New Project

 

For once, this was the idea of The Man That Can.  He had been ruminating with it for some time and recently made the suggestion out loud...on purpose! 

To enlarge the pond.

Just before we went on holiday to visit our friends in The Netherlands, the pond pump packed in.  I'm advised that was not the reason for the suggestion.  TMTC waited until we had returned and then a week later we went to buy a new pump.

Then, he approached it.  The look on his face when he realised I was in agreement was priceless, especially because his idea would mean some very hard graft!

So 8 and a half years after the initial pond was created, we're at it again.

The pond plants were placed in the bowl we usually use in the Yen during the warmer months. 

All the water from the pond (and the silt) was distributed around the garden to water the plants.

Three frogs were temporarily rehomed in the bowl, that had rocks placed between the plants to enable easy access into and out of the water.

I had forgotten just how tiny the preformed pond was!

Next all the plants around the pond were lifted.  Those we wanted to keep were potted up and watered (from one of our 6 replenished water butts, following recent storms).

Some of the more unruly plants were destined for the compost heap. 

A few hours later and the space is revealed.  The only plant untouched is the fatsia Japonica.  He's very happy in that spot so we will develop that end as the shallow end with pebbles.

I've worked on a simple design with the waterfall at the opposite end (on the left of the above picture).

All the rocks have been moved to one side.  Next weekend, the riddling begins as there is a lot of slate mixed in with the soil.  This will need removing before we can create the new pond so it doesn't pierce the lining.

Wish us luck!