Here we are....nearly done.Diary of a pond

kathateria · #1 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 02:23 PM

I thought I would bore you! Here as a step by step story,of me and my pond!

Its taken around 3 weeks,and lots of research,but I think with a little more water and plant growth,it will get there.
This is wildlife only,rather than fish,so the depth isnt so important!

kathateria · #2 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 02:29 PM

I think the gravel will go,from the edge,when the plants start to grow. It doesnt look right! I had problems with an algae bloom,caused by compost.So took that out,along with 60% of the water,and replaced compost with gravel.

As you can see with the last few pics,the water is alot clearer now

Plants are growing well,apart from the water soldiers I bought,which quickly sunk,and I havent seen them since!
The water cress,will look lovely,when its grown,also acting as a step,for the frogs to get in and out.The rocks at the side, on the margin,are a stepping stone,for any other creatures wanting to have a drink.
There are loads of oxygenators,and all native plants

I cant wait for it to attract frogs.
Already loads of insects.My friend gave me some snails,who have laid eggs everywhere,on the plants,when I had a rescape!

artdemole · #3 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 02:57 PM

Well done for attracting the wild life.Are you going to put some reed or grasses round the edge to break it up a bit.

kathateria · #4 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 03:29 PM

Im hoping the water cress,and the hippuris vulgaris will add some height.Where would the reeds go,in the pond or around the edge?

artdemole · #5 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 03:32 PM

I was thinking off around the edge near the gravel...Between the grass.

kathateria · #6 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 03:36 PM

Any ideas of what to use? Some thing that wont go crazzzzzy! I dont think the gravel will be stopping there,it doesnt look natural. I might put a shrub behind it.The primroses just dont look right.Any idea? What about buddlia? Would the flowers be poisonous in the pond?

artdemole · #7 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 03:40 PM

If you do not want it to go crazy then may be anything contained in a tub or pot will help ..Near the edge on the grass.Easy way out....

King Edward · #8 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 05:08 PM

Looks pretty good. I'd probably just let the lawn grass grow out over the gravel, which will hide it pretty quickly. Definitely wouldn't put any reeds in which would get far too big.

If the black thing is one of those compost bins, then be careful you don't get any leakage of liquid from it into the water, which will pollute the pond.

If the water does go green again, don't worry about it and it should clear in a few days.

kathateria · #9 (**permalink**) 15-05-2011, 05:48 PM

The composter is on a slight slope,so any run off,wouldnt go that way

Ive never noticed any leaks in the past,the door is facing the opposite direction,so I dont think it will be a problem

kathateria · #10 (**permalink**) 20-05-2011, 10:17 AM

Ive got hold of some sticks,and thrown the together to form a log/wood pile.
Im in the process of soaking soil, to try and make a boggy exit route!
Ive moved some turf,off the lawn,to try and make the edges look a bit better.
It all seems to be taking so long

Ive planted behind the pond a wild pink geranium, a wild blue geranium, and another shrub, which I think is Spiraea japonica.
There is a fuschia to the right and a bleeding heart to the left, and rockery plants around the edges,at the back of the pond.
I will post a pic later,just to show the progress

Not finished,so be gentle!