It's not just about the veggies

We live on a Gulf Island and Gulf Islands are not known for deep, rich soil.  Our vegetable garden is on the top of a rocky plateau because that’s the area on our property that gets the most sunshine.  We have tucked a pond into the side of the plateau.  

The Pond, October 2012

It’s fairly large – about 10’ by 14’ – and about 5’ deep in the middle.  The sides slope steeply to prevent the Great Blue Herons from getting a toehold to feast on our fish – goldfish and one lone koi.  There are some planting ledges, but the koi seems to make water gardening a non-event.

The pond has been in the works for about 5 years now.  We had the area dug out by machine – with all the rocks, doing it by hand was an impossibility! The backhoe operator then bolstered up the side of the excavation to create the pond. A lined drystone creek leads from my potting shed to the pond.  When it rains, water from the roof of the shed falls into the creek and makes its way downstream to the pond.  All water is precious on a Gulf Island!

Frozen Pond Winter 2009

We have slowly (emphasis on the word “slowly”) been working on it – landscaping the sides, planting trees to provide a bit of shade and generally making this garden room a pleasant place to spend time in.  And nature has been at work as well.  Two different types of frogs have made their way to our pond.  They did try to spawn in it, but the koi made short work of that!  And a bulrush seeded itself in a pot of yellow water irises!

Rana Aurora

We are still a long way from completion.  Next year’s – or is it years’ – plans include installing a pump and filter, finishing the walkway on the left of the pond, and paving a portion of the grassy area at the front to create a seating area.  Like any garden, it’s always a work in progress!