My first pond's evolution...

[mireland62887]

I've had a couple barrel ponds and a 55 gallon preformed, but after years of waiting, I finally staked out my spot in the back yard. Last fall, we took the kid's playground out and my planning began.

The dig begins...

Building the bridge:

The watercourse:

And here come the rocks:

Bridge is in place temporarily:

We have water!!!!

Lego boat? Why not

After some edge work:

Pathway going around pond. The plan is fill with dirt, then add asylum, spanish moss and creeping thyme seeds:

Drip line in:

Everyone giving a hand:

Low voltage lights in. This addition has to be among the best. The appearance of the whole pond area at night is incredible:

Mortared in the steps to the bridge:

Lots of plants in now...including fennel. Love fennel!!!

Water plants arriving now. I had a few lillies that I split and added (and are blowing up!), but I ordered parrot's feather, water lettuce, frogbit, and a few others.

Some leftover pavers for footings for the benches. I was hesitant to use the pavers, but they actually compliment the color of the bridge well. They don't look out of place.

Second filter in:

After some concern about erosion, I built up small retaining walls around the watercourse.

Next up?

Need to replace the fence. I'm going to have an arbor entrance with decorative metal fencing. Last big project is building a deck around the side of the pond near the house (master bedroom). Long term? Install a sliding door from our room onto the deck!!!

I've had more fun working in the yard then ever before. My whole family is involved. I can't wait for the fish to grow, plants to mature, etc.

 

[Mucky_Waters]

Looks great! It`s especially nice seeing kids involved in projects like that, it will give then a sense of accomplishment that will be invaluable later in life.

 

[Big Lou]

Very good. Look forward to more photos.

 

[Phil]

That's a lot of progress in a short time. Nice pond!

 

[j.w]

Lots of fun family work and looks so nice...........you all did a magnificent job and can't wait to see more pix!

 

[Figgy]

Looking good.

 

[mireland62887]

This weekends projects:

Out with the old wooden picket fence and in with a lower, more see through version. It just has to be big enough to keep the dogs out. This was a fairly inexpensive metal fence from Lowes. It was fairly easy to put in and my wife loves it.

Digging the arbor post holes.

Leveled, staked out and cemented in:

Arbor top, ready for the cement to dry:

Arbor in over one of the seating areas. Originally it was supposed to go at the entrance over the gate, but while digging it out, I found a water line (sprinklers) that the previous homeowner installed only 12" down.

How it looked this morning. Planting moss and creeping thyme seeds in between the pavers this week, plus a host of border plants along the edges.

Lastly...one of the reasons for the fence. He's DYING to take a swim in there

The deck (which will be to the right of the photo) is the last major project. I'll add a few plants and nurture the ones I have. Spring sunshine and showers should get everything growing in no time.

 

[gardengimp]

Wow, that is looking really nice. Handsome dog too.

 

[addy1]

Beautiful job!

 

[Big Lou]

The real deal. Congratulations.

 

[Event Horizon]

Looks great.

 

[sissy]

gosh what family fun that was and great job all around .In ponding there is no such thing as leftovers