If they're large and vigorous looking, I'd turn down the offer unless you particularly want waterlilies. They have a tendency to take over once they get going, and they don't provide particularly good habitat for pond wildlife. OK in a lake, not ideal in a small pond.
Shrimps could be Crangonyx (pond shrimp), an American species. Alternatively, could be mayfly larvae, damselfly larvae or water hoglice (Asellus).
They are very good, I used brown side out but choice is yours.
two photos here, 1st is September 14 second is September 15, 3rd is earlier in the year of 16. they soon grow and get established. It's a lovely thing to do, very interesting to see the creatures just appear in there. We can spend ages just sitting watching it.
and if you're lucky enough to get some dreaded slimey pond weed, it's very therapeutic to twiddle it out.?
Last edited: 30 September 2017 14:59:43
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
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My neighbour said the water Lily's had taken over her pond so perhaps I'll give them a miss.
I think the best underlay is Polyfelt which costs about £1.50 / sq m. Some of the cheap stuff is extremely flimsy.
Thank you for this, I'll have a look. I'm happy to pay extra for the pond to last.
I bought mine from here..
https://www.bradshawsdirect.co.uk/pondkraft-polyex-pond-liners-with-free-underlay-and-lifetime-guarantee
Very good value and a lifetime guarantee, how long is a lifetime guarantee, my life, grandkids life, that's funny one when you think about it, ?
Thank you for the link, they look really good. Going to try and finish the outline of the pond and then measure for the lining.
They are very good, I used brown side out but choice is yours.
two photos here, 1st is September 14 second is September 15, 3rd is earlier in the year of 16. they soon grow and get established. It's a lovely thing to do, very interesting to see the creatures just appear in there. We can spend ages just sitting watching it.
and if you're lucky enough to get some dreaded slimey pond weed, it's very therapeutic to twiddle it out.?
Last edited: 30 September 2017 14:59:43
The pond looks great Lyn
Shaped the pond now. It goes from deep to a shallow part.
Been taking stones out too ready for the underlay and liner.
Could you make your 'shelves' a bit wider, you need to be able to stand pots on them without falling in.