Build a pond they said....

[tbendl]

So like so many others I inherited a big ole hole in my yard when I bought my house. 3 feet deep with 2 feet of sand and muck and all kinds of crap in it. Build a pond someone said, (probably me but I don't want to point fingers).
So I started digging. Broke an ankle the first year pulling muck out. Tried using a little garden wagon then a rubbish can to haul the sand and dirt and muck out, that didn't work. Finally bought a wheelbarrow! Woohoo I was on my way.
Dug out the sides of the pond, had a near death experience with a snake showing me the huge gaping whole in my liner. Still the thrill of having a pond lingered with the thought of bubbling water and cold beer so I persevered.
Then came the day... I was almost done. Hole was dug, liner was in. Water was a flowin'.
I was ready for the cold bever.... Wait, s&@$ I have to edge the pond and I want a water feature, and how in the hell do I filter this mass of water.
Off to lowes for pallet after pallet of rock and edging and stone. Almost done!
Sh$&@ I need a big stack of rocks for my waterfall... Back to lowes for, you guessed it, rock. Concrete rock, pea gravel oh and don't forget the big waterfall rock I need... Which lowes doesn't carry
Sh$&& now I need plants.... Which lowes doesn't carry.
Found a pond store,
Got a lily and some plants planted. Oh until the
Lily decided to float and I was attacked by a vicious mutant frog.
Still no cold beverage but I've moved on to Valium and therapy.
Build a pond they said... I hate they.
And I still wish I had a cold beverage.
Truthfully this has been enjoyable giving up my sanity to this big ole hole in the ground.
I wish someone had said knit a sweater instead.
To all of you who have done this, hats off to you!

 

[Jeff Zimnisky]

lol. Its bitch but when its all said and done, its well worth it.

 

[haver79]

LOL too funny! It never ends you know.

 

[Lisaebetten]

know the feeling, hoping I will not have twitching condition when its done!

 

[dieselplower]

Built mine in 2 days. Good times.

 

[pugle1]

Just like gardening, I hate the work but I love the end result. Now when it comes to the pond, so far there hasn't been an end result yet.... lol There probably never will be one either. "I love my pond I love my pond I love my pond I love my po.......

 

[Jeff Zimnisky]

Ponding is like my race car. ITS NEVER DONE!!!!!! lol

 

[tbendl]

Never ever done. Although I think I have a girlfriend thinking about building a pond. My comment to her... "It's so easy, just dig a hole and fill it with water and enjoy a cold beverage". I may be going to hell for that but inside it just made me laugh and laugh.....

 

[timvz]

Lol. That's funny right there. Luckily I live in an area with many rocks just laying around everywhere and no rules against grabbing a "reasonable amount". I would not have been able to do it if totally dependant on the local Home Depot or other suppliers.

I force myself into a different mental state now while working on the pond or garden. It's quite enjoyable if you can reach that level of "zen". Nice weather helps too, which I don't get much of. But, it makes that cold beer all the better.

 

[Jeff Zimnisky]

Never ever done. Although I think I have a girlfriend thinking about building a pond. My comment to her... "It's so easy, just dig a hole and fill it with water and enjoy a cold beverage". I may be going to hell for that but inside it just made me laugh and laugh.....

Lmfao. A girl after my own heart.

 

[tbendl]

Thanks all. I really do enjoy the work but it makes me laugh at what I expected it to be versus the reality of it. Thank goodness for all of you answering questions, providing tips and insight, and sharing your stories and pictures. Except @RobAmy, @pecan, and @addy1 They just piss me off with the perfection of their ponds... Hahaha I tease, but they do have some stunning ponds. (I bet THEY enjoy a cold beverage near bubbling water)

 

[j.w]

@tbendl............you know now since you have built your very own pond and your friend (who now considers you the expert) is now getting the itch, you will have to show her how to do everything that you have learned.
So don't grab that beer yet and keep your shovel handy

 

[tbendl]

If by "show" you mean sit in a beach chair, point, and laugh. Then that is of course what I intend to do. Cuz I'm a good friend like that.

 

[DOUBBLE TAP]

You thought it was going to be easy?.....Hahahahahahahahahaha
I can't blame you I told my wife that it would be easy too......poor little trusting soul bless her heart.
It's sucks but it IS worth it in the end. The beer that you are waiting for will take a bit to have but I promise
that it will be the best tasting beer ever. 3rd year in and we love it. The ppl here are great and helped me
through the ruff spots.

 

[tbendl]

Every time something new pops up I think "I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue"...
Then I sniff some glue and everything is wonderful again.
Except for rocks, I still need rocks.
And plants.
And some PVC pip............. See
Truthfully what I need are pond pixies, (of course if I sniffed glue I'd probably see them so I suppose it's good that I don't).
Truth is I'm enjoying it.
Truth-ier, ya'll are insane.
Truth-iest, I'm right there with you.