my Zen Water Garden and Koi Pond

[MMAX]

Marsh marigold is always the first to bloom. Mine hasn't started yet but it's close.

[kien]

Originally Posted by MMAX

Marsh marigold is always the first to bloom. Mine hasn't started yet but it's close.

Which is strange because there are no pollinating bugs out yet, I don't think!

[lastlight]

lookin' good hombre.

[Oilers]

Kien,
Your pond is looking better and better each year. I am just wondering what the use of the cardboard is.

[kien]

Originally Posted by Oilers

Kien,
Your pond is looking better and better each year. I am just wondering what the use of the cardboard is.

Thanks! For additional cushioning to help keep sharp objects like rocks and twigs from poking at the pond liner. It's a bit overkill but I had LOTS of cardboard boxes around and it worked out quite well. A lot cheaper than buying actual pond liner fabric. I have also previously used a generous layer of newspapers and have also seen old carpet or carpet underlayment used.

[Oilers]

Originally Posted by kien

Thanks! For additional cushioning to help keep sharp objects like rocks and twigs from poking at the pond liner. It's a bit overkill but I had LOTS of cardboard boxes around and it worked out quite well. A lot cheaper than buying actual pond liner fabric. I have also previously used a generous layer of newspapers and have also seen old carpet or carpet underlayment used.

Thanks for the info. Your pond and Dez's are my inspiration of getting a pond myself. I will probably have tons of questions for you when I do have the courage and $$$ to get it started if you don't mind.

[kien]

Originally Posted by Oilers

Thanks for the info. Your pond and Dez's are my inspiration of getting a pond myself. I will probably have tons of questions for you when I do have the courage and $$$ to get it started if you don't mind.

Don't mind at all. It's not as expensive as you might think. Well, I suppose it depends how big you want to make your pond. My 300 square foot pond liner was only like $250. Probably the bulk of your cost is going to be landscaping materials like rocks or whatever you choose to landscape your pond with. But also, you can still enjoy your pond while your slowly landscape the around it :-)

[MMAX]

Originally Posted by kien

Which is strange because there are no pollinating bugs out yet, I don't think!

Not really that strange, it will sometimes bloom in April but spring arrived late. You don't need pollinating bugs to get flowers, but there's plenty out my way, both bees and butterflies.

[kien]

Originally Posted by MMAX

Not really that strange, it will sometimes bloom in April but spring arrived late. You don't need pollinating bugs to get flowers, but there's plenty out my way, both bees and butterflies.

Ya I know it's possible and happens all the time. I have daffodils and crocus flowers everywhere which I always thought was strange too. I guess I'm looking at it from a genetic point of view. Over years of evolution, I would have thought that plants would "learn" bloom at the optimum time for pollination. As it is I think my blooms are wasting their energy :-). Maybe these plants aren't indigenous? I dunno, I'm no botanist !

[Delphinus]

Lots of bugs been out and about for a while! I was seeing mosquitoes over a month ago even with all the snow. Hardy little buggers.