Getting bored of my pond going stagnant!

[Dillybythesea]

To line it isn't as hard as it sounds, despite the shape, because the pressure of water should flatten the folds against the sides. Just need enough (lightweight will do fine) pond liner to push down into the bottom and right up to the top and down the outside a distance so you can staple it there. Then sink the barrel, if at all poss. Good luck!

[caernerch]

just in addition to the last post. if you do sink the barrel peel the turf back asnd when you've lined the thing with a good overlap fold the turf back on top and trim to sive - this will hide the liner and give the "pond" a natural edge.
caernerch

[caernerch]

sorry for the typo - sive should read size
caernerch

[Kayleigh]

This is my barrel after 4 years..
You need more oxygenators and flag iris to act as a natural filter and stop the leaves falling into it.
The duckweed is a problem in mine but the water remains fresh.

[tobyy]

i love the idea of these and yours looks really nice Kayleigh.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by tobyy

i love the idea of these and yours looks really nice Kayleigh.

Thank you Toby,
I wish the duckweed would go as quick as it appeared though.
The frogs love it as they walk in the top.

[Ed1975]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your suggestions. I cleaned out the whole thing, lined the barrel, moved it to a slightly less sunny spot and filled it again and so far it's doing great! Nice clear water, doesn't smell bad, plants are doing well and I even have a few pond snails. Thanks again guys!

ed

[Dillybythesea]

Very glad to hear it's looking better! Hope it stays good. I use barley straw logs to keep my pond clear (seems to work as a preventive) - very cheap from chemistdirect.co.uk. And if you haven't already got atleast one plant with smooth stems that's propped up to stick up out of the water, do think about it. I bought just one pickerel weed last autumn and was amazed that it must have attracted so many dragonflies to come by before winter, because of the procession of nymphs climbing up the stems this spring and turning into dragonflies before my very eyes! In case you're interested this was it > Pontaderia Cordata - Pickerel Weed. A attractive marginal plant with glossy pointed green leaves and spikes of blue flowers in late summer. Excellent plant for attracting and breeding dragonfly s. Suitable for ponds and lakes in full sun. Height 60-90cm. Flowering time June August. Water depth 15-30 cm over the crown. ATB, Dill