I just had a water feature added and am experiencing the same thing. I went to my local bird food store and they sell a treatment specifically for algae that is harmless to birds. I would hesitate to use the chlorine because of the wildlife. One other thing I found...my feature does not automatically add water when it gets low from evaporation. So if yours doesn't, it may be that the water is very concentrated with algae. Adding some fresh water with your treatment might make a difference.

Wanda, are you ok? Would you like someone else to pick a subject>

I had both Turtlehead and Ligularia in my hands, but decided not to get them for now (although I love ligularia)...did pick up Goatsbeard and hopefully it will do alright considering it is more a shade plant and my planting areas around the waterfall is full sun. I tried to put it more behind a big boulder and where the moisture would stay more consistent. Guess next year will tell how well it does:) Does anyone grow either Goatsbeard or Ligularia in full sun? I hate to say this, but after the past two weeks of moving things around, digging, planting...I'm getting mighty sick of gardening! LOLS I just keep reminding myself, that it will all be worth it next year. (I hope!) Deb

I'm with Humsi 100%. Leaving a healthy garden with a 10 day weather forecast, 3weeks is not such a big deal with a plan. bronxbill just asked about tomatoes. But did not mention when the three weeks away begins. If soon, and in the month of June, i see no issues. In the NY area we get on average an inch-2 rain weekly. You can have your cake and have a vacation and a garden. The best method is a simple soaker or drip system on a dial timer and show a neighbor the timer if no rain has occurred in a few days. They just need to turn it on for 1/2 hour-45 min depending on your flow. A self timer is ok but it will water even when not needed. Just get the system well ahead of time so it can be tested. Tomatoes do best under-watered than swamped. I have to leave all the time during the grow season and i just watch the weather while away, then text or e-mail one of two neighbors to turn on the timer. If weather turns hot and we have an unusual drought i have a back-up plan. I just returned from 3 weeks away last night. No watering was needed as i watched the weather. One neighbor added water in my tomato start trays just once mid-trip. All 120 starts look good but i blame no one if something went wrong. It really depends on your climate and the time of the season away. August a few years ago i had a local nursery employee check on things. He scored a bounty of produce. I was willing to pay but after dealing with customers all day he enjoyed a walk through my garden in peace and quiet twice a week. If dry he turned on the drip system right away and harvested. Only once did he leave it on 24hrs. (my water is free). A sprinkler is fine if you know what you are doing. Can be expensive and horribly inefficient in most parts of the country. Not the best system during holiday. Drip systems are very affordable these days. Customizing each plants water needs and can be added to anytime.