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Pond maintenance needs vary through the year. Let us do these many pond maintenance tasks by entering into one of our pond maintenance contracts. Pond Maintenance Calendar Contact The Pond Pixie Spring: As signs of the end of winter begin to disappear, the pond, flora, and fauna will slowly start to awaken in early spring. Test pond water temperature & chemistry: ammonia, pH, nitrates, nitrites, Calcium Hardness (KH) & General Hardness (GH) Treat as needed. Remove all plant debris and sludge that accumulated in the pond over winter. Check pump(s), filter(s), skimmer, water fall(s) fountains for proper working order & repair as needed Check for & repair any leaks Compare pond water clarity, color to its peak condition last summer. Check for foul smell. Spring Cleanout (full or partial) depending on pond conditions BEFORE water temperature reaches 55°F/12.8°C for several days. When water temperature is above 50°F / 10°C for several consecutive days: Replace Ultraviolet Clarifier bulb, clean crystal and inspect housing (if applicable) Jump-start the pond in the spring by adding supplemental cold water bacteria per manufacturer instructions. Inspect fish for any symptoms of disease and treat accordingly. (March) Start feeding your fish- begin with small amounts of a high quality fish food formulated for colder water temperatures (50°F - 60°F /10°C - 15.5°C). Do not overfeed! When water temperature is consistently at 55°F/12.8°C - 60°F/15.5°C: Feeding- Increase amount to moderate. Do not overfeed! Observe and inspect fish for symptoms of disease. If any spots and ulcers are present, give them appropriate treatment. Treat algae with barley straw bales or extract - avoid algicides. Return perennial aquatic plants to their proper water depth Add new perennial aquatic plants (May is typically the best time in our area). Mid-late spring: thin aquatic plants as needed Cut water lily leaves below the water level After the threat of frost is gone: add tropical aquatic plants & floating annuals Pond surface should have 50% - 60% coverage via a combination of aquatic plants to help control algae, provide shelter for fish from predators & to help keep water cooler during the hottest months of the season. Late spring: Divide & repot water lilies and other perennial aquatic plants as needed. Throughout the spring: Test pond water temperature & chemistry: ammonia, pH, nitrates, nitrites, Calcium Hardness (KH) & General Hardness (GH) Treat as needed. Remove plant, leaf and other organic debris on a regular basis. Skim pond surface on a regular basis or install a pond skimmer to remove pollen and floating debris on surface of water. Rinse filter media using pond water as needed (do not over rinse- keep the beneficial bacteria!) Partial water changes of 5-15% once a week- based on water test results. Be sure to treat new water to remove chlorine & chloramine. Summer: As the temperature of the pond water increases during the summer months, it is especially important to test water temperature. Warm water has a low capacity for holding oxygen. Adding a pond aerator is an ideal solution. Shade from aquatic plants is also required. Prune aquatic plants as needed to maintain open water surface area while maintaining coverage of 50% - 60%. Inspect water lilies for pests, remove damaged leaves. Throughout the summer: Test pond water temperature & chemistry: ammonia, pH, nitrates, nitrites, Calcium Hardness (KH) & General Hardness (GH) Treat as needed. Feed fish high protein diet in the morning (do not over feed) Remove plant, leaf and other organic debris on a regular basis. Skim pond surface on a regular basis or install a pond skimmer to remove pollen and floating debris on surface of water. Rinse filter media using pond water as needed (do not over rinse- keep the beneficial bacteria!) Partial water changes of 10- 20% once a week- based on water test results. Be sure to treat new water to remove chlorine & chloramine. Thin out oxygen plants and remove finished flowers and brown leaves of water lilies and marsh plants. Feed water lilies monthly. Feed perennial and tropical aquatic plants as required. Fall: As fall arrives, the number of brown & dead leaves start to make their presence known in and around the pond. Installation of a pond net at the onset of fall will over the pond surface will help prevent vegetation from falling into the pond. Prune all brown, dead leaves off all aquatic plants. Stop fertilizing all aquatic plants when the weather gets colder to signal the end of the growing season. Feeding fish: As the evening air temperatures begin to fall, transition fish to cold water fish food. STOP feeding fish when water temperature is around 55°F (10°C) Remove all tropical & free floating (such as water lettuce and hyacinth) aquatic plants after the first frost and compost them. Hardy water lilies will turn brown after the first hard frost. Remove leaves and flowers - cut below water level. Remove the pond net when water temperature drops below 41°F / 5 °C. If your area experiences periods of extremely cold weather (IE: snow/ below 32°F / 0 °C) during the winter months, consider installation of pond de-icer to allow toxic gases to escape the pond and oxygen to enter. Combine with aerator for maximum benefit. Throughout the fall: Test pond water temperature & chemistry: ammonia, pH, nitrates, nitrites, Calcium Hardness (KH) & General Hardness (GH) Treat as needed. Partial water changes of 10-20% - based on water test results. Warm air and water temperatures are a good reason to continue weekly partial water Be sure to treat new water to remove chlorine & chloramine. Winter: Here in the Cowichan Valley & Eastern Vancouver Island, our winters are mild compared to what most other Canadians experience. There are a few things our ponds need in order to be in their best health when spring arrives: Feeding fish: Colder weather results in colder water temperature. When water temperature in pond is between 60°F / 15 °C - 50°F / 10 °C- feed fish cold weather food with less protein. STOP feeding fish when water temperature reaches 50°F / 10 °C. Undigested food in the fish digestive system can lead to loss of fish. Continue adding cold water bacteria - per manufacturer guidelines. Ponds without fish: Our climate means you can keep your pump running as a waterfall or stream throughout the winter months. Ponds with fish: Our climate means you can keep your pump running- move the pump from the bottom of the pond- closer to the surface to create a gentle bubbling on the water surface. It's important to keep a hole in any ice that may form on the pond so that any gases created by organic material decomposition have a place to exit the pond. Another option is to add a pond aerator sized to you pond. It is highly recommended to turn off and the waterfall or stream throughout the winter months. Left on during freezing temperatures, waterfalls and streams can have a cooling affect and de-stratify the water & jeopardize fish health. Due to the colder water temperature, the biological activity in your pond will be insignificant as a result of low light levels during the winter months - your filter and your Ultraviolet Clarifier (UVC) can take a break until spring. Pressure filter: remove, drain, clean per manufacturer instructions & store in a dry warm place. Gravity filter : Can be left in full filtration mode. If your pond doesn't have any anti-freezing features, consider alternatives such as an aerator or a combination of aerator & de-icer to prevent pond from freezing. If ice forms on the pond - remove any snow that accumulates on the surface of the pond, to provide sunlight into the pond. Following a good seasonal maintenance routine is the way to a happy, healthy pond ecosystem. "The Pond Pixie" and her team are happy to help you really love your pond all year long. Contact The Pond Pixie for a Free Estimate Contact The Pond Pixie Into the Garden Inc. Landscaping Services Call or Text Into the Garden Inc. (250) 466-9339 Contact Us/Request Proposal

See examples of our work with these "before" and "after" photos. Our work reflects our quality, skills and passion... To see the difference Into the Garden Inc. of landscaping services and pond services... click on the image to view Before Before Michael, Landscape Horticulturist, RSE, of Into the Garden applied his expertise & skills to this client's front yard. After Into the Garden Inc. After Michael, Landscape Horticulturist RSE, Into the Garden Before Before Michael, Landscape Horticulturist, RSE, of Into the Garden applied his expertise & skills to this client's front yard. 1/2 landscaping services pond maintenance Before Trees before Michael, Landscape Horticulturist, RSE, of Into the Garden After Trees after Michael, Landscape Horticulturist, RSE, Into the Garden Before Trees before Michael, Landscape Horticulturist, RSE, of Into the Garden 1/2 Before Heather before Michael, Landscape Horticulturist, RSE, Into the Garden ... After Heather after Michael, Landscape Horticulturist RSE, Into the Garden Before Heather before Michael, Landscape Horticulturist, RSE, Into the Garden ... 1/2

We were looking for someone with a passion for plants and at least some landscape experience to join our team. Current Opportunities Landscape Assistant About us: Into the Garden Inc., founded by Michael, owner, and Canadian Red Seal Endorsed Landscape Horticulturist, in 2019 as Into the Garden Landscaping Services. Each day we share our passion for plants & and gardening while cultivating a connection to nature through our work and sharing our enthusiasm and knowledge with our Cowichan Valley community to help make our gardens more vibrant, healthy, and beautiful for all to enjoy. Into the Garden continues to grow with each season thanks to all of our valued clients and partners. We really love what we do and dig that we get to help others really love their gardens and ponds on Canada’s most beautiful island. Quite simply: We are Into the Garden! Our commitment: To work to create beautiful, healthy gardens & ponds throughout the Cowichan Valley. Our vision: Make Into the Garden Cowichan Valley’s most loved, most trusted, owner-operated and detail-oriented landscape company. We are rooted in: Integrity Honesty Trust Pride Excellence Teamwork Collaboration Efficiency Safety You are: Someone who enjoys being outdoors and working in the elements of nature: rain, sun, wind, cold. Helping people care for and really love their gardens and ponds makes you happy. Passionate about doing it right & and practicing safety first and always. Dedicated to client satisfaction. Someone who has a desire and willingness to grow your knowledge and experience of landscape horticulture practices, plant identification, care and maintenance of plants, and pond care including care of aquatic plants, goldfish, and koi. Honest & and reliable- you keep your word & and commitments. A Team player - Believe teamwork makes the dream work. Eager to learn. As a Landscape Assistant you will: Be responsible for assisting with garden cleanups, lawn and garden maintenance services, and softscape installation projects. Perform manual duties to help meet, or exceed, client satisfaction and goals of the company. Assist in the preparation of the work site Assist with garden cleanups/garden & and lawn maintenance including hand weeding/planting Assist with the installation of gardens, lawns, and landscape materials (soil, compost, mulch aggregates) Work with hand tools and other small gas-powered equipment and follow all safety procedures. Work outdoors in a variety of conditions including heat, rain, dust, noise, and cold Ensure the work site is left in a clean and safe condition. Periodically assist the pond services team with cleaning, maintenance, and restoration of ponds and water features.. Perform all duties and responsibilities as instructed and maintain the high standards of the company and client. Y our Responsibilities & Duties: Maintain Into the Garden's high standards of work quality, and safety at all times. Maintain complete and accurate timekeeping records. Report all problems executing a job, issues with clients, and accidents to the management team immediately. Be courteous and respectful in all your interactions with others at all times. Follow all safety protocols at all times, including mandates for COVID-19 per the Province of British Columbia. You will Report To: Michael owner/ operator and Red Seal Endorsed Landscape Horticulturist. Your Education: You have a secondary school diploma. Currently enrolled in the Canadian Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist program ? ~ You are encouraged to apply to be considered for hire as a paid apprentice with sponsorship. Red Seal Endorsed Landscape Horticulturists are encouraged to apply. Your Experience: A minimum of one year of landscape maintenance experience is required. Familiarity and /or knowledge of plant identification, care, and maintenance is highly desired. Experience using gas-powered: lawn mower, line trimmer, blower, and small landscaping hand tools required. Previous work experience in one or more of the following: landscape maintenance, plant nursery /garden center, and softscape installation. Previous work experience with ponds, aquatic plants, and fish is highly desired- not required. Previous experience in softscape installation services is highly desired. Effective communication skills in English. Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Willing and able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions of Southeastern Central Vancouver Island between the months of February - November. Physically able to perform landscape maintenance work in the Vancouver Island environment: Manual dexterity Able to lift at least 60 pounds. Bending, kneeling, crouching Attention to detail Own Tools/ Equipment: Steel-toed safety boots Gloves Appropriate outerwear for variable weather conditions License Requirements: Current British Columbia driver’s license and clean BC driver's abstract. Must have access to a reliable, insured vehicle to travel to client job sites for each day work is scheduled. Submit Your Resume

Into the Garden Inc. is a family-owned landscaping & pond services business with 15+ years of experience in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Led by a Canadian Red Seal Endorsed Landscape Horticulturist, our company has been devoted to enhancing gardens and ponds since our establishment in 2019. - landscaping services - commercial and residential landscape maintenance services - professional landscape services - pond cleaning services - pond revitalization and consulting Home About Us Our Promise Landscaping Services Pond Services Request a Free Estimate 16+ Years of Professional Landscaping Experience Canadian Red Seal Endorsed Landscape Horticulturist Into the Garden Inc. is proud to be a family owned & operated landscaping & pond services business caring for and beautifying gardens and ponds on Vancouver Island from Cobble Hill to Nanaimo since 2019. At Into the Garden Inc. we are passionate about plants and ponds and are immersed in maintaining and creating beautiful, healthy gardens and ponds in the Cowichan Valley. We create and maintain a close connection to nature through color, texture, and form and strive to help our customers really love their yards, gardens, and ponds. Our softscape landscape maintenance, installation, and design services are provided using up-to-date, sustainable, pesticide-free, horticultural principles. Landscaping Services Pond Services Cowichan Valley Contact Michael, Landscape Horticulturist RSE Contact Lynn, "The Pond Pixie" (250) 466-9339 Request a Free Estimate for landscaping services or pond services We are fortunate to be able to spend our working hours immersed in our passions, plants, and ponds. We would love to demonstrate our knowledge, experience, and passion to you. As owners and operators, we are intimately involved in every aspect of our business, focusing on delivering the highest quality work and keeping our commitments to our clients. We are committed to the adhering to all WorkSafeBC safety guidelines & mandates: no work is done without appropriate safety gear. Michael earned his Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) in 2016 after working 7 years in the landscape maintenance and installation business as an apprentice, journeyman, and field supervisor for several landscaping companies on the Lower Mainland, including one of the largest & most trusted Vancouver area landscape installation and maintenance companies. Our Inter-Community business license authorizes us to work anywhere in the Cowichan Valley from south of Duncan to north of Nanaimo. We have clients in: Cobble Hill, Duncan, Maple Bay, Crofton, Chemainus, Saltair, Town of Ladysmith, Oyster Bay, Cedar, Cassidy, Yellow Point, Nanaimo and Departure Bay. We carry $5M in liability and damage insurance for your and our peace of mind. Our staff is protected through WorkSafeBC . We look forward to serving your landscaping services and pond care needs. Michael Abdelmesseh, RSE & Lynn, " The Pond Pixie " Into the Garden Inc. is a proud member of the Beautifying & caring for gardens in the Cowichan Valley - Ladysmith north to Nanaimo and south to Cobble Hill since 2019 Acknowledgment: Into the Garden Inc. respectfully acknowledges that we are on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stz’uminus First Nation whose heritage, knowledge, and stewardship of the flora and fauna on this territory we honour, respect, and are truly grateful. How did you learn about us? Commercial & Strata We provide landscaping & pond services for residential, commercial and strata clients Our residential business extends from small, manicured properties to estates with lawns, orchards, garden beds and more. Invite us to do a site inspection and make a proposal to maintain your property landscape in beautiful condition at a reasonable cost. We work with strata boards and committees and are happy to take the time to get to know and work effectively with the periodically changing leadership of stratas. (250) 466-9339 Request a Free Estimate for landscaping services or pond services

We offer Landscaping services like Lawn Pruning, Trimming, Weeding, Mulching, Cleanup, Leaf Removal, Gutter and Downspout services in these areas, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Colville Town, Cedar, South Wellington, Cassidy, Saltair, Chemainus, Westholme, and Duncan Landscaping Services Lawn Care Services Lawn Restoration Lawn Aeration Lawn Power Raking Lawn Dolomite Lime Application Lawn Overseeding New Lawn Installation (seed or sod) Commercial & Strata "Keeping it Perfect" Maintenance Programs The Basics Weekly lawn mowing and blowing Annual and perennial bed maintenance Edging as required Better ~ add Spring cleanup, mulching, shrub pruning, and two fertilizations a year Best ~ add Fall shrub pruning and cleanup, including leaf removal Commercial & Strata Contact Into the Garden Today (250) 466-9339 Back to Home Page Pruning & Trimming Hedges Fruit Trees Ornamental Trees (up to 20’) Bushes & Shrubs Winterizing Perennials Commercial & Strata Contact Into the Garden Today (250) 466-9339 Other Services Commercial & Strata Deer and Pest Control Garden Weeding and Cleanup Annual and Perennial Bed Mulching Fruit Tree Dormant Oil Applications Annual and Perennial Restoration Fall Cleanup, including Leaf Removal Hardscape Pressure Washing Gutter and Downspout Cleaning Contact Into the Garden Today (250) 466-9339 Request a Free Estimate Our 2025 maintenance calendar has a very limited availability - Don't delay! Contact Into the Garden Inc. to discuss your landscape maintenance needs for 2025. Call / Text: (250) 466-9339 or click to send us an email today : Landscape Maintenance 2025 Contact Into the Garden Inc. today for your Landscape Maintenance Needs for 2023 Into the Garden Inc. Client Testimonial " Michael did an excellent job of shaping and cleaning an overgrown yard. He’s very knowledgeable about his work and it shows in the finished product. He discusses your vision for the yard beforehand and gives honest advice. As my husband said afterward, our plants look healthy without looking like someone whacked away at them. After seeing his work, our neighbours hired him and were very happy as well. " "We also highly recommend Lynn, who helps with ponds. She gave us great solutions to issues we were having and is highly knowledgeable about everything ponds." - C.S. - Chemainus

For a complimentary estimate for Into the Garden Inc. to help you Really Love Your Yard or Really Love Your Pond, please use this form. Be sure to: Tell us a little about your project. Indicate the services you are interested in: landscaping, pond or both. Have a photos of your project? Please, send photos to info@intothegarden.ca Request a Free Landscaping Services and/or Pond Services Estimate

We do weeding, mulching, leaf removal, gutter and downspout cleaning and much more. Other Services Power washing of hardscapes and walls Patio and container gardening design, and installation Pond & Water Feature LED Lighting Installation landscaping services Contact Into the Garden Today (250) 466-9339 Into the Garden Inc. Client Testimonial "Michael was absolute perfection at our home. I had a lot of trees and shrubs to prune. Also had a rose bush we absolutely massacred, and he brought it back to life. He is a master at his trade. Thank you, Michael." - L.M. - Maple Bay

Landscaping Maintenance Calendar, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Landscaping Maintenance Calendar January: Prune fruit trees. Prune grape vines, berries, etc. February: Plant trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Continue pruning fruit trees. Continue pruning grape vines, berries, etc. Prune deciduous trees. March: Fertilize established trees and shrubs. Apply pelletized lime to lawn about every three years or according to soil. Continue planting trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. Finish pruning fruit trees early in the month. Finish pruning grape vines, berries, etc. early in the month. Continue pruning deciduous trees. April: Begin mowing lawns. First lawn fertilizer application. Prune roses (early in the month). Apply a horticultural spray oil to fruit trees. Watch for aphids, spider mites, and other unsavory chewing insects. Begin fertilizing flowering plants monthly with bone meal. Continue planting shrubs through April. May: Prune flowering shrubs after blooming Continue fertilizing flowering shrubs with bone meal As a preventative, spray shrubs with a horticultural spray oil Fertilize and dust roses for black spot, powdery mildew, and insects If ants or other lawn insects become a problem, apply diatomaceous earth Mulch flower beds, shrubs, and trees Begin setting out annuals and perennials after threat of frost passes (about May 4 in our area). June: Hand weed beds to avoid using chemicals. Prune evergreen shrubs (hollies, boxwood, camellia, leucothoe, junipers). Continue fertilizing roses. Remove dead roses. If Japanese beetles emerge, use beetle traps or an organic repellant. Apply more than once as needed. If chlorosis appears, (leaves turning yellow between veins) on boxwoods, azaleas, camellias, and other plants, apply liquid iron. Apply bone meal around Azaleas and Rhododendron to stimulate spring blooming. July: If evergreens red spider mites or other insects, spray with a horticultural spray oil. August: Prune shrubs again, as necessary. September: Plant trees and shrubs- through December. Seed, reseed, and fertilize your lawns with a slow-release lawn food. October: Plant spring flowering bulbs in late October . Divide and transplant perennials, peonies, ground covers, and bulbs. Cut back perennials. November: Mulch trees and shrubs. Continue planting trees and shrubs. December: Last chance to plant bulbs! Remove leaves from grass and around shrubs. Decaying leaves will choke plants. Contact Into the Garden