Pond pics... thank you for advice!

jpscloud · #1 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 11:09 AM

Here are some pics (best I can do I'm afraid!) of the pond in high summer - thank you to everyone who gave me any advice on water quality etc... the watercress has been an absolute delight, all thanks to seeing posts on here saying you can just chuck it in... yes, you can!

I also asked for advice about plants and eventually bought arrowhead and hornwort, which are both doing brilliantly - the arrowhead flowers are gorgeous.

I don't have any evidence of newts this year, sadly... or dragonflies or damselflies. I eventually cut the overhanging bamboo back and that seems to have solved the sparrow poo problem - hopefully water quality is improving now. The frogs have done very well, I disturbed an extremely handsome green common frog yesterday!

It all looks so dry around the pond, but behind the bamboo is a log pile, and a small pile of sandstone blocks which I keep watered.

artdemole · #2 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 11:17 AM

The Pond is well full and has clear water to show the plants are doing a good job.As long as it is not getting overcrowded it is a pond to be proud off.

jpscloud · #3 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 11:20 AM

Thanks artdemole - the water soldiers do seem to be getting really crowded now. I take some out sometimes, and leave them on the side upside down so anything hiding in them can get back into the water. Would this be a good time to clear a few out?

artdemole · #4 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 11:58 AM

Thinning out now may change the conditions in the pond and may damage the plant in full glory.September when it is cooler will be better.

artdemole · #5 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 12:20 PM

For a good yearly plan of management advice have a look at

pondconservation.org.uk

N0z · #6 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 03:14 PM

Nice pond

jpscloud · #7 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 04:16 PM

Thanks once again Artdemole, and thanks N0z

GCN lova · #8 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 06:54 PM

nice pond but i would say maybe a bit overgrown

jpscloud · #9 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 07:45 PM

Definitely GCN

I think that's my next challenge, how to get the balance right with plant growth. This year I'm just pleased the pond looks more healthy - I'll take artdemole's advice and do a bit of clearing out at the end of Sept. Cutting back the bamboo was really the answer, I'm not even sure why I was so reluctant to do it. With less bamboo leaves falling in now, I'm hoping the water quality will improve as the plants use up the excess nutrients.

King Edward · #10 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 07:57 PM

I wouldn't say it's too overgrown. Taking some of the plants out at the end of the season might be useful as a way of reducing nutrient levels somewhat, but well-vegetated ponds are generally better for wildlife so I wouldn't reduce it during the growing season just because there are 'too many plants' (which there aren't). Alternatively, you might want to remove some of the water soldier at some point to make room for other plants, but removing aquatic plants just to create open water isn't generally necessary.