Brace Yourself, Winter’s Coming!

You might think it’s too early to start planning a care routine for your water features in winter care, but with freezing Edmonton temperatures right around the corner, the sooner, the better! From cleaning to draining and storing, we’re here to walk you through some basic steps for winterizing your fountains, ponds, bird baths, and hoses, keeping them safe from the chill and ready for another spring season next year. 

So, if you’re ready to embrace the cold, let’s get to it!

Why Winter Prep Matters

Winter prep is more than just a seasonal chore; it’s essential for protecting your water features from our unforgiving Alberta winters. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on outdoor water features, causing cracks, damaging pumps, and forcing costly repairs. However, by taking proper winterization steps and establishing a regular winter garden maintenance checklist, you can extend the life of your water features and avoid nasty surprises come spring.

Splish, Splash, It’s Time to Clean!

Before winter hits, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give your water features a thorough cleaning. Here’s what to do:

• Fountains: Remove any debris like leaves, twigs, or algae from your fountain, and use a soft brush and a mixture of water and mild detergent to give those stubborn spots a good scrub!
• Bird Baths: Similar to your fountain, your bird baths need to be free of any gunk before the cold sets in. A quick rinse with water and a good scrubbing with a mild solution will keep your bird bath from turning into a nasty bird-cicle. 
• Ponds: For larger ponds, cleaning is more complex but equally important, as it’s essential for preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria that can make winterization more difficult. Skim the surface for debris and use a pond vacuum to get rid of any sludge on the bottom, if needed. 

Once everything’s sparkling clean, your water features will be one step closer to their winter nap!

Emptying Your Water Features

Now that everything’s cleaned up, it’s time to drain those water features to protect them from freezing. Here’s how to do it:

• Fountains: If your fountain is the pride of your garden, make sure it’s fully drained. Any water left inside can freeze and expand, leading to cracks and permanent damage. Once drained, remove any pumps and tubing, storing them in a warm, dry place to avoid freezing.
• Bird Baths: Draining a bird bath is simple: tip it over and let gravity do the work. If your bird bath has a pump, remove and store it along with any other components. 
• Ponds: Draining a pond completely isn’t necessary, but you still need to lower its water level below the skimmer line. You should also remove any pumps, filters, and other accessories to prevent freezing. 

Storing Your Garden Hoses

Hoses may seem like an afterthought, but they’re just as vulnerable to the cold, and failing to properly drain and store them can lead to cracks, leaks, and a tangled mess come spring. Here’s how to do it right:

• Drain the Water: Start by draining every last drop of water from your garden hoses. Water left inside will freeze and expand, leaving you with a cracked and useless hose by the time spring rolls around.

• Store Wisely: Coil your hoses neatly and store them in a dry, sheltered space. Whether you hang them on a hose reel or tuck them away in a garage, make sure they’re protected from freezing temperatures. A tangled hose is no one’s friend—let’s wrap it up right this winter!

Protecting Your Water Features from Winter’s Wrath

Winter protection is all about layering up, so if you want to protect your outdoor water features from freezing, covering them is key! Here’s how to tuck your water features in for their long winter slumber:

• Fountains & Bird Baths: Invest in durable, weatherproof covers designed for fountains and bird baths. These covers act like a blanket, shielding your water features from snow, ice, and debris. Ensure the cover is securely fastened so the wind doesn’t undo your hard work.
• Ponds: While ponds are less likely to freeze entirely, a pond net or cover will protect them from accumulating debris that can make spring cleaning a nightmare. Also, make sure to check your cover throughout the season to ensure it stays in place.

Ready, Set, Winter!

Don’t forget: properly protecting your outdoor water features in winter takes quite a bit of time and planning, so start your winter prep early to avoid the last-minute scramble. However, the payoff is well worth the effort, as by protecting your water features, you’re also protecting your garden and preventing any nasty surprises next spring. 

Ready to winterize? Head to Salisbury Greenhouse for all the winterizing supplies you’ll need, along with more expert Edmonton winter garden tips to keep your landscape healthy and happy through the off-season!