Pond Life

After a long time spent mostly dry & empty, the pond is now full of plants and critters!


In order to a microsystem happening, the a bunch of water-loving plants were put in weeks before. We now have water lilies and papyrus amongst others.



Eight goldfish and two "Delicate blue-eyes" now call the pond home, along with a couple of aquatic snails.

It was fun submerging the bags half in the water for about 30 mins before yelling, "RELEASE THE FISH!!" Some of the goldfish had to be coaxed out. The Blue-eyes shot out as quick as bullets. We were told by the pet store that they eat mosquito larvae, hence their popularity. They were the last two in the store, and we bought them up. They're pretty hard to spot in the pond, being almost transparent.

Pond part 2

My partner is moving towards finishing the pond. Last week, he filled the pond with a range of water-loving plants.

This tropical water lily bloomed only a few days after being put in. Very encouraging!

We also gathered some rocks around the pond for texture. Elephant ear, galangal, aloe vera and various other shade-loving plants have been experimentally planted around the pond.

The pond is very much a Work-In-Progress.. so plants will come and go. There was a 'grass' plant I bought at a sale six months ago which has finally been put where it belongs. We shall experiment to see if it survives in full water. I have no knowledge of what the plant is called or what conditions it likes, so any comments are welcome!

The New Pond

PUTTING IN THE POND

We have started a pond in our garden. Yes! A water feature seems to be a must for most gardens, and attracts local wildlife. Unfortunately, one of the first visitors to the new pond have been the dreaded cane toad. My boyfriend discovered a pair of them living amongst our empty plant containers... :(

For those who don't know, the cane toad (Bufo marinus) is an introduced species which has since become an invasive pest in many parts of Australia. It produces a highly toxic venom, which if ingested by other animals, may cause death. Definitely one to keep away from pets and small children!

FILLING IT UP

Another problem we are encountering with the new pond is that the lizards and skinks which are attracted to the insects - and water source - are also drowning in it. Hopefully they'll grow to remember that there is now a large body of water in their area. I haven't been able to think of any ways to "lizard-proof" the pond.

FIVE DAYS LATER

It's been a slow start to the second season in the garden. Three Lebanese cucumber seedlings are in the middle bed. There are also a couple of pumpking and watermelon seedlings scattered around the garden. All grown from seed!

Fortunately the passionfruit vines which I thought had been poisoned by the council's annual weed-killing in the adjoining laneway haven't been much affected. They are both in full fruit and give off about one fruit per week.