Friday, August 24, 2012

The Russell's Shady Pond


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Next up is the Russell's pond. It was quite a large pond sited under a good canopy of trees. The pond itself was only about two feet deep; which I thought was interesting. In fact, there was at least one or two other ponds that were two feet deep. I am used to koi ponds being about three feet deep but it seems that in this area they can be much shallower. The koi were all very happy.

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This pond had great reflective qualities due to the shade.The waterfall was quite large and really looked natural and inviting in its setting on the shady hill.
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In fact, the pond area was so inviting this friendly butterfly made itself right at home. Occasionally it would land on a visitor then flutter off.
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There were several pieces of art located in this hillside garden. My eye was immediately drawn to this concrete stool. There was also another concrete piece close by. I did not get to ask who was the artist but hope they know their work is wonderful....

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

23 comments:

  1. Is it newly installed? It is a beautifully large pond and nicely appointed, but looks like it need additional vegetation around the perimeter.

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    1. No, it has been there for several years and is very well established. It would be pretty hard to grow more in the shady conditions but maybe some hostas would look great.

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  2. Is it 2 feet because the water does not freeze in the winter? You already know, I know nothing of ponds. What a great piece of work that stool.

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    1. Ponds can freeze but usually only on the top. Here usually only the top 2-4 inches. Under that surface ice the water is freeflowing and that is where the koi hibernate for winter. They are not fed or anything once the water temperature drops to 55 degrees (I think that is it).

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  3. I love this pond. Very nice, cool and peaceful looking being in the shade. I'm amazed at how clean and clear the water is. I love that concrete, tiled bench.

    FlowerLady

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    1. The water was VERY clear and nice. I was pretty amazed at that too.

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  4. Tina,
    Lovely little pond! Bet the fall clean up is a lot of fun... Your butterfly is a Hackberry Emperor, males love sweat, that is why they landed on you and others.

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    1. Randy don't even remind me about clean up. As soon as the pond tour is over I'll be netting my pond as I don't want to have to get in cold water to clean it. Most people net their ponds then clean them in the spring. It is hard to have a pond in ideal conditions without some leaf drop:( Thanks so much for the butterfly ID. I had no idea honestly.

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  5. Our yard is very shady, and I always worried how the shade would affect the pond. This pond is lovely! The waterfall is wonderful. I really enjoy your pond posts--they're giving me ideas for our future pond! Thanks, Tina!

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    1. You are welcomed Julie. Ponds are like gardens-all so unique and different. Shade is actually good for a pond because if a pond gets a lot of sun the water heats up, oxygen goes down, and algae grows. Not good. This pond has no extra help like a UV light to keep the water clean yet it was crystal clean. My pond is part sun-part shade and needs a UV light. Drawback of shade means leaves and debris. Acorns are not good for ponds and I don't even think a net will help. I'll find out soon enough though.

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  6. Oooooh love that pond with the falling water. It is nice in the shade area, looks so natural. I was wondering about the litter from fall.

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    1. Lola, I didn't ask how they clean it up but I can only imagine it must be quite a big job. I am about to find out myself here in my pond and I am so totally not looking forward to it.

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  7. Awesome pond and I do love how it reflects everything. Interesting id on the butterfly. I tried looking it up in my butterfly book (Thanks Skeeter!) and found a Hackberry Butterfly (Asterocampa Celtis) or a Emperor Moth. The Hackberry feeds on the hackberry only when it is a caterpillar and then only the male. The female feeds on animal droppings or tree sap. I found that really interesting.

    Love the stool, it is amazing.

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    1. It is interesting! It's amazing how insects can adapt.

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  8. I really do like that long drop of the waterfall. Amazing how clear the water is with this pond! I was also wondering about, why not more growth around the pond but I bet with less, there is also less clean up in the Fall or Spring. A very tidy looking pond and one that I could see myself wading with the fish on those hot summer days....

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  9. So nice to see the koi in a shallower pond. This one really makes a statement at the bottom of that slope. Looks very cool and relaxing.

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  10. Stunning pond...it reminds me of a wonderful pond I visited at a B&B...

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  11. I like it! Love the waterfalls, it is a nice height, lots of movement.

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  12. How wonderful to have such a beautiful pond to enjoy in your garden! I'd sure love to have a koi pond some day. They are so full of character!

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  13. Oh another lovely pond!! I noticed a pretty big koi(black one). He must be the the king of the pond!! Love the stool!

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  14. I'm surprised that some of the ponds were only 2 ft. deep. Even here, I've made my pond 3 feet deep. I do love the waterfall. It looks like a nice area to sit for a spell.

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  15. What a wonderful pool and waterfall. I thought the edging was interesting, as I had real problems with my old pond at hiding the liner and it never really worked.

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