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EJ
Allotmenteer Extraordinaire
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Location: Essex
Posts: 2270
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| Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:40 pm Post subject: Our new pond |
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We decided (well, me mostly) that the pond in our garden was just too small, so with the long weekend looming, and good weather forecast, we set about dismantling our old pond and enlarging it and making it more natural.
The old small pond was removed and the hole enlarged. As you can see from the photo, the sewer pipe runs through the pond (!) but we have used this as the edge to a large shallow shelf which I am hoping over time to be able to smother with marginal plants.
Our last pond had new sleepers edging it, but this time we decided to go for a softer, more natural look, so we have turfed up to the edge of the pond. Due to the levels in the garden, I am going to have to create a gentle slope and seed some of it as we didn't want a definate ridge, but a gentle slope.
Around the back and sides we have used large slate tiles. There will be plants in the gaps and we have some fab lumps of slate that will go back there.
To the left of the pond (as you look at the photo) we are going to have a boggy patch as I have 2 Gunneras to plant. The pond is now 12 foot long and 7 foot wide. I don't know how deep but the shallow shelf along the back comes to about mid calf on my darling. Tomorrow whilst I am at the plot, he is going to tidy up the liner around the back of the pond, empty it, rinse it as some mortar fell into the water, and then refill it. We have 4 goldfish and 2 golden orf to go back in once it is settled. We will have to get some more fish it seems. Good job fathers day is looming!
I shall add photos as I get it planted up. ;D
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eileen
Moderator & Resident Taxonomist
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| Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:45 pm Post subject: |
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I love the size and look of the new pond EJ!!! Aren't husbands handy? I got Ian to dig out our new pond a couple of years ago and now Mark is doing the same for you.  The grass and the slates certainly give it a much more natural look and I can't wait to see it once it's finished and all the planting is in place. 
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Netty
Chaotic Gardener
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Location: Southern Ontario zone 5a (Map)
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| Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:50 pm Post subject: |
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That looks great EJ! And it's so green in your yard! Can't wait to see it all planted up.
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toni
Mistress of Garden Junque
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| Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:17 pm Post subject: |
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That is so great looking, Mark has done a super job and it will look so restful when it is planted and filled in.
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cajunbelle
Daylily Diva
Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Location: zone 8b Louisiana (Map)
Posts: 3334
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:26 am Post subject: |
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Looks great EJ, Emma is sooooooo cute. I'll bet she was a big help with all that work.
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Sharon
Phil. 4:13
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Polly
Thumb Gardener
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Location: Michigan
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 1:01 am Post subject: |
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Looks great EJ - all that work in one weekend. You all must be tired out. Can't wait to see the next progress pics when plants are in place.
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CritterPainter
Awed by Nature
Joined: 27 Aug 2006
Location: Washington State
Posts: 1448
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| Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:46 am Post subject: |
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looking really lovely!
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EJ
Allotmenteer Extraordinaire
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Location: Essex
Posts: 2270
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| Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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I thought I would post a couple more snaps now the pond is completed. I have top-dressed and reseeded the lawn where we worked, so in about 10 days time that will be much greener.
Behind this slate retaining dry stone wall is a boggy area where I have planted 2 Gunnera plants. Hopefully they will go the business and be 12 foot tall by mid summer.
This upturned pot actually dribbles water from the filter system. This keeps the pond clean and the water oxygenated.
And here is our leaping fish that my mum gave us. Couldn't resist having him actually in the water!!
All we need now are some more plants and some more fishes!
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eileen
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| Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:13 pm Post subject: |
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Oh it's looking lovely already EJ. I can hardly wait to see those gunnera leaves appearing and the plants in the pond maturing too. Is that a water aconite you have growning under your flower pot?
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cajunbelle
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Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Location: zone 8b Louisiana (Map)
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 12:43 am Post subject: |
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What a lovely pond. Y'all have done an excellent job on that. Can't wait to see the gunnera's and the rest of it planted.
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Sharon
Phil. 4:13
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zuzu's petals
Silly Old Bat
Joined: 19 Oct 2006
Location: Coastal N.Carolina ~zone 8~ (Map)
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 1:14 am Post subject: |
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It's terrific EJ!
You can come and redesign my poor little pond any day!!
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glendann
Official Garden Angel
Joined: 19 May 2006
Location: Texas (Map)
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 1:24 am Post subject: |
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EJ I missed the first pictures completely .Why I do not know.I just love your pond so much.I can't belive how big it is .Once gunnera's are up I want to see them.
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EJ
Allotmenteer Extraordinaire
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Location: Essex
Posts: 2270
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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I always call them marsh marigolds Eileen. They are a little floppy as they have been in a bucket whilst construction was underway, and they didn't like it much.
Thanks for all the kind words. I am thrilled with how it is looking. Just gotta figure out something on that fence. I might get some trellis and grow some annual climbers, like morning glory, in a pot, up the trellis. What do you think?
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Netty
Chaotic Gardener
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Location: Southern Ontario zone 5a (Map)
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:00 pm Post subject: |
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Looks fantastic EJ. Morning Glory would look nice!
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Frank
Happy Gardening
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| Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:00 pm Post subject: |
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Sorry I'm late into this topic EJ but like to say that you guys have done a fantastic job with your new pond. I'm sure you'll inspire someone to take the plunge with one themselves.
Love the leaping fish!
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