Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Porter's Pond


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This past weekend Mr. Fix-it and I had the opportunity to preview all of the ponds on the 2012 Montgomery County Water Garden Society Pond Tour. What a treat! I really think that if you are asked to be on this tour you should jump on it as the pre-tour that all of the pond owners are treated to as a thank you for allowing their ponds to be on display is worth all the work!

I took pictures of six gardens ponds (not mine and not my friend Naomi's but I'll get hers later--if you'd like to see her garden look at this post found here). There are actually seven ponds on the tour but Mr. Fix-it and I toured an additional pond after the pre-tour.

We start at the Porter's pond simply because it is listed as the first pond on the ticket. I will post one post per pond over the next week or so.

As you drive up to the Porter's circular driveway you are greeted by this splendid concrete water fountain; flanked on either side by huge clumps of Musa bajoo, aka Hardy Japanese bananas.The fountain is sited perfectly and makes a great focal point out front.
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The large pond you are seeking is around to the left of the house where you'll walk under a wonderful covered patio. And look who else found the pond? This super alligator looked very real. The fish obviously know it is not because they were not one bit afraid of it. My fish would never have been seen if I put something like this in my pond. I learned this the hard way when I put a duck in my pond that scared the fish so bad they stayed on the bottom of the pond. At any rate I loved this alligator so I might try it with my fish. It looks very realistic doesn't it? It gives the pond a touch of whimsy that makes one go hmmmm.....
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This waterfall is one I wish mine was more similar to. I like how it has two steps before it falls into the water. The plantings around the waterfall were stunning and totally hid all of the mechanics of the pond.
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And here are some of the lucky people who got treated to the pond pre-tour! They are admiring the deep and beautiful pond where happy koi reside.
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The lotus in this pond were quite fascinating. My friend Naomi went along too since her pond is also on the tour. She loves the lotuses and is looking to add some to her pond so she really enjoyed seeing them here. You'll see her and Mr. Fix-it in a later post.
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On the way out we noticed some cages on the back side of the house. Look at how cool this dovecote is set up. The doves looked quite happy and beautiful. They added to the ambiance at this home that had many wonderful potted plants, gardens, and the lovely pond.
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Finally, I believe the area within the rocks used to house a smaller pond. Apparently the homeowners upgraded and made a large pond closer to their home. Pond siting is a major consideration when building a pond. Be sure to place it where you'll enjoy it most, though I am sure these homeowners enjoyed this pond very much and just wanted a larger one. 

Next up is the Russell Pond....

in the garden....

If you wish to buy tickets for this Saturday's pond tour (9-4), you can do so at Dave's Small Engine and Repair on the bypass, or at Orgain Building and supply. You can also contact the MCWGS via their webpage. On tour day you can buy tickets at the MCWGS tent set up in front of Dave's Small Engines. 

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

24 comments:

  1. Long time no see. I really enjoyed this post about ponds!! It makes me feel cool(it is horrendously hot and humid here). So surprised to find that the Basho on your blog. I've heard that the haiku poet Basho named himself after the Basho plant in his garden in Edo. I first thought that the alligator was real. It looks so real and cool.
    I'm looking forward to your posts on your pond very much!

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    1. Cool garden. Im also starting a gardening blog- http://atomatogrowsinqueens.blogspot.com/

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  2. Thank you for this first installment of the pond tour. I look forward to seeing them all. This one was very nice.

    FlowerLady

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  3. I have often wanted a pond, but I worry about snakes here. Love how the Doves are housed!

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  4. Tina, I love the alligator! It's quite realistic--frighteningly so! Hubby and I have been talking and talking about a pond for ages, and I think this is the year that we might actually make it a reality. A few projects to finish first, but then--I'm ready! Look forward to part two of the tour! ;-)

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  5. Thank you for a very good tour. Waiting anxiously for the following tour. Boy, that "gator" sure fooled me. I thought it real. I fear no pond here as it would have all kinds of animals in it. lol
    Baby squirrel sitting here. He now has his eyes open.

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  6. Oh Tina, thank you very much for your kind words about my blog content. I actually had someone comment some time ago that it was supposed to be a gardening blog.

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  7. Mom was just sure that alligator was real...the pond was very pretty ....and so was the yard..mom wanted me to tell yu she finally got some blue bottles for her tree...right now she is trying to soak the labels off of them!
    stella rose

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  8. Yes, that alligator looks very real!! I like the mermaid, thanks for sharing her! I think that big fountain in front of the house really does make a statement, whoa!! Do those doves stay there all year round? Seems there should be a box or something for them to roost in.

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    1. I don't have any idea about the doves. We only noticed them as we were leaving and were on a tight schedule so I really could not ask about them. They were pretty neat though.

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  9. That first picture is awesome but it had me quite concerned about the fish on the left that I could see untill I read on. It sure did look real to me!!! It is beautiful.

    Those doves have lotsa room to roam around in but the cage is so barren. I wonder if they do not like to play with toys. Are they doves that are released at functions or pets only? Interesting.

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    1. There were two cages right next to the dove cage. I am not sure if those were for the doves or not. I would think so. Those cages looked like they could house a few cockatiels as they were loaded with toys. I don't know if these doves were let out to fly or not.

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  10. That is one beautiful property. I'd have to be retired to handle the maintenance.:)

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  11. My gosh, I saw those fish swimming toward the alligator, Phew it was a fake. Nice tour of ponds, so much variety to be found.

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  12. We call Musa bajoo, aka Hardy Japanese bananas "Basho". They sometimes grow really big!

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  13. That alligator did look real! I love the waterfall and of course, the lotuses. The pond tour sounds like so much fun!

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  14. Love this water feature. I like the tiers and looked into getting a fountain like this....but the wind here would knock something like that piece over. So we have to keep it low and wide. Water features are a MUST for every garden:) Love the shots.

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  15. Lots of inspiration here! I've always wanted a pond. I especially love that demure looking mermaid.

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  16. I wish I could have hung around for the Pond Tour, sigh. I shall enjoy them all here with ya instead! That gator had me fooled for a moment. I bet your fish would get use to something such as that over a bit of time. You would just have to be able to handle not seeing the fish for a while until they have wised up. Cant wait to see the next pond...

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  17. Love the ponds! Wish I had room for a bigger one.

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  18. How amazing. The alligator does look real. I like the dove cage. Never seen that done before. Thanks for sharing the tour.

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  19. I look forward to touring all the different ponds you got to see! Thanks for sharing them. This pond is great - I, too, love that alligator! I really thought it might be real!! :O

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  20. Great ponds...love that gator...I thought it was real...

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