@Phil_j_83 reading with interest as we tried (and failed) to install very similar if not the same pond on weekend. Soil around is EXTREMELY boggy and heavy and the sides squished in creating “points” at the thinnest section in the middle and looking not great, now wondering should we have filled first to counterbalance the weight of soil and then built around it? I thought we were meant to leave empty to let rain fill it up? Will admit we rushed it so maybe too heavy handed... yours looks awesome 😁
I think trying to dig and install a pond if the ground's heavy and unworkable is the issue, @fizzwhizz. Would have been better to wait a month or so, to let the ground become a bit easier to work with. Let it settle and see how it goes. Once the water's in it should be ok, and then you can see how good or bad the surroundings are. You can fill from the hose without any problem. The stuff in tap water will dissipate over a few days, or a week or so. You could probably help the surrounding soil a good bit by adding some grit/compost etc to lighten it up a bit too. It'll make it easier to plant up - if you haven't done so already.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks @Fairygirl I did wonder whether we were trying to do too much too soon with the soil as it’s taken a beating last few weeks with us installing a drainage system for said boggy situation. I think the lesson is patience (ah that old gardening chestnut!) good tip re compost, will try again later in a week or two and do it a little more mindfully 😊
I'm sure it'll be fine in the end. Nothing that can't be sorted by adding a few plants to cover any little 'errors' You're not alone by any means - once I start a project, I don't like being held back by things I have no control over - like weather. It's very frustrating!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Unfortunately that’s what can happen to pre formed ponds, people thing they are the easier option, not so, if you dig a big hole and place the rubber liner over, it will take the shape of the hole, however you dig it. Getting those preformed ones to sit right takes a lot of work. Also with a liner you can easily make a shallow end for creatures to crawl out.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Thanks @Fairygirl and @Lyn, I will get there with a bit more patience / care! Can’t wait to start plantings and will look forward to seeing the suggestions! My plant list currently is fern matteucia struthero something, lythrum, water forget me not, creeping Jenny, beardless iris, vinca and maybe wild strawberries which apparently are happy in the wet?! Also considering Rodgersia and persicaria 😁
@Phil_j_83 reading with interest as we tried (and failed) to install very similar if not the same pond on weekend. Soil around is EXTREMELY boggy and heavy and the sides squished in creating “points” at the thinnest section in the middle and looking not great, now wondering should we have filled first to counterbalance the weight of soil and then built around it? I thought we were meant to leave empty to let rain fill it up? Will admit we rushed it so maybe too heavy handed... yours looks awesome 😁
Cheers, it's going to be painful waiting for it to fill with life!
My soil is very loose, sandy and it was also dry when I installed the pond so I had no such issues. Thats why my boggy garden is a fake lined with pvc as it just drains away so quickly.
I also fitted mine empty, then filled with RO water and rainwater before planting up.
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You can fill from the hose without any problem. The stuff in tap water will dissipate over a few days, or a week or so.
You could probably help the surrounding soil a good bit by adding some grit/compost etc to lighten it up a bit too. It'll make it easier to plant up - if you haven't done so already.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You're not alone by any means - once I start a project, I don't like being held back by things I have no control over - like weather. It's very frustrating!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Also with a liner you can easily make a shallow end for creatures to crawl out.
My soil is very loose, sandy and it was also dry when I installed the pond so I had no such issues. Thats why my boggy garden is a fake lined with pvc as it just drains away so quickly.
I also fitted mine empty, then filled with RO water and rainwater before planting up.