Here we go -- FINALLY! A pond for wildlife...

[bagsmom]

So.... Here are a few pictures of the current fun. I planted a bunch of perennials around the left side of the pond. There are the ferns next to the log, then crocosmia, brown eyed Susans, and Joe Pye weed and swamp milkweed. Most of the things were relocated from spots in the front yard. I bought the J.P. weed 2 years ago and they have been patiently waiting in pots. Finally! I was glad to get them in the ground. The edges are sort of a mess but I wanted to run a bead of foam between the rocks and liner to help keep stuff from getting in. When everything is done, I will go back through with a variety of different rocks and such to really dress things up. Today I will continue working on the edges. I have another 2/3 of the perimeter to go. Stay tuned.
On another note, the wildlife pond is a hit! Perhaps too much of a hit. Two gals came through last night and had some salad. Parrot's feather, impatiens, and water celery seem popular. Little Sister plopped herself right in the bog and thought hard about going down over the waterfall to get the lotus!!!! I banged on the window at that point. I saw something else interesting. Did you know lady deer squat down to pee? Just like girl dogs? I had no idea. And she really had to go.
I also included a picture of the teeniest, tiniest tadpole I've ever seen!!!!!

 

[addy1]

The deer love my bog, the plants, the day lilies, I just plant enough I don't notice their munching

 

[bagsmom]

The deer love my bog, the plants, the day lilies, I just plant enough I don't notice their munching

That is my goal! If I could just get them to wait long enough to let the plants get started!

 

[j.w]

I haven't had deer go in mine yet but I have seen there hoof prints in the soil on the sides of it. I have the first year w/tadpoles too, yay! Love your ponds!

 

[YShahar]

This is looking so very cool! And I love the deer in the bog (though I'd worry about their hooves puncturing the liner). Hopefully they won't eat up all your new plants.

 

[bagsmom]

This is looking so very cool! And I love the deer in the bog (though I'd worry about their hooves puncturing the liner). Hopefully they won't eat up all your new plants.

Hopefully all the rocks will protect the liner! They need to hold off about a month to let the plants start growing - then I won't mind so much if they nibble a bit.

 

[cas]

Your pond is looking great! Some plants that the deer have left alone for me are russian sage, catmint, lambs ear and spiderwort. I have used 'liquid fence' on my clematis to keep them from eating the buds and it works well.

 

[bagsmom]

I need to get some of these plants. The little turds were at it again last night. One water lily is gone and they've eaten a bunch of other stuff.

 

[mrsclem]

Deer do not like mint. Its keeping them out of my bogs as well as the monarch garden.

 

[addy1]

This is looking so very cool! And I love the deer in the bog (though I'd worry about their hooves puncturing the liner). Hopefully they won't eat up all your new plants.

You mean like this? In the bog, eating a lily in the pond........................ Walking on pea gravel no concerns about the liner. @mrsclem surround by mint...................

 

[bagsmom]

You mean like this? In the bog, eating a lily in the pond........................ Walking on pea gravel no concerns about the liner. @mrsclem surround by mint...................View attachment 151950

This is my goal! I would love to have enough to share. It is just the two girls and they hoover up everything like a church bus unloading at the Golden Corral!
If I can get things growing and established enough to fill in, it won't matter if they come by for a snack. But dang, these gals like to snack. Last night, I tried some highly scented fabric softener sheets on plant stakes around the pond. I think it kept them away. That, or there is just nothing left to eat!

 

[YShahar]

This is my goal! I would love to have enough to share. It is just the two girls and they hoover up everything like a church bus unloading at the Golden Corral!
If I can get things growing and established enough to fill in, it won't matter if they come by for a snack. But dang, these gals like to snack. Last night, I tried some highly scented fabric softener sheets on plant stakes around the pond. I think it kept them away. That, or there is just nothing left to eat!

I've heard that distributing lion droppings around your garden can prevent gazelles from munching on the plants. Know anyone who keeps lions in your neighborhood?

 

[bagsmom]

We HAVE had BEARS in the neighborhood! It's only once in a blue moon, though, thankfully. They are cool, but I sure don't want one in the pond!

 

[addy1]

I've heard that distributing lion droppings around your garden can prevent gazelles from munching on the plants. Know anyone who keeps lions in your neighborhood?

Maybe we can import lion poo!

 

[bagsmom]

Gain laundry detergent has those scent-booster beads in a shake canister. I am going to get some and sprinkle around the perimeter of the beds (where they can't get into the water.) I wonder if that will help?