pond in progress started 4/21/10

[j.w]

I'm drooling looking at all your plants again addy! Nice root you got and kinda looks like a dragon head........well to me anyways. Those star flowers are cool and remind me of fireworks like big sparklers. You should have your place in a magazine like Better Homes and Gardens...........it is so pretty!

 

[addy1]

I wintered it in our sun room, just wet soil, so it had a head start this summer, last summer it was a tiny thing. I also have some in a pot that does not drain. Just keep the soil wet.

 

[callingcolleen1]

I just love the lotus and Lilly ponds, your pads are so huge!! Does the performed pond flow into the big pond? Love the little rocks by the performed pond, better homes and gardens for sure!!!

 

[addy1]

I just love the lotus and Lilly ponds, your pads are so huge!! Does the performed pond flow into the big pond? Love the little rocks by the performed pond, better homes and gardens for sure!!!

We have a garden hose hooked to the bog plumbing, with a shut off valve, a mild flow of water goes into the preforms, maybe 60 gallons an hour. The first preform waterfalls into the lotus tub, the lotus tub waterfalls into the second preform which drains into a mini stream that goes into the big pond. When we first hooked up the loop we algae bloomed the big pond, had a lot of junk in the lotus tub, fertilizer, algae, tons of tads and fry. It took a day to clear back up, I was holding my breath waiting lol

 

[j.w]

Wow addy holding your breath for a whole day is pretty good, must be all that diving you do

 

[addy1]

lol jw when you see your pond go from clear to murky greenish cause of 300 gallons of water, makes you go oh poop, blew that one! But the bog saved me again, it came right back, took a day.

 

[j.w]

Yep your bog showed you what it's made of and saved your arse!

 

[addy1]

Just a side job, honey wanted some lilies in the deep end of the pond, 5 foot deep or so. So I made some floating lily pot holders. Used 2 inch pvc, door screening, wire, fishing line, plastic spray paint and a few rocks.

The lilies pulled the floating holder down to water level, but I wanted the frame below water level, so added a few rocks to pull it down more. One is bright pink, one white, both good bloomers.

The fish love the floating lilies and the island

Also added a floating plant island like pecan did, but just small plants in pots, just starting to grow.

Put a piece of burlap on it, the light green styrofoam was too bright, waiting for it to age some.

 

[j.w]

Good job on the planters and I can't even see the parts under water. Neat idea! I was wondering what the tan stuff was on the island. Thought it was dirt/sand or kitty litter but knew that couldn't be right. Looks good and bet will look great when it fills in and ages some.

 

[callingcolleen1]

Looks very nice! Will be good for fish to hide from those darn herons if they come back. I'd like a small floating island, might keep my I eye out for some foam?

 

[addy1]

Darn herons still fly over every day, so far no landings except the green heron and it has not been back. Maybe those alligator heads are keeping the gbh away.

 

[callingcolleen1]

They are just keeping track of how big the fish are getting, and most likely going to try to get some one day when the fish are looking real big and tempting..... I'd keep my eye out in the mean time.

 

[Peggy]

Addy I have spent the last couple of days going through this thread from start to finish....every time I sat down for something had to read some more. I am just in awe of all of your work... It is absolutely gorgeous! I don't think I could pick a favorite if I tried. From the deck to the bog there isn't a place that isn't just breathtaking. Envy is not nice I know lol. I would love to build a bog and large pond. But, alas will have to stay content with my little ones. I have been throwing around the idea of making a swimming pond for the kids, just not sure if it would be cheaper and better to just buy an above ground lol. It would be cool to have a liner pool that had a shallow and deeper end and then later on could convert it to a new pond . Anyone ever tried this I wonder. I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your whole process and the trouble you took to post it all. Thanks for sharing!

 

[j.w]

Hey Peggy if you do decide to make it a pool first check w/ addy on the kind of liner that she used as it is the non-slippery stuff and would make it easier on the kids when playing in it. I think the company will even send you a sample piece of it in the mail so you can check it out.

 

[Peggy]

Thanks jw I will do that. Not sure if it would work but the more I think about it the more it appeals to me. Has anyone built from a kit? I just saw this site that had the entire kit, from liners to pumps...it was really cheaper then a large pool!!!
And I am liking the idea of a large pool >>>>>to pond lol.