Monday, January 30, 2012

The New and Updated Pond After Dark

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You may recall my post this past Friday where I showed you my pond. That post also talked about a few problems with the pond that have since been rectified. Like all things you do for the first time you might not get them right and that was the case with the pond. My main problem was the edging and how to hide the pond liner. Initially I had built a mound on the edge of the pond over which I ran the liner then tucked the liner in a trench on the back side of the mound. The top of the mound was above the water level so the liner was able to be seen when the pond was filled with water. Enter the new way I have now edged the pond. I removed the rocks and the mound then dug out a flat trench about 18" all around the pond. I think this is what the professionals call the coping shelf. The bottom of the trench was level or a bit below the projected level of the water based on lining up a level with the water depth on the skimmer box. I laid the liner flat in the trench, than stacked rocks on the liner and folded the back side of the liner up alongside the rocks. I then hid the excess liner with more rocks and backfilled. It is not a perfect solution but I think a workable solution. You can no longer see the liner with the pond full.


The next problem was with the way the water was running off from the waterfall rock and bouncing on the back rock wall. The water was leaking out of the pond so Mr. Fix-it had to rework the waterfall rocks and wonders of wonders, he actually found black waterfall foam in Home Depot!! This was a boon to our endeavors as it enabled us to finally fix the pond and refill it with water late last night. I had ordered some waterfall foam online but it's not like it is an instant gratification thing. I am still waiting for that can to arrive. We have found you need several cans of black waterfall foam in order to really do a waterfall up water tight and the stuff really works! The waterfall foam held the rocks together well and has sealed up gaps in the rocks where water might leak--at least as far as we can tell for now. 

We have a floodlight shining on the pond and it really looks nice in the evening. The garden along side the left side of the pond is now backfilled and planted with moss phlox. I also had the opportunity to divide my horsetail rush and native irises. There are two pots of the irises and one pot of the horsetail in the above pot. When I divided the pot from the bathtub garden I disturbed a frog sleeping in the pot. I was not certain if any frogs would hibernate in the bathtub pond but now I know. I hope it finds a new spot to burrow in for the rest of the winter. Soon the two koi from my bathtub pond will be moved into this pond. It is not a moment too soon either as the koi have really really grown. I don't normally see the koi because they are still rather dark colored (but their colors are coming in) and rather shy but when I removed the pot full of horsetail rush I had a good opportunity to see them....

in the garden....


Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

19 comments:

  1. Hurray for your pond success. It really is looking good and I know you two will enjoy it for many years to come.

    FlowerLady

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  2. Tina,
    It looks great, a job well done. So when is the pond party?

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  3. FlowerLady it is so awesome already. I can't wait to dangle my legs in it this summer.

    Randy, As soon as it warms up! I appreciate your honestly on saying basically to do it right. I am happy I redid it and the liner is much less noticeable. And no leaking! I wish I could say the same for my roof!

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  4. Tina I love how you have edged it...mine is a bit different but I do love your rocks...I had not heard about the waterfall foam and will check it out since our waterfall rocks shift every winter...would be great to get them to stay in place...see this is why I have nominated you for the versatile blogger award....I so enjoy the blog and you as a blogger friend...you are not obligated to do anything but you can get the details about the here...

    http://gardenseyeview.com/2012/01/30/true-blue-loyal-blooms/

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  5. Tina, looks great. I know this has been a labor of love. Poor little frog, seems as though you have a nice little habitat for them in the bathtub garden.

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  6. What a great job you have done, Tina! It all looks so lovely, and I can see you spending many warm evenings sitting by the pond, enjoying it.

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  7. It looks just great! At some point I'd love to fix our edges so the liner doesn't show, but will probably wait awhile. Seeing you work on your pond inspired me to fix the bed on the low side of mine.

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  8. It looks grand and I know you will enjoy it. I know the larger ponds that have just been dug and have no liner but a natural supply of water reduces your fire insurance so you should check on that.

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  9. Tina this looks great. I know you all will enjoy it for yrs to come. It's been a lot of hard work but enjoyable to you. Can't wait for summer to get here so you can enjoy the water on a hot summer day.

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  10. Your reworks seem to have done the trick. It looks good. You'll get it all dolled up with plants and stuff in now time and it'll be perfect.

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  11. A LOT of hard work, but so worth it, I know!

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  12. This pond just keeps looking better and better with every touch up! Cant wait to see it this summer surrounded with plants and frogs.....

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  13. Really amazing, tina! I read your former post with excitement as well. It makes me smile to hear that the frog has found a good shelter in the pond. Your koi project sounds GREAT! I'd love to see them in it. I'm sure the pond will give endless pleasure to you. I can't wait to see how it looks in spring and summer.

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  14. Tina it looks GREAT!:) I love that it's going to have Koi swimming around in it. They do grow fast don't they? I also love the old fashioned insulators. My Mum used to collect them too.

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  15. I’ve awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award: http://bit.ly/yhCUbI. Yay!!

    The pond is huge! All it needs now is a lighthouse!

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  16. Your pond looks great. I know you will enjoy it too. We have a very small pond, but it has given us many years of pleasure.

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  17. I love the waterfall and rock edge. I was about to say that all you need is koi but you have that covered! Beware, though, raccoons like to eat them. Are you thinking of lilies and irises to go with the Japanese theme?

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  18. It looks great Tina! I can't wait to see it all decked out with plants your fish.

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  19. Is that a pond or a swimming pool? :-) Seriously now, that looks grand. Love the "wild" look of it.

    Greetings from London.

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