GOOD NEWS - UPDATE - QUEENS GARDENS POND - THE DUCKS ARE HAPPY.

Julie Finlay & Max Floyd thank you for raising with me your concern when visiting the Queens Gardens to find algae has overtaken the pond & there appeared to be fewer ducks than usual.
Julie & Max I’m happy to let you know that the green growth on the surface of the Queens Gardens pond is not an algae bloom but rather a seasonal growth of duckweed (Lemnoideae). Although often mistaken for (photoautotrophic) algae, duckweed provides shade to the pond surface so it actually helps to reduce certain light-generating growths of algae. 
Duckweed grows rapidly during periods when water levels/flows are low, & then it gets carried away during rainy periods. The recent dry spell has meant minimal inflow to the pond from the Brook Stream, we have witnessed considerable growth this year. It is quite a remarkable sight.
The good news is that these aquatic plants (duckweed) are an important high-protein food source for our ducks, who were very happily enjoying their banquet when I visited the gardens earlier today.