You're not going to believe this!

[plocket]

But my mum and dad have had another pond dug out! It was in a really boggy area of their "wilderness" and a farmer-friend arrived yesterday with his digger, and dug out a VAST pond for them. He's "lined" it with clay soil because a pond-liner would cost a fortune, and they want it totally natural. I have absolutely no idea how they are going to fill it, but I'm hoping to visit soon to take some more piccies. Oh and they are going to put an island in the middle too

[sweetleaf]

WOW! Are they doing it so they can have some ducks, Plocket?

Its going to take some filling isnt it? lets hope we get some rain soon or that will cost a fortune!

All the pressies for the forseeable future will have to be pond plants too

[plocket]

I think they are doing it partly because the boggy area in the wilderness was so difficult to use. They either had to fill the boggy big to plant it, or dig it out!!!

I've already given them pond plants so they can split the marsh marigolds and water forget-me-nots!!! They want to let it do it's own thing rather than plant a lot of stuff, but mum is going to plant her precious flags in it.

I think they've decided on the island because of the duck-warning I gave them (thanks to Madon and The witch!) - duck poo will feed the water and increase weed. The new pond is in a shady spot so hopefully that will help reduce some of the weed. But I don't think they are too fussed if it gets overgrown. They are very keen to have ducks though and often get ducks visiting - they just want the ducks to stay longer!!!

I have no idea how long it will take to fill but I have a horrible feeling they will fill it from the mains. They aren't on a meter but the Water Board would notice their consumption going up so much wouldn't they?

[sweetleaf]

I hope it doesnt affect their poll tax bill Plocket, but I dont think the water board can tell where the water goes without a meter, but they might just check the pipes for leaks!

[debbiem]

Oh those lucky lucky people! It's going to be great...........

[plocket]

Well it's a serious leak then Sweetleaf!!!!!

I think they are pond mad now Debbie - this is their third, in one garden!!! They already have a natural pond (it's shown on OS maps!) and an ornamental one :

[The witch]

I'm not in the least bit jealous <greenwithenvysmiley> Plocket - how wonderful

One plant which comes to mind is this www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/358.shtml

[plocket]

Oh they'd love to have a gunnera but aren't 100% yet because it's not a British Native. There's certainly enough space for one though ;D

[madonplants]

Wow, Plocket, I am really jealous. I wish I had the space to put in one that size! They really have the bug, don't they! Hope they don't have the same problem that Berryfields had and have to re do it with a liner. Now if they could put a few big fish in it I could bring me rods!!

Keith

[debbiem]

I'm also blanketweed green with envy! Our bog garden's about three feetx2ft across with a massive Gunnera thiriving in the middle of it, so with all that space, ooo I hope they have at least one. It would be MASSIVE. Ours is getting that way and it's only been planted for just over a year, from a tiny squirt of a thing.

[plocket]

Well I did tell mum and dad it looked more like a lake Madon but they aren't going to stock it with anything! They've already said that if a pond without a liner doesn't work they aren't going to bother. It was really a way to use up garden without having to do more weeding!!!

I love it MrsB - blanketweed green with envy - brilliant! I'm a tad envious of the space too but still love my little garden. M&D bought the house with a bit of "green" deliberately - they spent all their lives in or on the outskirts of cities, and wanted to retire to "the country" - they've certainly done that!!!

[seanmckinney]

Congratulations to them but I think a clay lining needs to be 'worked' "puddled" to become water tight so they may have problems if it wasnt. You can look "puddling" up on the web. The BEEB put one in and I think theirs leaked and may have had to be reworked.
Re filling, I know of someone locally with a 27000 gal pond that took a week to fill and he never recieved any queries. As a "one of" fill I dont think the water board would notice, however if it leaks and has to be topped up frequently then the water board might notice. BTW as far as I know most of the water charge is for the cost of the treatment of the sewage that would supposedly result from a given water consumption. Some companies give discounts to koi/pond keepers because the water usage is not for 'generating' sewage.
If it's going to be let run wild and the plants allowed to do what they want then I doubt green water will be a problem once the higher plants are established.
How deep is it? I think it looks 2 to 3 ft and if they are going to plant plants in the clay tell them to be very careful over their choice of plants. Some of the reeds, rushes and even yellow flag iris or lilies can become a pest in such circumstances. You wouldnt believe how well some lilies can do in such ponds try a google for "whis4ey" to see his

[4pygmies]

I think it's brilliant and I'm very glad for the ducks. I love them too! I can't wait to see pictures of it all filled and full of beautiful wild fowl.

[plocket]

We are going this weekend to see what it looks like as it's nearly full now. And we are taking swimming costumes!!!!! ;D ;D ;D Well the water is from the tap and hasn't had a chance to get mucky so we might as well have a bit of fun. Dad's going to put a ladder in so we don't slip up or down the edges. We must be bonkers!!!!!

[debbiem]

Bonkers no - enjoying a brilliant time YES!!!

[plocket]

I haven't dared to tell LP - she won't sleep with excitement!!!!!

[karenwl]

Thats not a pond its a lake ;D

[plocket]

I agree Karen! I think dad estimated it at 60ft long coz he recons you could float a canal boat in there : How long's an average canal boat???

Actually when I spoke to dad today I asked if we could get the rowing boat out because I think it's going to be too cold for swimming. He's going to try and get the outboard motor working!!!!! ;D Somehow I don't think dad's tinkering is going to help a 40 year old motor that hasn't worked for 20 years, but as long as he still has a set of oars we can have fun. I'll keep you all posted but don't hold your breath because we are staying over and I probably won't be able to post pictures (if I take any) until Monday.

[karenwl]

Have a good time Plocket whatever you decide to do in the end, it will still be fun.

[Sleepy]

plocket said:

I agree Karen! I think dad estimated it at 60ft long coz he recons you could float a canal boat in there : How long's an average canal boat???

Actually when I spoke to dad today I asked if we could get the rowing boat out because I think it's going to be too cold for swimming. He's going to try and get the outboard motor working!!!!! ;D Somehow I don't think dad's tinkering is going to help a 40 year old motor that hasn't worked for 20 years, but as long as he still has a set of oars we can have fun. I'll keep you all posted but don't hold your breath because we are staying over and I probably won't be able to post pictures (if I take any) until Monday.

The longest a narrrowboat can be is 70' so they can fit in a lock.

Most are 60' or 70'

[plocket]

Blimey! That's longer than my garden!!!!! ;D

[madonplants]

I know and try and do a three point turn in one is hell!!

Keith

[plocket]

Especially if the canal isn't wide enough!!! :

[4pygmies]

Erm, I've done that.......made a right fool of myself.....see, I didn't get that you have to steer the opposite way to the way you want to go. How silly.

[sweetleaf]

I love boats, I used to play with my dads cruiser when I was a teen, (two Evinrude engines,very fast!) brilliant fun! I would love to skipper a canal boat, one day maybe.