Ideal time is mid-autumnn, because the water's warm enough to deal with, and plants split up and re-potted now will make some growth ahead of next year's algae blooms. Least amount of disturbance to wildlife, too. I always build ponds in autumn for those very reasons. Water hyacinth isn't hardy, so you can leave it to fade and (probably) die, or remove it to somewhere frost free where it can grow on for next year. Pump can stay in for a while, although I usually leave mine in all winter. Just clean out the filter and put it back - frost won't harm it, and while the water's not frozen over, it won't harm to run it. Assuming the basket plants are hardy, they, too, are safe to leave in. Phil J

thanx for all the info phil, will check the tags for basket plants, do you know when i stop feeding my goldfish by any chance ;o))

i take out most of the oxygenator apart from 3 small bunches that i leave to sink to the bottom [next years for free]. the water hyacynth may well have set seed and these may grow for you next year. I take off dead lily leaves and cut down the mint but leave the baskets in. after all they would stay in the water in the wild. The irises i leave till spring as i like the frosty leaves. We also leave the pump running all winter too, but we leave it on the bottom so it doesnt circulate all warmer water too much.
then in Feb/march I cut back the irises, lift and divide the lilies if they need it [they do this year] and generally tidy up.

it is important to remove any leaves that blow in during the autumn too

thanx sea, im taking notes, and i have been clearing leaves as i see them, mine not to deep so may turn pump off incase it freezes, see how the weather holds,

I did mine a few weeks ago - not sure on if there's a right or wrong time as long as there is no frost - just a note it may be better to leave pump running so water is always circulating reducing freezing within the pump - the winter gone where it dipped to -10 we turned it full blast and it was okay

thanx paul, iv had a few members who say the same but some say take the pump out and the fish will be ok, iv cleaned the pond and put a net over for leaves and two plastic pipes at the deepest point for my fish to hide so will see how the pump goes.my pump/filter is quite a strong one and only one setting as far as power, easyclear its called

It's a gorgeous pond - love all the stones and rocks around it aswell

thanx paul, we had a bit of a nightmare making it, had to redo it after first one, i did blogs on it which you can see when you have time, but finally came together and im made up with it now, always wanted one, they make a garden dont they ;o)

oh definately make the garden yes - a lot of work but well worth it!!!

sure is paul ;o)