POND LIFE

Ponds are magnificent habitats rich to a variety of wildlife.

I could never be without a pond in my garden.

This ecosystem no matter how small, can mature into such diversity that it becomes a beautiful image captured forever.

A basic beginners pond can welcome a host of small plants and creatures.

Toads in the month of march can venture out and visit your pond, returning each year.

Your pond will also be inviting to dragonflies, including the common blue in the summer months.

Snails like to position themselves along the muddy sides of the pond within reach of ripe foliage.

Bees and butterflies become forever attached to stunning scents and vibrant hues.

Pond plants like the waterlily, frogbit .and. mallow,all aid photosynthesis as sunlight beams down on the leaves..

If you are close to another pond that houses tadpoles, it does no harm to place a few in a jar without its lid on, and,release them into your own pond.

The great thing about this little set up is that in time, the pond will conserve itself.

CREATE

I have visited a variety of ponds, all different shapes and sizes. It doesn't really matter how you start, it's how it finishes.

The easiest and quickest way to create your pond is by using an old sink or washing up bowl.

Fill the bottom with compost and introduce different sized pebbles and rocks, and foliage. This will provide good drainage.

Fill with warm water to start.

Make sure there is enough room for any goldfish and provide enough food.

You can divide the pond into two halves like we have done for protection of other species.

Tanya Fillbrook