The pond Location: southern, sunny place. No trees in near proximity. Size of the pond is: 150 cm x 100 cm; max depth: 60 cm Short description of steps involved in pond creation.

Step 1: Project Strong plastic with a purpose to be a lining for ponds has been purchased in a garden store. It is extra strong and frost resistant. It has been fitted to the size of the pond.

Step 2: Preparing pond outline Soil (in the case clay) on each "shelf" is pressed very well. Place gently the plastic over the hole. On the edge of the pond there is an edge made from additional soil. Plastic is placed over it and pressed by stones afterwards. It is important that pastic is placed higher over the surface of the water in the pond.

Step 3: Final touch Plants are planted (no baskets). Surrounding plant beds are prepared. Total time spent to do this pond is actually more than 8 hours by two persons. Estimated volume of the pond: more than 500 liters.

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May The ice has just thawed in the pond. It looks completely lifeless. Water usually does not smell, but if it does I exchange it by pumping lots of fresh water. Slowly all the plants are weaking up to life, with a first one - Caltha palustris flowering even thorough the ice.... Filling in fresh water "Planting" frog eggs

July It is unbelivable how fast the life is waking up again. In just few weeks the pond is full of life. Samll instects surfing on or swimming, snails slowly moving around. While not much life is in the garden in May, it is lots of life in the pond. When the good balance is achived between plants and animals in the pond, it shows by clear water. Fishing out algae by siv Filling in fresh water ENJOYING

September Summer is over, slowly the life in the pond is preparing for the winter period. Leafs are changing to their autumn colors. Less and less leafs are visible on the surface of the water. Not many instects as well.

November First frost has already came. Usually it happens even ealier than November (September..) Pond will remain as a piece of pure ice for at least 6 months of a "winter hibernation" (sleep). Soon it will be covered by a thick layer of snow.

Important note

This is a simple pond of a natural character and as such, not so extensive care is needed compare to other designs.

Photos & text by Joanna