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Hello Club Members!   What a beautiful spring we're having here in New England!  Those first hot days in March got the flowers ready to burst, and the cooler weather in April has held the flowers for one of the longest bloom seasons in the past 20 years!   While we're enjoying our gardens, we have the perfect opportunity to spend some time observing our fish.  This is the time when the fish are under the most stress - they are recovering from winter, they are preparing to spawn, and the water is still cool enough that their immune systems are slowed down, while the water is warm enough for the pathogens that affect our fish to start to multiply.   The one panacea for nearly all pond problems is a big water change!  It can dilute toxins and pathogens, and carry a fresh supply the spring and fall, when the water temperature in the pond is close to the water temperature of the replacement water from the well or tap.  Don't forget to add de-chlor before the new water if you are on a city water system.  And continue your water changes frequently, in small daily amounts that total 50-100% per week, until late fall, and you'll have the healthiest pond ever!   One of the most common problems that we see in the spring is sores on the fish.  These sores are caused by bacterial infections.  Fin rot or mouth rot are also frequent in the spring, and they too are caused by bacteria.  Bacteria live in pond sediments as thin as several molecules thick, so a really clean pond is the best prevention.  More information can be found in Doc Johnson's article on pages 5-7 about causes and effective treatments for bacterial disease.   We have 2 exciting meetings coming up.  If you have any water in your garden, you won't want to miss Basil prepared to have FUN with Adam Harris, the Critter Guy!  Adam always brings interesting 'props' to his talks - the last time I saw him, he was accompanied by a 'small' 5 foot iguana and a large dessert tortoise, both who loved greeting the public!  Adam will be talking about native animals, and how to invite them to our gardens for our enjoyment.   Don't forget to call Sandy Litwin and get your pond on our big July Pond Tour! Call Sandy at 413-534-4278 or email her at: slitwin4278@charter.net to find out how to get involved.   Karen     Our "Meetings' link above will take you to this year's activities as they evolve throughout the season - Be sure to check! - We have many plans in the works!    So Take the Time! Why not Join Us in 2012!     ************************************************   *Join the PVWG&KC and Receive the Aquatic news; our outstanding e-Newsletter monthly via e-mail. Want to see a sneak preview? Click on In This Issue & the May index page will show you the listing of all that you could be enjoying this month!! ***********************************************

to the Pioneer Valley Water Garden and Koi Club Web site. We're a non-profit group with a membership in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut focused on creating beauty and peace in our own backyards by building and maintaining water gardens. A water garden can take on many appearances. Some have fountains -- others have waterfalls or winding streams. All abound with plant life, fish, frogs, and attract backyard wildlife including butterflies and birds.   Our goal is to come together to share expertise, experiences, and a love of nature. Highlights of our year are the annual "Pond Tour" - members invite others to share a moment in their backyard paradise & the "New England Water Garden & Ornamental Fish Show" - providing the public with a primer in the art of being a Koi & Goldfish hobbyist.

The PVWG&KC is a member of the Associated Koi Clubs of America

  

2012 Pioneer Valley Water Garden & Koi Club
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