Digging my first pond in a meadow

[Lisak1]

OK - he had me at hedgehog! Can you even imagine?

Very interesting pond design. Several thoughts as I was watching -

1. Won't the rocks and wood that he sets on the edges just continue to sink into the subsoil?
2. What keeps weeds/native plants from invading and taking over the pond? With all the soil in the shallow pond it seems like it could happen very quickly, especially with birds visiting and dropping seeds.
3. Cutting that liner dead even with the surrounding landscape - no berm, no excess liner - makes me very nervous! What if the pond sinks even a little? What about water under the liner? No water hippo concerns? Runoff from the surrounding gardens? It's clearly easier to conceal the edge of the pond, but it does make me wonder.

HOWEVER - he clearly knows what he's doing, so no shade here!

 

[bagsmom]

Isn't it interesting? It's just a completely different philosophy and the ponds are totally different than our only-sort-of-natural ponds. I think "wildlife" pond a la Joel Ashton and Mark Wilson are really little water filled depressions for frogs, newts, dragonfly larvae, etc. to live in and for aquatic plants to grow in. Debris is scooped out to keep the water from getting totally messed up but the water is nothing like that in Aquascape ponds with filters. I guess they are more like water gardens for Mother Nature to use as she will.

 

[Lisak1]

Very cool idea. As someone else mentioned - mosquitoes must not be an issue for them.

 

[pondesamoreux]

Isn't it interesting? It's just a completely different philosophy and the ponds are totally different than our only-sort-of-natural ponds. I think "wildlife" pond a la Joel Ashton and Mark Wilson are really little water filled depressions for frogs, newts, dragonfly larvae, etc. to live in and for aquatic plants to grow in. Debris is scooped out to keep the water from getting totally messed up but the water is nothing like that in Aquascape ponds with filters. I guess they are more like water gardens for Mother Nature to use as she will.

yes i think there is a terminology issue. it is more for wildlife than for looking at. Whereas when you think of a pond you think of clean water and introduced fish and a pump?

 

[bagsmom]

yes i think there is a terminology issue. it is more for wildlife than for looking at. Whereas when you think of a pond you think of clean water and introduced fish and a pump?

I think of both kinds - because I have devoured Joel Ashton's videos! If we didn't have to worry about mosquitos here, I would LOVE to do one of the ponds like he does. I can't wait to see yours!
I seem to remember Mark Wilson (Any Pond) saying that a small wildlife pond typically does not include fish, because they would eat all the tiny creatures for whom the pond is intended.
Introducing fish also adds to the waste produced, which can then lead to a need for more filtration - then you get into filters and pumps.
I love that there are so many different kinds of ponds we can build.
They are so addictive, too - I think it would be cool to have one of each!

 

[pondesamoreux]

Yep, room for everyone's taste!

 

[GBBUDD]

it's A LOT of dirt!

My yard pitched away from the house about 6 feet from the patio to the back of the bog. With all the excess soil i built up that 6 feet actually to 7 and a half feet which allows for two waterfall. While the square yards can add up to build up an area can absorb more yards then you can imagine. to build up around a bio falls and make it so it doesn't look like a volcano can eat up a lot of fill.

 

[addy1]

I seem to remember Mark Wilson (Any Pond) saying that a small wildlife pond typically does not include fish, because they would eat all the tiny creatures for whom the pond is intended.

I have 7 fish less ponds. Full of critters.

 

[GBBUDD]

I have 7 fish less ponds. Full of critters.

ME TINKS YOU NEED TO DO A POST WITH THEM

 

[addy1]

I could, right now just growing, so sort of water with a bit of growth. I will wander around tomorrow and snap shots.

 

[Pati O’Pond]

OK - he had me at hedgehog! Can you even imagine?

Very interesting pond design. Several thoughts as I was watching -

1. Won't the rocks and wood that he sets on the edges just continue to sink into the subsoil?
2. What keeps weeds/native plants from invading and taking over the pond? With all the soil in the shallow pond it seems like it could happen very quickly, especially with birds visiting and dropping seeds.
3. Cutting that liner dead even with the surrounding landscape - no berm, no excess liner - makes me very nervous! What if the pond sinks even a little? What about water under the liner? No water hippo concerns? Runoff from the surrounding gardens? It's clearly easier to conceal the edge of the pond, but it does make me wonder.

HOWEVER - he clearly knows what he's doing, so no shade here!

All tea, no shade. Valid concerns. I’m learning so much from this forum! I’m so happy!

P.S. I’m so jealous that UK ponds and gardens have hedgehog visitors!

 

[Mgessert]

I need to rest today, so those Wild Your Garden videos will be perfect!