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Is my pond too big?

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    What we do have along  part of the back is a log pile and a load of ferns ... the frogs and newts love it ... and they don't get disturbed by gardening activities.  :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    I'm glad to see no one has said to go smaller, I was worried about how if actually do that, everything I dug out has gone! 

    @Dovefromabove I'm sure I've got done logs from a cherry we cut down, I'll see what works
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068


    A pile of rocks doesn't go far, does it?

    How close to the edge should they be? Should I worry about being able to see liner?

    Also, I've read that you should fill it with rainwater, not tap, is that right? I could be waiting a while for it to fill up even if I empty both the water butts into it
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited October 2022
    Latimer said:

    Also, I've read that you should fill it with rainwater, not tap, is that right? I could be waiting a while for it to fill up even if I empty both the water butts into it

    I personally think tap is fine. Over a few days the chlorine will off-gas. When it gets low, rainwater might be better to top up with...
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    You cut the spare liner and bury the edges in the ground under the turf,  the grass will then grow to the edges. You can plant grasses up to the edges. 
    We used our liner brown side up,  it doesn’t stand out so much if the water level drops. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    Latimer said:
    Also, I've read that you should fill it with rainwater, not tap, is that right? I could be waiting a while for it to fill up even if I empty both the water butts into it
    OK to use tap water. There will be some insects that find your pond straightaway but given the time of year things won't really take off til next spring.  You just about have time to get some oxygenators in but don't expect any action plant wise until next spring.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    edited October 2022
    You could buy some waders for maintenance 🙂
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    Thanks guys, good news about the tap water. 

    @Lyn I did notice that the other side was matt rather than shiny, I don't think it was brown. I think it might be worth flipping it over though so it doesn't stand out as much. 
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • There is no problem with filling your pond with tap water. The important thing is to leave it to stand for at least a couple of weeks before putting "anything" in it. Some water insects will move in very quickly. As long as you keep the water topped up regularly, with rain water or tap water,  once you have stocked it, there will not be a problem. Little and often.
    The back edges of your pond look OK, it will make life much easier for you if you make a path that is wide enough, stable, and secure as you will need to work from the edge, all the way around the pond for maintenance, weeding, planting and cleaning, etc. If you are planning in having fish you should plant up with oxygenating plants and leave them to establish for a few weeks before introducing fish. Winter is not a good time to stock a pond although you still have a few weeks before the weather really turns cold.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I used to have 2 wildlife ponds at the end of the garden with a bridge I got 2nd hand or £40
    Not suitable for pooh sticks tho..


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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