When it comes to getting the utmost enjoyment out of your backyard water feature, keeping it clean and in good shape is important. Changes in weather, seasons and other natural causes can cause your water feature to deteriorate, but taking the proper steps can keep it beautiful for years to come. Here are some of Whispering Springs Nursery‘s best tips on caring for your backyard water feature. 

• When you can, remove the old algae from rocks and stones with your garden hose.
• Make sure your water filtration system is top-notch. Select one that removes organic debris that attract algae in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Your water feature expert can help you determine which option is best-suited for your backyard.
• Choosing naturally filtering plants like the Anacharis, also known as the Brazilian Waterweed, will also clean water as they grow. We can also recommend other plants that will clean the clean the water naturally.
• Create shade for your pond. Algae thrive in sunny areas, so keeping your pond at least 60% shaded will help guard against algae as well as keep any fish you may have cool.
• Take the time to regularly remove harmful debris that your filtering system can’t remove. This includes trimming back and removing dead plant life, sludge that gets caught in your water pump or filter, or any bugs that might be harmful to your fishes’ diet.

The experts at Whispering Springs Nursery can help you design as well as maintain your beautiful backyard water feature. To talk to us about caring for your backyard pond or if you’re interested in building a water feature in your Jasper, GA yard, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Backyard water features have become a very popular option for yard or garden renovation shows. And why not? There are few things in a garden as comforting as the sound of trickling water. The gentle gurgle of a fountain can ease tension after a long day. Have you always wanted a water feature in your yard? Here are three top reasons to adding a water feature to your garden.

1.) Introduce a sense of calm to your yard. A fountain creates a tranquil sound, even if you live in a less-than-quiet area. The water feature allows you to recreate yourself and connect with nature. There’s no denying that the sound of trickling water is popular sound on noise machines, as the effects can calm just about anyone.

2.) Water features make your garden look bigger. Acting as nature’s mirror, water’s reflective properties can make your garden look bigger. For maximum effect, use dark materials for the feature of your fountain. For an even greater effect, you can use underwater lighting to highlight different shapes. Eco lights are available that can charge by day with the sun’s natural light and they will light up your garden at night.

3.) Cool your yard. Especially during the hot, sticky summers that can come to the hills of Jasper, GA, a water feature in your backyard will offer cooling effects at a fraction of running your A/C on high all day long. Enjoy an evening sitting by your pond, watching fish or if you’re lucky enough, catch one of the most beautiful after-effects of a summer rain, the rainbow.

For maximum enjoyability, it’s important to keep both the water and the surrounding area clean and in good shape. Stay tuned for our blog next week on maximizing your water feature with some of our best care guidelines. If you’re interested in adding a water feature to your backyard this summer, contact Whispering Springs Nursery to let us help you build the perfect relaxing space.

With the craziness of May, it’s easy to get in a gardening rut. Finding the time to tend your rosebushes, water your perennials, and mow the yard sometimes seems like more than you can manage. But during the season of graduations, weddings, and family reunions, well-tended gardens are a priority. If you’re looking for a total landscape overhaul, talk to our Jasper garden experts about installing hardscapes and softscapes for your home. If you need a quick fix for a drab landscape, try these 3 simple garden makeover tips.

1. Add color. The easiest way to update your landscape is to add a splash of color. Work with the hues in your perennial flowerbeds to add color to window boxes, sidewalks, and bare spots in your garden. If your yard is already overflowing with colorful plants, balance the bright blooms with rich, green bushes from our nursery.
2. Use dimensions. Create the illusion of an elaborate landscape by varying the dimensions of your plants. Plant low, broad bushes to balance mature trees around your home, choose flower varieties in multiple heights, and add depth by varying leaf textures.
3. Buy garden ornaments. While garden fountains and elegant arbors can transform your landscape, simple outdoor ornaments are an excellent way to update your garden. Highlight colorful plants and add elegance to rich green foliage with birdbaths, hanging lanterns, or tasteful statues. If you’re looking for a quick way to change your garden’s atmosphere, try planting perennials in an old wheelbarrow or a set of painted dresser drawers.

Visit Whispering Springs Nursery in Jasper, GA for bright summer blooms, deer-resistant plants, and helpful tips from our staff of knowledgeable landscapers.

This Sunday, May 11th is Mother’s Day, and what better way to show mom some love than by surprising her with one of these gardening or garden-inspired gifts? Whispering Springs Nursery has put together a list of surefire hits that will sprout love in Mom’s heart.

Homemade Garden markers – Garden markers can be made from all different kinds of materials, including flat stones, old dishware, wine corks, or the more traditional wood. Depending on Mom’s personality, you can have lots of fun creating markers that will help her keep vegetables, herbs or flowers in order.

Tools of the trade – Buy mom a nice pair of gardening gloves or that pruning shears that she would never purchase for herself. Look for a pair of hearty gardening gloves that provide comfort and durability and keep dirt and leaves from sneaking in. Additional options include a garden apron, or a personalized garden tote for all her essentials.

Personalized yard sign – Another option for Mom that can either be handmade (if you’re a hands-on DIY expert) or purchased. A sign with Mom’s favorite quote or a simple “Mom’s Garden” sign will let her take ownership of all her hard work in the garden.

Painted Flower Pot – A favorite that kids can help make, personalized flower pots will allow that special mom in your life to think of you every time she looks at her beautiful blooms. And don’t stop at Mom – this is a great gift for grandmas and aunts, too! If you’re stumped on ideas, a simple search for “painted flower pot” will be sure to help you sprout some artistic creativity. Be sure to bring your newly created container by Whispering Springs Nursery in Jasper, GA so that we can fill it with the perfect flowers.

These are just a few of the colorful options to add an extra pop of color or whimsy to Mom’s garden this spring. Happy Mother’s Day from Whispering Springs Nursery! May you enjoy the gifts of your garden!

Photo via Flickr.

Welcome to the brand new Whispering Springs Nursery website and blog! We are thrilled that you are here and can’t wait to share all kinds of information, photos, projects, and inspiration with you!

About Whispering Springs Nursery in Jasper, GA

Whispering Springs Nursery is owned and operated by James and Debbie Grno. They live on the same property as the nursery, right out back! This is their passion project that they started in 2000 and since then they have completed many woodland garden projects in the near by neighborhood of Big Canoe, among others.

Whispering Springs takes pride in the fact that we grow many of our own plants – both annuals and perennials  This gives us control over their growing cycle and allows us to grow the varieties that thrive in the north Georgia climates and soil. Because of the dense population of deer in our area, we specialize in deer-resistant plants. No one wants to spend money on installing a beautiful new garden and have it immediately eaten by woodland creatures! To help preserve your investment, we help you select the plants that are not only beautiful, but will not become a salad bar for the friendly creatures that we share our homes with.

We will be sharing with you here on our blog weekly. We will share everything from the latest plants that are growing in the nursery, inspiration for your garden, and tips and tricks on how to help your garden thrive. We look forward to getting to know you over the many weeks to come!

Make sure you have also joined Whispering Springs Nursery on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ as well! There, we will be sharing info, inspiration, and the latest goings on at the nursery! If you have a question or comment for us, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ are all great ways to get in touch with us. We would love to help you solve any gardening problem you may have.

Come see us in Jasper, GA soon!