I sat on the patio early this Labor Day morning enjoying a cup of coffee and slightly cooler temps, listening to the peaceful sound of the pond. We built our pond about 11 or 12 years ago. It added the perfect touch to our little backyard. We used a red pump as our source for recirculating the water back into the pond. We like the nice sound it created, plus although a lot smaller, the pump reminded us of camping in Colorado and pumping water at the campsite. However, the past 2 years, the pump has been slowing down and collecting so much algae we are cleaning it out way too often, so, we have been thinking it may be time to retire the old pump and create a small waterfall.
Just a thought that I ponder as I sit this morning. I am also thinking what a good idea it was to plant yellow cosmos around the back of the pond. Those flowers love sun, and are really drought tolerant. They should re-seed too! There is another reason I am enjoying the pond this early morning..do you notice anything missing? The net! Because of heron problems, we had to net our pond last year. But last month we noticed we never see heron anymore. Back in the spring we could just stand outside and watch them fly by-- so many! Now I don't think the problem is over--oh no! We have discovered the heron fly over in late winter/early spring during their nesting season. Then when the temperatures start to heat up, I'd say late June, they seem to go somewhere else.
I don't miss them either! I want to protect my fish, but I also watched the dragon flies trying to get to the water these hot summer days, and was very torn on what to do. We keep the net close by just in case, but for now the pond is open for the birds, bees and butterflies (plus dragonflies) to enjoy.If we decide to build a small waterfall, the pump will not be thrown away--it will just be disconnected and sit beside the pond. I don't want to lose the character of that old pump. It will always be a reminder of the first years of the pond and all the hard work hubby did in designing and building it. I so love my little pond!
12 comments:
It is a really pretty pond and so close to your patio I know those sounds must be very pleasant. I was wondering what sort of plant that looks like a palm nearby? It is a beauty. I love the color and form. Glad the dragonflies can now get to the pond and hopefully those pesky herons will leave the pond alone.
I love your little pond, a waterfall would be a nice way to keep the water moving. I'm going to have to show hubby yours so maybe I can talk him into building one in our garden soon. ;)
Tina, when the temperature allows us to go without a/c, we have a screen on the backdoor and can hear the pond from inside. It is so wonderful!
That is an Umbrella Plant (Cyperus Involucratus). I don't normally like tropical plants, but we had these growing up and guess they remind me of home as a child. I have 2, and they do very well in our heat.
Racquel, your boys could help dig a pond. That is the hardest part. I sure do enjoy the soothing sound of the water--I bet you would too. And you have so many places to put one in your yard!
I love seeing pics of your pond and backyard haven. So glad y'all have figured out the heron situation and can enjoy it without the net when the they're not moving around.
Thanks JJ. I really do enjoy the pond--even when the net is up, but I sure like it with the net down! :)
I like that pump too Linda. It reminds me of one that my grandparents used at their home. We use to play with it a lot when we visited as kids.
I'm glad you got to take the net off your pond for the dragonflies.
Your garden is so lush this year. Pretty photos!
The pump has lots of memories for me Susie--plus, it adds that rustic touch I just love. I am happy for the dragonflies too--I felt so bad for them when the net was over the pond!
Barbee--how are you?? Thanks for the compliment on the garden. Summer sure has taken it's toll on everything.
So good to hear from you!!
Love that pump. I've always wanted one to put in my garden. Maybe one day.
It must be great sitting out by your pool. You get to enjoy the work y'all did and contemplate what you are going to do.
Lola--you should put in a pond. You would love it!!
MR--I do indeed sit by the pond and plan what is next. Drives Bert crazy I think! :)
I think your pond is lovely; there's nothing quite as relaxing as the sound of water running.
My pond has been a mess this summer, so much algae! But it's worth the work when I see all the dragonflies in the yard.
So how's the master gardening coming along? Our course was in Feb, and I've spent all summer trying to get in my volunteer hours. I'm finally through, yea!
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