*Old leaky waterfall gets rebuilt
What: This Pondless waterfall, located in the beautiful meditation garden at Episcopal Homes in St. Paul, Minnesota was in need of a remodel. Leaky liner and edges made water loss and algae inevitable.
The garden was originally designed by a garden designer who is now 100 years old and still lives in the community!
A new vault/cleaning system was installed using aquablox and a pump vault. A biofalls still sits at the top of the falls and would make a very nice place for aquatic plants or even creeping jenny (which loves water, BTY!)
Caring for this Waterfall:
Spring: Blow off leaves and debris from rocks, top off water. Trim back plants. Plug in pump.
Summer: Regularly add beneficial bacteria either by hand or automatically using a dosing system. Spot treat spring algae if it forms during hot parts of summer. Top off water if low during hot parts of summer (some will evaporate).
Fall: Net to keep leaves out or just scoop leaves off gravel near the lowest falls. Use cold water bacteria.
Winter: Turn off pump. Remove pump and store in a frost-free location if recommended on manufacturer’s pump directions. (I don’t remove the pump over the winter.)
Written by: Becky Chudek, Horticulturist for Minnesota Waterscapes 2026