as waterlilies and
iris, are optional.

Amber Liddell
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/outdoor-wall-fountains-are-good-for-the-soul-746133.html

Furnishing and accessorizing a deck can easily be a pleasant experience. A wide variety of different products are vailable to a homeowner. It is very important to avoid going to the extreme by placing too much on the deck.

This can easily turn the outdoor living space into an obstacle rather than a structure that enhances its aesthetic and functional qualities in relation to the home and yard.

In situations where the deck is to be used year round or during the evening, outdoor lights, fire pits and patio heaters merit consideration. Plan extra space around grills and fire pits. Take the steps required to ensure that passageways that are frequently used are a minimum of 4 feet wide and are clear of any kinds of obstruction.

Hot tubs and water features should only be considered if there is sufficient space available. Features such as these demand careful planning, substantial amounts of space, weight supports and their own electrical circuits.

Decorative lighting is a great way to establish the mood on a deck. The possibilities are almost limitless. Low voltage commercial light strings can be woven along railing systems or in nearby overhanging branches. Low voltage light fixtures can also be hidden in hanging planters to create a feeling of ambiance.

The addition of lights to the surrounding yard greatly enhances the view from the deck at night creating drama as well as a sense of security. Utilize spotlights or floodlights to accent trees, shrubs and sculpture. Add spread lights to throw light horizontally across a garden or flower bed. In addition, position wash lights to reveal texture on a surface such as a chimney or masonry wall.

Decorative lighting fixtures for the outdoors are available in both line and low voltage types. Often they are available with a choice of lamps that include halogen, incandescent and compact flourescent. The latter lamp type is energy efficient and lasts the longest.

Avoid solar powered lights because the light output they generate is quite low. LED lighting fixtures are the wave of the future for low voltage deck and landscape lighting. These lights work well on stairs, in railing systems and when mounted on railing posts.

LED bulbs have an incredible lifespan and virtually never need changing. Although LED light fixtures cost more initially than their traditional counterparts, they are cheaper in the long run. They also conserve energy and are cooler thus reducing any danger related to finger burns.

A hot tub can be a great deck addition for relaxation but it requires a good deal of planning. Details must be worked out well in advance for its size, the number and placement of water jets, the location on the deck and support. All this must be done before any concrete is poured and any framework is built.

Hot tubs come in a variety of materials that include acrylic, stainless steel and ceramic tile. They also vary greatly in size with capacities up to 8 people.

The hot tub should be located in a space that maintains privacy. A separate open air or screened gazebo can work extremely well while providing a handy place to store towels, robes, shoes and even books.

Where the hot tub is part of the main deck structure, consider the installation of built-in seating around it. Think about placing planters in such a way as to separate the hot tub from other activity areas. Hot tubs can be installed flush with the deck surface or they can sit on the deck’s surface.

Flush type hot tubs need a concrete slab for support. Hot tubs on the deck surface require extra footings and additional framing.

Any hot tub will need a water source, an electrical source, housing for the pump, valves and filter. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a must to prevent possible electrocution. A wise decision would be to involve a licensed electrician and plumber in the addition process of a hot tub to the deck.

Ornamental water features, either freestanding or wall mounted, can buffer unwanted noise and provide a measure of relaxation. They require a power source to operate the pump motor. Water can be added occasionally to replenish the system and help to keep the pump functioning efficiently.

In cases where the foutain has a large water basin, a direct water source and a float valve can be used to maintain the water level automatically.

Reflecting pools and small ponds are wonderful possible deck accessories. Most often they are permanent structures with poured concrete or brick bases. A pump is a necessity to keep the water aerated and prevent the growth of algae. Again, a GFCI is an absolute necessity.

The pond or pool can be lined with either a rigid or flexible liner to keep water from draining away. Stones can be place around the edges to keep the liner in place and add a natural look. A wide array of aquatic plants such as water lilies can provide many decorative opportunities for the home gardener.

The number one activity on a deck is the burning of meat. Portable grills include larger grilling areas, side tables for resting serving plates, wheels so that the grill can be moved out of the way when necessary, rotisseries and side burners.

Built-in grills are a recent popular option. The advantages of these include permanent gas hookups, large grilling areas and roasting capactitiy, optional burners and rotisseries as well as durable weatherproof construction.

Portable or permanent food preparation and staging counters are becoming more popular. The space below the counter can become a cabinet for the storage of basic cooking and serving supplies. Cabinets on locking casters can add a great deal of portability to the food preparation and serving area.

Construction of such items will require the use of exterior grade plywood, water resistant finishes and polished stone, stainless steel or pocelain tile countertop materials.

The choice of whether or not to have a fire pit on a deck hinges upon how often it will be used and whether or not local bylaws allow it. In addition fire pits take up much space, pose safety issues and can be an eyesore at times. An alternative to a fire pit might be a chimnea or a portable fireplace.

The second choice, often called a fire bowl, is generally ringed with a stone ledge which can double as a place to set down a drink or plate.

More and more homeowners are opting to extend the outdoor entertaining season on the deck by using parasol shaped patio heaters. They are movable and burn kerosene, butane, propane or natural gas. Patio heaters come in many styles, sizes and price ranges.

Safety features can include emergency cutoff valves, flame controls, electronic ignition and infrared heating technology. The best placement is in a wind sheltered area.

The final option would be a built-in masonry fireplace located near the perimeter of the deck. It can be constructed with stone or brick which can complement materials already in existence around the house and yard.

Successful deck planning should take into account furnishing and accessorizing a deck so that homeowners, family members and guests will have every opportunity to enjoy their time on this new outdoor living space.

Richard Vande Sompel
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/how-to-accessorize-a-deck-237334.html

Any store that sells pond supplies will have the proper one.

hello, i am doing a story involving water lilies and am thinking of making a scene where a water lily gets dunked to prove they are hardy….and survive drownings..can that actually happen? thanks and have a good one!

THEY DONT DROWN, BUT CAN BREAK IF THE RISE OF WATE IS HIGH. THIS IS BECAUSE THEY ARE ANCHORED TO THE GROUND OF A SHALLOW POND

www.waterforsudan.org
Trekking for Water story produced by POV-Rose Films for Water for Sudan non-profit organization.
Drilling wells and transforming lives in Southern Sudan.
www.pov-rosefilms.com

Duration : 2 min 12 sec

(more…)

Technorati Tags: water

Idk about other pond critters but for aphids just put some ladybugs there. They eat aphids. I don’t know much about koi but some fish eat live food so they might it the other pond critters.
Good luck!

Bali is possibly one of the most enchanting island on earth. One of more than 13.000 islands in Indonesia, and Bali is revered as one of the world’s most popular and interesting tourist destination.

Some quick facts: Bali covers an area of 5620 km2, about 140 km from West to East and 80 km from the South to North. The South part consists of lime stone with beautiful soft white sand along the beach, while the East, West and North are mostly volcanic layers with black soft sand beach.

Bali has a tropical climate with the average temperature of about 30 degrees C (80 degrees F) all year. It has only 2 seasons, dry season started from April to October and wet season from October to April. It is always nice and cool in the hillside while though hot around the coastal area but there are still nice breeze all the time. The dry season is always sunny with great view of sunset and sunrise, while the wet season is not too wet because there is still much sun to enjoy during the day time.

Here are eleven things one must see if you are in Bali. 

1. Barong Dance – This is approx. 1 hour long religious dance representing the eternal fight between the good – Barong and the evil symbolized by a horrible looking witch called Rangda. The costumes and set are elaborate and nice. The trick is to get there early, so that you get front seats and be close enough to see the facial expressions of the dancers 
2. Celuk (Gold & silver smith), Mas (wood carving) and Stone carving villages – You would drive past these 3 villages and see the array of shops selling the gold, wood and stone. As you get into Celuk, all the gold and silver smith shops flank the roads, you can also drop by their factory to take a look at the production process. The same goes for the wood carving and stone carving 
3. Mount Batur (Kintamani) – This is the second largest active volcano in Bali. It is 1,717 meters from sea level, and bears the remains of the black lava from it’s eruption in 1917 and 1927. There is a nice scenic crater lake there. You can do buffet lunch at one of the restaurant and admire the breath-taking view as you eat. The buffet lunch cost about S$10 and has reasonable spread 
4. Trita Empul  – Tirta Empul means ” bubbling water ” and is a holy water temple built in 960 AD. The temple is beautiful temple and has holy water fountains for different purposes of purification and blessing. There were people in the fountains doing their purification when I was there. Further inside the temple area, you can see the source of the water – a spring where water is bubbling up through the black sand. A total make of nature. Legend has it that one of the gods shot an arrow from heaven to look for water, and the spot where the water is bubbling up now is the exact spot where the arrow hit 
5. Goa Gajah – Means “elephant cave”. Found in 11th century, this cave was dug in the peaceful riverside valley in a hard sand stone. Entering the inside T-Shape cave, there are some niches used by Buddhist Monks for meditation. Among the many historical remains found around this cave is the holy Ganesh Statue (a human body with elephant head) which is believed as the God of Purification and Evil Controller. The cave can be quite claustrophobic for some people but is well worth a quick look inside 
6. Sebatu Holy Spring Temple  - Is named ” Gunung Kawi ” in Balinese. It is a very beautiful village temple located in a peaceful valley with its holy spring. Somewhat similar to Trita Empul, there are large fountains outside the temple area, where villagers use to take a bath. However, my driver told me that this place is not as ‘holy’ as Trita Empul 
7. Taman Ayun – Is the largest Royal Family Temple Complex built in 1934 in the village of Mengwi, Badung Regency. The area of this temple is surrounded by moat with some water lilies and lotuses. The place is still used during prayer sessions and important ceremonial events 
8. Tanah Lot – One of the most famed temple in Bali. Tanah Lot means ” the land of ocean” is a fascinating Hindu Temple built on a piece of cliff in Indian Ocean shore. This temple is dedicated to the God of Ocean “Baruna” built by a high Hindu Priest name Dang Hyang Dwijendra in the 16th century. During high tide, the cliff is surrounded by water and the temple looks like it is floating. In the bottom part of the cliff there is a fresh water holy spring while on the beach cave there are some holy snakes that guard the temple. In the South and North part of the temple is absolutely beautiful view and best for watching sunset 
9. Uluwatu Temple – Also built by the same Hindu Priest who built Tanah Lot, Uluwatu temple is also another magnificent temple built perched on a cliff. The whole temple stretches across a large area and it is flanked by the fabulous India Ocean. Here, you also see large numbers of monkeys, mostly mischievous ones, who snatches food from visitors 
10. Lake Beratan & Pura Ulun Danu – Beratan is a name of the Lake and Village. There is a spectacular floating temple called “Ulun Danu Temple” and is an absolutely interesting sight. The weather at the lake is cool, which is a nice break from the mostly hot sun during my trip. There were people who hired a traditional paddle boat or speed boat to go around the lake, although my driver said there really is nothing much to see around the lake 
11. Jatiluweh – A place where you see lots of terraced rice paddy fields. The sights are breathtaking as you see the green terrace, meandering around you. This place is supposed to one of the few in the world that has such nice terraced paddies. Those terraces are probably cut decades ago, and now resulting in the fascinating view today

Shu Wei Wong
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/eleven-places-you-must-see-in-bali-485915.html

” . . . She saw the water lily bloom . . . .”

– Alfred, Lord Tennyson (The Lady of Shalott, 1832)

Many natural processes lead to rapid growth, until some important resource is exhausted. For water lilies, the surface size of the pond itself usually first limits their expansion. Start the same water lilies in a larger pond, and more of them will eventually grow. The combined effect of even more blooms in one location will make that larger pond even more desirable to visit and enjoy.

If you start with same number of water lilies, in the beginning the growth experienced in the small and in the larger ponds will look similar. The business plan that considers and makes use of the larger pond from the start will earn greater benefits to be shared with stakeholders, as well as having more stakeholders to provide support.

Almost every business person has had an idea for expanding the use of the company’s offerings. Make it smaller, less expensive, or tidier, and many more people will purchase. Or so the theory goes. Yet, the vast majority of such new offerings fall far below their expected potential. How can you avoid having this problem with your business model improvements?

Would you rather be a huge fish in a small pond or the biggest fish in the largest pond?

Most business people would probably prefer the latter. Yet, many more businesses end up as big fish in small ponds than as the biggest fish in the largest pond. Some of the difference is due to talent, effort, and perseverance. But a lot has to do with the business models that they each pursue. Some businesses start without thinking about the size of the pond, while others look for the biggest ponds first. Depending on your starting point, vastly different business models emerge.

Let’s begin by looking at a past cutting edge of technology businesses to locate clues for how to proceed. Supercomputer makers have always had this challenge. Many calculations take too long unless they can be done by very large and very fast computers, such as those used for codebreaking by governments and simulating the effects of changed conditions for weather forecasts.

Since the first computers were very large, bulky, expensive, and slow, it was clear that anyone who built a faster computer could immediately sell them for those applications. Also, the intellectual challenge was very great, so people enjoyed doing the design work. Each supercomputer could be sold for many millions of dollars. So the excitement and rewards of a new sale were large.

Unfortunately, there were two problems with this business model. First, today’s ordinary computer can perform tasks at the same rate as the best supercomputer did a few years earlier. The majority of the benefit from designing a better supercomputer was eventually gained by those who sold ordinary computers, because that market was much larger in economic terms. Ultimately, the speed, capacity, and capabilities of a supercomputer were available on a personal laptop computer just a few years later.

Now, that trickle-down aftermarket for future supercomputing at ordinary prices was a huge market. Unfortunately, supercomputer manufacturers did not concern themselves with creating business models to supply these other customers as the technology matured, and became smaller and cheaper.

Second, it became possible to link together millions of individual computers to perform any conceivable calculation using unused processing time and capacity. The SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project pioneered this approach. As a result, the economic benefits of designing faster supercomputers began to disappear.

It was as though the pond had a hole in it. Actually, the shift was like having a large, shallow physical depression just below the initial, unlined pond. Eventually, all the water from the original pond had to leak out into lower depression, turning it into a new, wider pond that can support more water lilies.

By contrast, Michael Dell, even while working out of his room as a college student, always looked for how to serve the most people in the best way. Early-on, Dell’s business model emphasized delivering the best features for each computer user by customizing the machines in ways that improve the computer’s usefulness while reducing its cost.

He refined and improved the way that model was applied, but his perspective was the right one from the beginning. Although Mr. Dell never completed his college education, his business model yielded profits in the company’s best years that exceeded the revenues enjoyed by supercomputer makers employing the country’s top Ph.D. designers during those companies’ best years.

Copyright 2008 Donald W. Mitchell, All Rights Reserved

Donald Mitchell
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/for-the-biggest-profits-cover-the-biggest-lily-pond-you-can-698691.html