Compo 10,328 Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 On Saturday morning I was walking around the garden and it suddenly struck me that the part we keep under (poor quality) lawn would be better used as a large pond. I marked out an area roughly 21ft X10ft with sawdust and I'm now committed to digging and building the pond this summer. Sometimes I wish my brain would keep its mouth shut!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 I know you probably know already, but don't dispose of the soil you remove, place it around the outside as an extra piece of banking. and if you have Herons in your area, strap a couple of old tyres together (One on top of the other), put them in the deeper part , it gives a refuge for the fish to hide in. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted April 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Ta! Planning an embankment on the north side of the hole and, if they will grow, lilly pads in thw deeper part. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beefsteak 305 Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Even a breeze block or two in the deeper water whilst the lilies establish themselves will help to shelter the fish. (Oh, and get some pond snails and put a clump of pond weed in , but near the bank , as in the right conditions it will take over the pond in a matter of weeks !!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paulus 541 Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Even a breeze block or two in the deeper water whilst the lilies establish themselves will help to shelter the fish. (Oh, and get some pond snails and put a clump of pond weed in , but near the bank , as in the right conditions it will take over the pond in a matter of weeks !!) Give him a chance Beefy, he's not turned a sod yet!!............................. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MELTONSTILTON 452 Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 I think it is a good idea. I hope it is going to be a wildlife pond and not an ornamental gold fish pond Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Hope your trees are evergreen,our neighbor did the same but forgot his trees would loose its leaves in Autumn it caused him a lot of problems. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted April 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 I have a smaller mature pond of 15yrs standing. It is full of stuff and keeps three fish fed without any help from me. I plan to transfer the stuff from the smaller pond (which has sprung a leak) into the new one as soon as it iss complete. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
carni 10,094 Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Hope you manage to finish in time to enjoy your good work before the Winter comes (that's if it ever goes).Lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted April 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 It's been snowing here today More forecast but only light showers. wind is the problem just now. Keeps blowing at or near gale force day in, day out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
piggy and babs 544 Posted April 30, 2013 Report Share Posted April 30, 2013 what a lovely idea with a few lilies and yellow water irisplanted in it will look lovely a few blue iris planted aroud that flower about the same time will soon enhance your lovely garden Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 I will be starting to dig the pond at some point over the weekend. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paulus 541 Posted May 4, 2013 Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 I will be starting to dig the pond at some point over the weekend. Photo's of your progress are compulsory............................... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2013 Willco! Awaiting a break in the sleety weather ........ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
littlebro 234 Posted May 5, 2013 Report Share Posted May 5, 2013 I thought you might like to see a video of our visitors. (Click on the image) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2013 They certainly look settled in for the duration! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2013 Pond update: Whilst digging the pond I came across the old drain (Still working) from thew railway cottages; demolished in 1960. The large stone is a Caithness flagstone inserted upright to make a low wall around what looks to have been the cottage yard. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LizzieM 9,519 Posted May 7, 2013 Report Share Posted May 7, 2013 Bit of archeology going on there then Compo Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2013 I like industrial archaeology Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2013 Somehow I have to lift that stone tomorrow. I want to keep it in one piece so that I can use it as a ledge for fish to shelter under when I get the pond dug out completely Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,033 Posted May 8, 2013 Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 I could have done with that turf. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 If you can fetch it - it's yours Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,328 Posted May 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 Pond now excavated all bar a few finishing touches. Hope to get the bedding sand and liner ordered this weekend. Photo later. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paulus 541 Posted May 8, 2013 Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 Pond now excavated all bar a few finishing touches. Hope to get the bedding sand and liner ordered this weekend. Photo later. Well done Compo lad!! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
piggy and babs 544 Posted May 8, 2013 Report Share Posted May 8, 2013 GOOD LOOK HOPE IT WORKS 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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