Pond Flora and Fauna

You probably saw this coming: MORE plants.

The pond’s ecosystem is a new experiment for me. Luckily there’s plenty of information online to make the learning curve a little less steep.

Infographic from https://www.pondexperts.ca/pond-plant-depth-zones/

My Aquatic Collection

As I started browsing catalogs of aquatic plants, I was surprised at how many from my existing garden could thrive with their roots submerged in water. The aquatic plant expert at my local shop says to rinse off the roots… because these plants need nutrients dissolved in water, not actual soil, there’s no sense in dirtying the pond water.

Volunteer Nature

I decided I didn’t want to (yet) deal with fish in my pond, which would add another level of maintenance and complexity. Fish require feeding, correct pH, and winter aeration. Instead, I let my pond be a habitat for the woodland creatures that show up to visit, feed themselves, and do whatever they do in the winter. It has made for some interesting nature watching.

Stream Finishing Part 3: Pond Patio

Once the pond was installed, I realized there would be a wide space between it and the fence… much more space than warranted by a lovely garden backdrop. I decided to create a seating area.

Tossing pavers down on the dirt solved the immediate problem of the mud pit left behind by the construction crew, and prevented the area from becoming overrun by weeds. As the season progressed, I considered it quite a successful proof of concept.

Now for the real deal.

My first patio experiment back in 2016 was decent enough, but I’m already mad about the shifting pavers and endless weeds. I suppose it’s time to learn how to do it the RIGHT way… if it goes well, maybe I’ll re-do the first patio to match. Besides, I like these pavers better than my home-poured ones.

Belgard Portland 21-in L x 15-in W x 2-in H Silex Concrete Patio Stone
The only color in stock at Lowe’s was a grey-ish ‘Silex’, so I also bought some brown concrete stain to brush over the blocks.

The ground is hard-packed from having the excavator drive around on it for a few weeks, so I’m not too worried about renting a compactor. But I will start with landscape fabric, followed by leveling sand and paver base panels. They’re kind of expensive, but I expect to get a more perfect finished product and need less sand.

Instruction Video from Brock PaverBase

Pavers placed into the mud needed to be lifted and cleaned off.

With paver base leveled and landscape fabric down, it’s time for smooth sand, underlayment panels, and pavers.

Taking shape

Irregular edge blends into the gravel and stone edge of the pond.

Alliance Gator Maxx G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand for Paver and Natural Stone Joints UP to 4”(Diamond Black) 50 Ib Bag

Black polymeric sand

Patio, planters, and chaise lounges… Maddox approves!

Taking a well-deserved rest.

Stream Finishing Part 2: Gravel Garden

After Michele helped me clear the giant weed mess (see Stream Finishing Part 1: Mulch Corner), I pinned down landscape fabric to prevent the weeds from sprouting right back up again while I waited for my trees to be installed.

I picked out two beautiful trees to be installed by my local garden center. Like everyone else, they’re crazy busy and booked out. Finally my beauties arrived.

Ruby Falls Redbud: Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls'

Japanese Maple: Acer palmatum dissectum 'Red Dragon'

Acer Crimson Queen, Japanese Laceleaf Maple

Cercis Ruby Falls, Weeping Redbud

Trees behind the stream

Now the rocks. Despite the stream being a completely artificial construct, I want to at least try to give it the variation you might find in nature.

1.5” rounded stone

2 cubic yards of the 1.5” and 1 cubic yard of the 2-3”

2-3” rounded stone

First few wheelbarrow loads

Stream Finishing Part 1: Mulch Corner

My concept for the area between the stream and the fence is that it contains year-round interest, and it never needs mowing. This means focusing on plants that keep their structure throughout the winter, as opposed to most of my garden plants which die back to the ground. I decided to install a mulched garden at the top, and a gravel garden below.

I’m also hoping to reduce the amount of weeding it needs… because holy hell look at this mess:

In one of my all-too-frequent moments of garden despair and frustration, Michele came over to help. For those of you who don’t know Michele, she’s my friend & neighbor, and she’s a powerhouse in the garden. She frequently shares her divided plants, and everything in her care seems to flourish. See for yourself:

It started as just a little. And a little more. And a little later I mentioned that my back had started to ache… and Michele said, ‘Yep - mine too!’ and didn't miss a beat slamming the shovel into the weed pile. She’s a machine. We got the entire thing done in one go.

We decided to use plastic tarps to smother the established grass at the top of the stream.

Then the waiting.

Grass at the top of the slope is adequately smothered, and I’m tired of looking at the ugly tarps. This is where the elbow grease takes over.

The silver tarp smothered the grass during our 90+ degree heat wave and drought.

The area looks bigger from above.

Pulling clumps of dead grass, spreading landscape fabric, and covering with mulch.

Plantings at the top of the stream are coming along nicely.

Pond Planting

Pond installation is complete, and Maddox wasted no time helping herself to the cool, fresh water.

The construction left behind lots of loose dirt, which easily combined with summer hurricane rains to make a giant muddy mess. Decaying organic material in the sediment mixed with air in the waterfall to cause foam, but that was short-lived as the ecosystem came into balance.

Plantings are starting to fill in, and the patio is taking shape.

Night falls and autumn leaves

Pond Installation

The Concept

Summer 2019

I love the idea of a backyard plunge pool where my fur babies and I can go for a dunk on a hot day. But since New Hampshire doesn’t have a majority of hot days, it seems silly to install a pool. So… why not a water feature I can enjoy most months, even when it’s too cold to swim? I’d like the water surface to be maybe 10’ x 15’, 3-4 feet deep… enough for dogs to plunge, and for me and a friend to relax with a couple of tropical beverages. And it won’t look like a tarp-covered hippopotamus all winter long.

Other requirements:

  • Most important: sloped egress for the dogs… drowning hazards are no joke.

  • Integrated landscaping… I know it might not look like nature put it there, but it should look like it fits in.

  • No loose sand/mud for wet dogs to track in the house.

  • Waterfall for soothing white noise.

  • Low-ish maintenance. I can handle skimmers, chemicals, and seasonal maintenance… but nothing that I have to keep alive (e.g. fish).

  • Maybe: ambient lighting?

Now I’m really starting to collect ideas. And searching through online tutorials figuring out how much of a pain in the butt this is going to be.

THE CANVAS

Spring 2020, A.K.A: “Before”

Ideas

I’m envisioning the pond and waterfall built into the existing slope. The ferns are in the back corner of the lot. I’m sure the fir tree will be in the way… that can easily be removed. Actually, any of the plantings in this corner can be yanked out… the bushes obscure some boulders that stabilize the corner. There is an irrigation line that I’ll have to deal with.

Instructional* Videos

* Not to be confused with thinking I can do this alone.

VISIT TO THE POND SHOP

July 2020

Maddox and I headed out to Chester Hollow Water Garden for a socially-distanced tour of the fountain-studded grounds.

Making it Happen

July 2021

It’s been SO HARD to wait, especially through the heat waves New England has already experienced. But the time has come: I’m getting a pond. Correction: Maddox is getting a pond. 💖

Charlie from Chester Hollow Water Gardens visited my property to get an idea of what I want, and to formulate a design. We walked and talked and pointed and I tried to envision what he will build for me, but I probably won’t be certain until it’s actually in place. Of this I am certain: it’s going to be gorgeous.

Maybe something like this? Except better.

Maybe something like this? Except better.

Pond Equipment

Here are the highlights of what went into my pond construction, all by AquaScape.

digging and Building

Click open each picture to see it full-size and read descriptions.

Now that the installation is done, it falls to me to plant and dress the edges. I have my work cut out for me!