[Ilex]

Wow, thanks very much for the replies. Sorry I didn't post my own reply earlier - been busy in the garden!

Won't get to start the pond for a wee while but am really itching to have a go. Been thinking about plants and how does water starwort, hornwort and frogbit sound for the in-the-tub plants? Water avens growing up round the bottom edge and creeping Jenny near on one side ledge hiding the lip by growing over into the water. I fancy a shortish preferably evergreen grass round the top edge for cover - any ideas? The side edge that will border the bark, woodland area will be shaded a little by a mahonia aquifolium and lip itself would be clear of plants with bark built up round it. I'd have stones in the barrel running down at an angle so animals can climb in and out.

Thanks again for all your help and I must say your barrel pond is a a major inspiration, Kayleigh!

Graeme