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Pond clear out
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Posted by chippewacat Devon UK (My Page) on Wed, Jul 2, 08 at 2:27
| What a weekend. After feeling rather smug about not seeing any globby yellow things, I realised that the forest of water starwort that has taken over has been covered in it, and in some parts of pond it was like a thick soup. And, it looks like some stone crop has made its way in. So anticipating that any amphibian eggs are well and truly hatched and trying not to think of the damselfly eggs I was destroying, I had a major clearout. Thank goodness for wetsuits.
Spent much of the time swishing the water starwort and pulling out tadpoles and nymphs (dozens of them). One little froglet jumped on my hand. Also had to take out all the cobbles to clear out what I think is stone-crop which is where most of the critters hide. They were not happy! But all cobbles laid back now so they have places to hide from the stickelbacks and.....
the two foot grass snake!! Husband couldn't believe it as he was in the sitting room and this snake loomed up to the window, looked in, and then slithered into the pond.
Also, saw what I think must be a beautiful demoiselle--very well named. I think it was a visitor from the stream in the woods we back onto. It was big and electric blue and black. Whatever it was it was very striking!
A lot goes on we just don't know about!
Pond does look much better now though, and clearer. I think I have had too much oxygenator in the pond, and yes, I have now invested in those barley straw bales which are now bobbing up and down! This will be the test to see if next year there is really a difference in the algae! Those bales are so expensive--any thoughts on how to find a nice organic farmer with barley straw going spare?
happy ponding,
Chip
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Pond clear out
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| Your place sounds so wonderful, even with the grass snakes! I take it they aren't the venomous kind, particularly as you've been in the pond yourself recently. It reminded me of the time I found a three foot snake slithering out of ground cover plants I was thinning out in my front garden. I was crouched low at the time and it was such a shock to see it coming towards me - not what you'd expect in Ealing Broadway! I rang the RSPB and they said they only come out if a snake's venemous. How the hell am I supposed to know? Great. I get bitten and if I recover I ring back and say it's OK because I've survived! Did you see the news today about the problems they're having with green algae for the up-coming Olympics? You're not alone! Ponding is such a lovely hobby but it makes me really wary about what might spread if you take stuff from other people's ponds. It's such a shame really because ponding, like gardening, should be about sharing and helping others get going. I wish you a glob-free summer!
Big Kid |
RE: Pond clear out
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| Hi again I am not so sure of the joy of grass snakes now! Came home today to find a rather large grass snake with a large toad's head in his mouth--and blood too! I screamed, got the hubby to have a look and he warily looked about. As the toads live so long you do know them by sight as individuals! No sign of snake. Then saw the puffed up toad coming into the pond rather carefully. Both Toad and I are recovering nicely. For me the vino rosso helps. In fact the Toad is now sitting at our back door! Seems no worse for wear. So, we have a metal tray outside which will hopefully entice a snake or two, and plan and re-locating our rather large grass snake... I was sooooooo grossed out I can tell you. Never ever eat anything bigger than your head as they say. Chip |
RE: Pond clear out
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| Wow what a sight. I guess the snake didn't like the taste of the toad. They have a nasty taste don't they but I am not sure wether they are poisonous. What a lucky escape. Your pond does sound so inviting. |
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