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In one of my last posts, I mentioned that the pond needed a redo. Last year in the interest of my back and age, we dumped 3 bags of sand into the pond to raise the bottom---thinking that would make life easier.
It didn't, the water was way too hot for plants or the frogs that would take up residence. The water was slimy and the buildup on the bottom was really disgusting. So, this Spring, I dug thirteen or so gallons of slimy sand and rocks out of the pond.
I bleached all the rocks and rinsed them three times and left them in the sun for a few days. The pond cleared up quickly with clarifier, and I already had mosquito floats in there.
We replaced the pump works, hoses and clamps---these also get very dirty and plugged up. Actually we had enough odds and ends around the garage to do this without any extra purchases. The pump is actually placed on a rock, and I clear it every time I see the the Fish spew lessening.
Creeping Jenny (Baby Tears) wintered over and are showing up around the pond. Hopefully they will cover most of the edge. The lime green is a great accent.
I had also planted some succulent mat bits here and there and they are starting to show up. We have had this old fish for so many years, he's made of plastic but I have to anchor him with rocks, to keep him from blowing over.
I've removed the rocks from the edges---because of the Grand or little visitors. The temptation is to rest or step on the edge rocks and maybe fall in. At least this way it is not walkable, though it is now deep again.
I did purchase two new plants, one grass which I split and put into a larger pot with a layer of rocks in them and also some some holes cut in the sides. More rocks went on top to hold the dirt in from floating around the pond.
I also potted an optic plant. These have done well in the past. The plants use the excess nutrients in the pond and will help it stay clear. Plus, they provide places critters to hide in.
One of the culprits for putting debris in the pond is this Viburnum bush/tree. Hubby trimmed it back severely last year, so it only had blooms here and there.
They are my favorite, usually they bloom with the Peonies, Iris, and roses, so I can make beautiful bouquets. This year they were early and everything else was late, only Iris started to bloom this week.
Even from just a few blooms---this is the 'snow' they leave behind. We have also had incredible winds in NE Illinois this year.
In the front you can see the creeping succulents I put between the rocks last year. Many came back despite the 4 feet of snow that ends up on top of this area to clear a path to the garage.
We love the sound, it comes through the kitchen windows and is water trickling is simply delightful.
Here's the rose...just starting to bud out a week ago.
After a few days, I placed starter plants along the wood to pot, and noticed this:
At first I didn't notice, and then I saw we already had a frog in the pond.
Even before I put the plants in.
He/she was quite patient as we tried to scramble and take photos with the cell phone.
I'm hoping the little family grows, even though we are constantly walking around this area. I put in plants and now I have to watch carefully to see where 'Froggy' likes to hide!
WHAT SORT OF CRITTERS DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR GARDENS!?!
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Thank you for your cooperation,
Sandi
