Converting an in-ground pool to a garden pond

[addy1]

There should be a subtle notice in the site's header to the effect "Caution, Ponding May Become Addictive"

May become? it is!

So darn happy your pond is doing great!

 

[Timothy]

May become? it is!

So darn happy your pond is doing great!

It is addictive, but it's cheaper than therapy, and much more fun!

Thank you Addy. We're pleased with the way it's constantly evolving and has given us hours and hours of pleasant times from the planning, the physical labor, and the quiet evenings just enjoying the sounds and "oasis" feel of it.
I owe in no small part a thanks to the folks here on the site who have provided ideas, encouragement, and the "how to's".

Holy cow! This sounds like a eulogy! It's not! I'm going out back now and listen to a waterfall with an adult beverage Have a nice evening!

 

[tbendl]

You have done an incredible job Timothy, it's hard to even believe that that used to be a swimming pool.

 

[Timothy]

You have done an incredible job Timothy, it's hard to even believe that that used to be a swimming pool.

Thank you!
With it having been a pool, I have a built-in excuse for the straight edges and exposed liner around some of the edges. Too much trouble to try and disguise it.

 

[tbendl]

See I like the straight edges, it seems like a perfect mix of formal shape and informal pond feel. A very nice balance in my opinion.

 

[Timothy]

See I like the straight edges, it seems like a perfect mix of formal shape and informal pond feel. A very nice balance in my opinion.

I like the way you think! ........"Random Symmetry"!.........

 

[tbendl]

Is that like accidentally on purpose? <~ pretty much the definition of how I run my life... LOL

 

[Timothy]

Is that like accidentally on purpose? <~ pretty much the definition of how I run my life... LOL

Same church, just a different pew!

 

[CountryEscape]

TB and Tim, you two are a hoot! Wonder which one of you is going to run out of phrases first!
Tim, your flowers are gorgeous, and that's some VERY clear water! My koi pond is the clearest right now that it has ever been that I remember! Crystal clear ... knock on wood. Hot days are coming again ... we shall see if it clouds up.

 

[Timothy]

Thank you Country! The flowers this year are strange. The ones that did great last year are just OK this year, and the stragglers last year are coming into their own this year. We haven't done anything to encourage one or the other, it just seems to be totally weather related.
As for the pond water, we've just come through some unusually warm temps (for us), and high humidity, and the water remains clear.
I do have a couple of plants at the end of the bog that are trying to escape though.......

.....there's one on the right side of the island that's trying to escape from underneath.....

The remainder seem to be maintaining their boundary's.

 

[CountryEscape]

Is that red flower a hollyhock, Tim? If so, it's the most beautiful one I've ever seen. Usually they are straggly, and falling over, and not nearly as many flowers.
Yep, lots of flowers in bogs will try to "escape". LOL

 

[Timothy]

Is that red flower a hollyhock, Tim? .......... Usually they are straggly, and falling over, and not nearly as many flowers.
Yep, lots of flowers in bogs will try to "escape". LOL

Thank you Country. I would love to tell you they are holyhock but I'm not sure - the plastic sticker that goes in the ground next to the plants is missing. I only recognize about five flowers, and two of them are weeds. Here's a couple more photos, perhaps someone will recognize them........

 

[cas]

I only recognize about five flowers, and two of them are weeds.

 

[CountryEscape]

They ARE hollyhocks!!! Gorgeous.

 

[Lisak1]

Those are gorgeous hollyhocks! I stopped trying with them years ago. I don't know if it's the new hybrids or what, but I can't find a variety that will stand on it's own. And I'm not into propping anybody up! My grandmothers both grew beautiful hollyhocks next to their front doors, and I would love to have them in my garden. Maybe time to try again...


Edited to add: Hollyhocks are biennial - they bloom the second year. However, they are prolific self seeders, so you many have blooms every year if you leave the bed undisturbed. This year's seeds won't flower next year, but last year's will... if that makes any sense!