Water Garden and Stream Build

[Jackie Ramo]

Well the big dig started today, well the little dig. Joe my handy guy came by and started clearing the hill and we even rough set the preform into the ground. From the preform the water will go down the hill in a stream waterfall combination to a lower pond. Exactly how that miracle will occur I am not sure. So tips and advice are morethan welcome.

Clearing the plants
http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_pond%20build%201.JPG


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[marla]

Jackie, you must have kept Joe pretty much the whole day. did the rain stop?? Not here. Looks like a lot was accomplished. The preform looks like the one I have in the basement, thought I might put it in my front yard, we'll see, maybe next year, one project at a time. No matter how you do it it will looke stunning, you have a nice hill going for stream flow. How big is the lower pond going to be??? Looks like you'll get that hidden pond that you here the babbling and have to find it. Keep the pictures coming.

[Jackie Ramo]

Yes, Joe comes across town so he is here for the day. He is back tomorrow but not for pond work but to edge the gardens, turn the compost and if he has time expand the front bed. I may start him removing sod for the lower pond instead. He's a fast and hard worker but stomped the daffodils... :doh:

He often helps me with my gardening clients of which I've cut back to one this year. Not that I don't need the money, don't we all, but I'd rather play in clay so I'll put my energies towards that.

[Terri]

Wow, it's started! :grin: So will you be cutting the preform to have a spillway or using bulkheads/pipe to a stream?

[Jackie Ramo]

I thought a waterfall as I hope to have lotus up there, but am open for suggestions of what will work best. I envisioned a series of small pools spilling down the hill.

Joe became available so quickly that I was unprepared even though we've thought about doing it, never the mechanics of doing it. You know me... usless planning

[clm]

Can't wait to see how it turns out Jackie. I still have a couple of small preforms just dying for a spot in the rock garden....might just have to copy yours.

Cindy

[Peg]

Wow Jackie, it's nice to see you got things started. That looks like my preform as well. Your putting one in and I'm pulling one out. I'm sure what ever you do it will look smashing.
Peg

[Koidaddy]

Glammy, How exciting!! I'm sure it's going to be beautiful. I can see you have more of those filtrations rocks lying around - nice!

KD
:grin:

[Jackie Ramo]

Yes, lovely filtration rocks that will be used in the stream. May have to dig some more out of the pond.

Ok question here. Is it best to pump the water through the side of the preform? How low down or up near the top? I'm hoping that the preform will act as a settlement veggie filter for pond below. Will my current 3000 gph pump handle this much head?

[Peg]

Hi Jackie, here’s my thoughts. I would think that the return to the upper pond should be up at the top level of the preform. If you want to use the perform like a sediment/veggie filter. I would think you would want the returns up higher as well. As to not let the crud return to the bottom pond. You could use a flange (not sure if that is what you call them) One, on one side that screws into the other side through the hole, a piece of pvc pipe extended out as far as needed. Say 1” diameter, put it in the in the middle. If it’s not enough flow you could add another one or two to get the flow to what you want or add a bigger one. Easier to up size the hole then down size. Bring the liner up higher then the hole , like with a skimmer, silicone and cover the output with stones to look like it’s coming out of the rocks. Hope this makes sense.
Peg

[Jackie Ramo]

Poop, I have a headache :grin: will re read ad dozen or so times and let you know But on the first read it seems to make sense, which worries me

[Peg]

:HAHA: Ok If you are starting to understand my writing we may be in big trouble, :HAHA:

[Jackie Ramo]

Well no progress this weekend. We will take the grandson to watch the oldest of the great nephews compete in a singing contest today and tomorrow we will see the youngest great nephew get baptised.

Family.... it messes up weekends.

On the upside, Joe got the compost turned and one box of compost spread around the garden beds, trimmed the bed's edges and expanded the front corner garden. He went home very tired, not to mention muddy.

[Jackie Ramo]

Hard to believe its been 4 weeks since we did anything on this but Joe worked himself into a heat stroke today. He will come back tomorrow if he recovers.

The first part is already 2.5 feet deep and will be 3 feet deep which will be the deepest of the pond. this is not a koi pond but a watergarden and I'm only making it 3 feet deep just in case one year I have to over winter fish in it.

When we measured the liner I had on hand the first section as all the pond I could have, after whining and crying (j/k) Smith said I could have a bigger liner :thumbsup: we need a spoiled princess smiley here

http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_pond%20dig.JPG
http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ponddig2.JPG

[marla]

It's going to be so nice, what are the final dimensions, or are you going to do some more whinning and crying for that :grin:

[Jackie Ramo]

We will dig and then measure then order the liner. No more whining excempt that no Joe to dig now so will have to bribe Smith to pick up the shovel.

[Jackie Ramo]

Well the digging has continued and Smith picked up the liner today- I think this may be His pond since he's the one pushing it so hard and doing the work.

In spite of the fact that the house is a disaster and so is the garden and that Ihave the executive of the potter's guild meeting here tomorrow, Smith has decided he will take the day off and WE will install the new liner... oh yeah, should be an interesting day tomorrow. By the end of the day he may be here:::::
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http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_big%20hole.JPG
How the stream will go, more or less
http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_big%20hole%20smith.JPG
steps for old lady so she can get into the pond
http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_big%20holesteps.JPG

[flywheel]

Looks cool! Kind of gives me the itch to start digging myself!

[blondhairboi]

Lovin it :)

[Jackie Ramo]

Ron, there are spare shovels at my house :yup:

No liner installed today but he did some plumbing, that leaks of course... got the hose attached to the preform so we can bury it. Just too hot to move too much dirt.

The good news is the patio looks nice and most of the tools got put away so the place is no longer a complete disaster.

[clm]

Looks great Jackie. The steps in are a great idea.

Cindy

[flywheel]

Ron, there are spare shovels at my house :yup:

No liner installed today but he did some plumbing, that leaks of course... got the hose attached to the preform so we can bury it. Just too hot to move too much dirt.

The good news is the patio looks nice and most of the tools got put away so the place is no longer a complete disaster.

Ummm......I forgot to specify, I meant at my house. :doh:

[Jackie Ramo]

:HAHA: but Ron there is not new pond at your house, that's happening at my house. Free beer!!!! :yup:

[flywheel]

Well, as long as there's free beer. :grin:

[carcha koi]

wow!!!

[Jackie Ramo]

I'm glad you all are excited. I look at it and think Oh My Aching Back :crybaby:

Smith is going to take the bulkhead out and start again. After 3 coats of sillycoat it still leaks. I did tell folks he's cute, he's talented, but he ain't handy around the house. :lol:

[carcha koi]

We all have our special talents. Smith is trying so good for him. I think he is doing a great job as well as you. It might take us longer but there is some satisfaction in knowing you built it. So hang in there :2cool: :cheers2U:

[NaturesCall]

Bulkheads, my favorite nightmare. We made a big no no. I cut the liner for the bulkhead before filling up the pond. Water won, pulled the liner down and we were loosing an inch a day in a 7800 gallon pond. I ended up patching the original hole and cutting a new one.

What is silly coat?

[Jackie Ramo]

Silly coat is silicone. The liquid duct tape - well jelly duct tape

[BonnieIN]

Glad to hear that progress is in the works Jackie.

Bulkheads are a PITA
Uniseals are GREAT

I need to email you about the lilies.. I'm going to have to figure something else out.

Anyone ever got put in jail before by shipping lilies across the border? :frisbee: :oops:

[Jackie Ramo]

Bonnie, the lily you sent me a couple of years ago is still around and so far neither of us are in jail. But truly I'll get some localy, it isn't that much of a problem. A man with a pond appeared today at the door offering my husband pond plants of all kinds.

[marla]

A man with a pond appeared today at the door offering my husband pond plants of all kinds.

Boy I wish I had that kind of a problem!!!!!!!!! WOW the new pond looks bigger and deeper then I thought you were doing. Looks deep enough for a koi or two. It is going to be stunning when completed, the setting is perfect. Keep posting.

[Jackie Ramo]

Smith removed the bulkhead last night and will try again today or tomorrow. I have a gallery opening (whoopee) so it may have to wait until tomorrow. Depends on when he gets home from the office. He's decided he wants to spend the weekend doing the pond and even turned down and cruise on the lake on Sunday in order to complete it.

It seems to be taking on a life of its own Marla. the liner is 20x25, final pond measurement not done as yet.

[BonnieIN]

Bonnie, the lily you sent me a couple of years ago is still around and so far neither of us are in jail. But truly I'll get some localy, it isn't that much of a problem. A man with a pond appeared today at the door offering my husband pond plants of all kinds.



How nice of him..

Jackie if you can't get them, please send me an email.

As far as the bulkhead, you need to tell Smith about uniseals!

[Jackie Ramo]

Oddly enough it was the pond place that builds ponds that sold us the bulkheads as being easy to install. He cut the hole tight and forced the fitting so now he has to take it apart and trim the hole so the plastic doesn't buckle out preventing the seal. Never heard of a uniseal but will look into them. This is the only fitting we need for this install.

Bonnie the waterlilies don't matter. I can always buy some. Or I am sure there are some for the asking around here. I'm splitting the ones I have for the new watergarden and they are probably enough to fill it, its not that big.

[carcha koi]

Jackie
You made fun of me saying my backyard was full of ponds. With your new stream and the 20x25 liner, wow. Can't wait to see it. Make sure Smith has plenty of liquids and a good back rub would be in order :lol:

[Jackie Ramo]

What about me, do you think he does this by himself??? Men!! humph! :phfft:

[Jackie Ramo]

Not much has happened but we did start building the retaining wall to hold the dirt. Not what I had in mind when we started but we need to deal with the issues at our skill and finance level


http://jackieramo.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_pond%20wall.JPG

[marla]

What no concrete between those babies. Seriously looks good. We always don't get our exact vision, but sometimes it works out nicer. Gona look great when it's done. I love that big leaf bowl (birdbath???) did you make that also?

[Jackie Ramo]

Actually we considered concrete but the extra work to get it into the yard is massive. So we thought we'dtry without. We have slanted it back into the hill and may use a glue... not sure as yet.

[OttawaPonder]

Hi there Jackie, LTNS

Ok get busy - post more pics and info.... :lol:

[Jackie Ramo]

Just backtoday fronm Scotland. Work will continue, the liner has killed the lawn so we may as well put in a patio there....

[OttawaPonder]

WOW :eek: not even a hello :phfft:

Did not know you were gone - Glad you made it home safely.........

[Jackie Ramo]

My apoligies Tony, just busy. Nice to see you here hanging about now and again. Can you come by with a shovel??? Project is on hold for at least another week.

[OttawaPonder]

Jackie, Nothing to apoligize for....

Now - Only if you come help me first - you know the saying "Ladies first" :lol:

You know I hardly do any thing :-)
So let me know if you want to see my :wink: short list of things - and once you help out here - I be more then glad to help out there...

[Jackie Ramo]

Maybe we should compare lists :HAHA: Hubby did say he will start it up again next week but he hasn't cut the lawn in a month so....

[Jackie Ramo]

Well I really feel we made some progress this weekend. Got the retaining wall done and the mound of dirt moved and spread. Thought we'd end up with too much dirt but actually we could us a bit more...deeper??? but I think by the time we finish the edge of the pond and smooth the sides we'll have just enough dirt to fill behind the retaining wall.

The stream is roughed in and will be adjusted once we dry fit the liner.

Pics later.

[carcha koi]

Can't wait to see the finished project. Sounds great. !wow!

[Peg]

SOOOO, where are the pics of all the work you have done ???

[Jackie Ramo]

Forgot to go out and takethem today while the sun was shining. Will do so tomorrow am

[Jackie Ramo]

As promised here are pics of the progress so far. Starting to look like more than a big hole in the ground but not by much.

[carcha koi]

!wow! :yeahbaby:

[Terri]

way kewl :grin:

[The Other Lynda]

Looking good, Jackie! But I fear the totem looks completely out-of-place there, and would look ever so much better in MY yard! You remember my address, don't you? :phfft:

[Jackie Ramo]

Nice try Lynda, but if you drop by we'll give you a shovel and you can try to dig out the totem :phfft:

Its been a long term plan to have this stream by the totem. Now the hard work starts.... I keep looking at it and wondering who's bright idea this was in the first place...

I'd like to shoot the woman who decided it would be best to put all the dirt on a bright blue tarp so it would be easy to move. She wasn't thinking that morning cuz we had to move the dirt to move the tarp so we could but the dirt back where it was..... :banghead: :banghead:

[Peg]

WOW Jackie. Look'n good. You can see it really taking shape. I hear Ya. Kinda like that lady that forgot to plug in the UV last week. :HAHA:

[Jackie Ramo]

Smith worked on it a bit again tonight. Almost ready for the liner to go in....

[Peg]

Peter & I have been giving some thought to putting in a smaller 600 gal pond in behind the main pond on the upper level. A just in case we need it Qt/hospital. I think I would like to get one done first. Oh Ya ! there never really done are they. Wishfull thinking :grin:

[Jackie Ramo]

I hope never to use this a Q. Mind I have no plans to add new fish beyond what I have, but then why did I bring the rescue fish home??? Still the greenhouse is 370 gallons big enough for a Q and a nice dosing size as well.

But to answer your question, no ponds gardens and houses are never done. I was looking at the house this week and realize we need some major work done to it and the patio and driveway.... I can hardly wait to see what the estimates come in at.... goodbye kitchen and vacation.

[marla]

Jackie, wow it's moving right along. Will the liner be in before the snow flies :grin: . Hear you both on the ponds and house, DH would still like just a lotus pond, and I'm thinking of a new pergala for shade on one side of the main pond, and he's talking cutting down a tree while I'd like to just move it. The house has major wish lists for the winter, and everything needs $$$$$$ and I didn't win the lottery again.

[Jackie Ramo]

I hear you Marla. This house is over 50 years old and although it has been well cared for over the years time takes its toll. The mortar on the bricks on the north side is almost non existant!!! Hubby hopes to patch it but truly I'd rather it be done professionally or by at least some one who had a clue.

The liner goes in on Thursday. Smith will take the day off and Joe will come over to lend a hand. The 'last' of the digging was done today although you know yourself there are always adjustments once the liner comes up to the edge. Still need to check the level.

I spent the day vacing the main pond and doing water changes on both ponds. I can hardly wait to have a third pond added to my work load... :doh:

[marla]

It's been raining here for more then 24 hrs now and looks like most of the week vacation we both took may be a washout. Did go out this morning to feed the fish in the drizzle and noticed the platinum that is usualy a bit shyer, not coming to eat, looked as if his mouth may have had something in it, so I got the net and wrangled him, wasn't as hard as I thought. Seemed to be fine, did the water test what with all the recent rains, everything fine. Just finished cleaning the house and freezing a big batch of beans and went back out to see if how things were, well he was the first there to eat this time, must have scared some sense into him :lol:. Wanted rain for a long time but now it's getting old.

[Jackie Ramo]

We've been so dry this summer there are water useage bans all around us. Forntuately us city folks get water from the lake so no warnings that I have heard of. Not a huge lawn waterer anyway and the garden gets watered once a week if its lucky.

So send us some rain Marla!!!

[clm]

Yes please, send some rain ASAP! I've never seen things so dry, even the precious few days that some areas around us got rain, we never did. I'm not a believer in wasting water to keep the lawn green, so the back yard grass is looking more like a dust bowl. :crybaby:

Cindy

[Jackie Ramo]

I should be careful what I wish for, it will probably rain on thursday now and i'll not get the liner in the pond!!!

[Jackie Ramo]

Smith came home early today and we did the last of the digging and put the underlay in. Joe, has cancelled his help tomorrow so we will attemp the liner ourselves if it doesn't rain.

Buddy supervising

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1296/1206322831_72adeba5da.jpg

Skipper digging to help

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/1207191142_3b743c8243.jpg

progress

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1191/1206333471_0ae949b95a.jpg

[Peg]

Looking good Jackie, you may not need us to bring the tools after all.

[Jackie Ramo]

Bring strong backs, there are rocks to move :phfft: :HAHA:

[Terri]

glad to see the pups lending a a paw ;)

[BonnieIN]

Glad to hear that it's time to put in the liner.....

Good luck with it!

[Jackie Ramo]

Oh yeah, Terri, Buddy is working extra hard !rofl

Bonnie, this project has taken so long and truly I am most days sorry I started it. I'm sure next year when it is up and running looking lovely I'll feel different but right now, I wish I'd put in a rock garden. Its taken so much time and effort the rest of the place is a mess. Hubby hasn't even mowed the back lawn since June!!! Course my mistake is I did it once I'm sure he is hoping I'll do it again.... Thankfully its dry so there isn't much to mow in most places.

The bad part is still tocome. I've moved rocks and I am not looking forward tothis at all.

OTOH the good news is we are getting some helpwith the electrical so small mercies.

[marla]

Jackie, now you are sounding like I did when I started the lily pond. You are so going to love it, your yard will have added beauty, not that it needs more, it's like a magazine setting already. Hoping the rain you wished for holds off till the liner is in place. We had more AGAIN yesterday, lost electricity in the afternoon, luckily about 10mins after I finished rinsing the skimmer pads. Came back on around 11pm. Been raining again all morning, it needs to STOP ALREADY, what a week for vacation.

[Jackie Ramo]

Well Marla you are right I am just fed up with this darn thing.

Liner is in!!!!

Went in easier than we thought. Tired and off to buy hubby lunch while it fills up. Have no idea how I am going to hide the liner in the waterfall area but one step at a time.

BTW my husband the math whiz bought a liner almost 2x's the size we needed but we are about 2 ft short of being able to do the entire falls and pond in one go.

[Terri]

Cool!

So you didn't let the rain stop you after all :grin:

[The Other Lynda]

Jackie - that's great news! It's all downhill from here, and you will have a beautiful addition to an already lovely garden! I am SO HAPPY for you! :yup:

[Jackie Ramo]

It would have had to rain in order for it to stop us. Thunder and dark as night but a dozen drops does not equate rain. Sun's out now...

Lynda were are going rock shopping this afternoon.... I'm sure when it is all done I'll be happy but I am damn grumpy about it right now :yup:

Having people here for my birthday tomorrow and the place is a mess so guess who will have to clean up and cook ... no wonder I"m grumpy. Smith says we'll get pizza and wings.... yeah right, a guys birthday

[Jackie Ramo]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1334/1216777056_010ccc2869.jpg http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/1216783334_4102578e16.jpg

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[marla]

Jackie, funny we had the same problem with our liner, I even got out the tape measure to make sure they didn't jip us. We ended up having to backfill and make the pond smaller by 2 ft, and still were short. DH refused to splice, but I can see his point. Wow you have enough on the sides for another pond!!!! Oh yeah I can see it in the future. Glad the rain held out, it's still raining here, the pond is starting to look a bit murky, I wanted to add some koiclay, but it would just overflow into the lily pond so guess I'll wait another day.

[Jackie Ramo]

We never planned for the liner to go that far up the hill. We have liner for the waterfall... we have twice the liner we need for the waterfall :doh: Next time I'll measure things...

Filled it up and of course it is not level. We didn't think it was but didn't think it was that far off either. Easily fixed, just move dirt from one place to another. Looks big all filled up. I had thought of expanding the side there but I don't think I wll no that I see it full.

Send rain!! 3 times this week we were supposed to get rain and it has only spittered. Now today's rain is gone without more than 12 drops and it may rain tomorrow morning. The chicago storm is headed this way but may miss us and rain on the lake.

[BonnieIN]

Jackie, are you sure you want to cut that liner or just dig a larger hole?? :frisbee:

OOPs, forgot you are grumpy.. you can nicely tell me to shut up! lalala

All of that extra liner WOULD make a perfect bog area though.. not much digging involved there.
Is the tub at the top(above the blue ?tarp?) where your waterfall will start? How nice would it be to have a bog right above that? A lotus would look great there! :yup:


Women always should be the one to measure because we know that saying about men and inches.....


It's your birthday tomorrow? Sit back, relax and have a few glasses of wine!

[marla]

Yeah ours wasn't as level as we thought either, lots of backfilling there also and with all the rain am finding more low spots then where we put the overflow :doh: . Love those ideas Bonnie has :frisbee: wishing I would have not cut mine off :doh: Well a birthday on top of finishing the liner, how nice, oh yeah where are the pics.

[Jackie Ramo]

The hill is the grandson's sleigh ride and running space. Besides I'm tired of ponds. So it will not be expanded. The liner will be cut. Will take a pic tomorrow of it full so folks can see how bad a designit is :banghead:

The preform above is the filter. Let's remember this is NOT a fish pond but a watergarden. The wakin's will summer there next year if they are good fish I will bring them in t keep old tweet compnay ovr the winter.

Meanwhile I am looking for homes for the guppies who live in the preform now and am very sorry I forgot about the big guppy when Dave was here last week taking the koi babies... He may end up wintering with Tweet as well. The big guppy, not Dave :HAHA:

[marla]

Still waiting for those pics :frisbee: where are they. That's ok, I understand.

[Jackie Ramo]

Sorry but the new camera will not talk to thenew computer. Can't get my preferred setting sfrom the old computer, I feel like the guy on the Mac commercials, cancel or allow.. cancel or allow, cancel or :censored:

[marla]

Yeah that's just why I didn't want to get Vista. You will get use to it. I use to use the plug and cord, but now I have the card reader in the front and that is soooooo much easier then messing with the cords/plug. Take some time and play with it I've learned paitience over the years, God gave me one son with ADHD/ and severe dyslexia

[Jackie Ramo]

I'm sure I will get used to it but as of today hubby hates it as well. 2 more hours wasted and we don't have what we want.... we now both yell at the cancel or allow boxes...

[Jackie Ramo]

Well a short update on the pond build. After a couple of phone calls and two trips to different stone yards we are removing the rocks from the main pond to build the new one. Can not get field stone round boulders of the size we need, just river rock which we will buy some of later.

I can see Terri doing a happy dance but I am not happy just practical. The fish I am sure will be happy with the extra room. I will be happy with the extra dollars in my pocket. paid 136.00 for 8 flat stones, it will cost a lot more to buy the rest if we didn't use what we have.

Course Smith dropped a big rock on his finger and is now using that as an excuse to take the weekend off. It may be next fall before this is done.

[marla]

I am so glad my parents have a virtual stone pit/quarry in their tree line, both fieldstone and flagstone/lannon stone it has saved us a huge amount of stone, we have only had to buy small river rock for fill and bottoms.

[Peg]

I'm with you on that Marla. We have a stone pit near us where we go & pick the stone and bring it home with us. Much cheaper without the middle man. As well there is much more to choose from. Alot of the ledgerock/limestone sold in the city comes from the local pits here.
Peg

[Jackie Ramo]

We scrounge rocks from all over the place but so many people do it now rocks around the city are non essistant now. Used to be able to drive a few miles and some farmer had cleared his field and left them by the side of the road. Now they know they are worth money :crybaby:

My ungrateful parents moved from rock land and no longer have free rocks for us. One year my mother wrapped up rocks and gave them to us for Christmas Smith picked up the package and said fruit cake :HAHA:

I removed about 1/3 of the second wall today. Am pleased that there was little dirt behind them. Shop vacs are great for sucking up gravel and yuck. I also used the hose from the bottom drain to suck up the dirt. Fish were the only problem wanting to get and see if I had unearthed any treats.

[Jackie Ramo]

No pics, too busy but got a few more rocks removed, the line cut, the weir semi finished for the water fall. Water is 62.8 and that is cold...

Grandson for an overnight and a birthday party this afternoon/evening.

[carcha koi]

Hey Jackie, hope the dinner went well. I know you are very busy but WHEN WE GOIN TO SEE THE PICS :lol:

[marla]

I think she needs the Geek Squad to help her with the new computer, not sure but we may need to wait for spring.

[Jackie Ramo]

I'm uploading them to flickr and will post the link here Tired of waiting for my pic server to get up and running so will have to transfer all the pics. POOP or something worse. !grrrr

Our biggest problem is we have no idea what we are doing so each small thing needs a meeting, an argument and then a dry run for whoever wins the argument :yup: So even the smallest things take time. Have to move hubby today to dig the changes in the waterfall.

[Jackie Ramo]

Haven't really been taking new pics but here is the Flickr link to the Pond Build Set I've uploaded there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11830576@N04/sets/72157601600882336

[carcha koi]

Coooool :yup:

[marla]

Very nice Jackie, so when does the water go in?? Wow the veggie filter is not even noticeable in the pic. except the falls area. My oh my is Gage getting big, looks as if he will enjoy this pond also. I'd be watching the dog the fish look hungry.

[Jackie Ramo]

Joe comes on Thursday so hopefully more progress but there is so much else for him to help me with this season... Maybe I'll bring him over a couple of days next week as well.

Actually I should look through my pix as I did have it full to pull the liner in place and have since emptied it again. I'm sure I must have taken a few pix, it looked huge!!

Gage is in school now.... makes me feel real old. He will be 4 in November but is tall so looks so much older.

The veggie filter is a monster. I have no idea how I'll be able to tear it down this fall although I suspect once frost hits it will go crashing down :badmood:

[clm]

The veggie filter is a monster. I have no idea how I'll be able to tear it down this fall although I suspect once frost hits it will go crashing down :badmood:

My bogs are monsters too Jackie. The plants are huge, watercress and speedwell spilling out everywhere. Even the hardy cannas are enourmous.

Cindy

[Jackie Ramo]

Cindy the taro is so big Joe noticed it :HAHA:

We redug the stream bed yesterday and started laying stone but I need to rethink what I am doing so we quit that and Joe removed the edlerberry bush that was taking over the garden and starting trimming the hedge.

He arrives again today so I will get him to start the stone work around the edges even if I have to move them later they will be closer. He starts work again in another week so will have to make sure I get good use of his time.

[Jackie Ramo]

New pictures at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11830576@N04/1413740647/

Course the waterfall leaks like a sieve... the pump is too strong and inspite of us trying it first it now overflows the preform. Too tired to even think at present.

[Peg]

Jackie, you know you are never going to see the end of that tunnel don't you :frisbee:

[Jackie Ramo]

Trust me Peg, its about to become a rock garden :banghead:

Joe was just great today, he tore down and rebuilt time after time and the darn water still escaped. In the pics I'd already torn it apart to see why it was leaking, I thought poor Joe was going to faint. Smith otoh decided he'd best build steps then move rocks after I told him not to put one where he'd put it.... Smith would have axe murdered me if I'd asked him as many times as Joe to move this rock and fold the liner this way...

Still I think the base problem is the pump is too powerful and the water is gushing down like Niagara falls instead of being more a gentle flow which is what we expected from the trial run. So how to limit the pump or do I have to buy a new one. :tantrum:

[Koidaddy]

Hey Glammy, very nice pixs, but I think I'm calling the cops!! Seems like you knocked off Smith and planted him in the backyard! Looks so peaceful lying there (maybe glad to be rid of you (?? :phfft: ).

I'll visit you in the slammer!
KD
:lol:

[Jackie Ramo]

Today Smith was lucky the hole had water in it and we had a witness.... I'm grumpy when things aren't going right.

[Koidaddy]

:lol:

[Jackie Ramo]

Sure you can laugh now but watch it buddy... :frisbee:

Took the day off today and actually did my own work. Not as much as I'd planned but did get a new fan made. I've decided to do a series of tiles that look like fans. Today's is art deco. I've done 2 others that are ready for glazing but no time. Realized that I missed 2 deadlines this week with the pond and that darn dog being sick.... poop!!!!

Oh and Terri, I picked up the two fish tiles today. You'll have to come and get them :clap:

[Jackie Ramo]

New pictures today. Joe and I spent most of the day rebuilding trying to fix all the leaks and thought we were successful. I filled up the pond and when Smith came home he turned off the water about 3 inches shy of being full, two hours later it was down a foot... anyway I once again found the leak and will fix it soon.... poop

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11830576@N04/sets/72157601600882336/

[carcha koi]

Wow, I mean WOW. Looks great. :clap: What size pump are you using.

[Jackie Ramo]

thanks. I am using a 3,000 gph pump which is just a bit too powerful but no budget money for a new pump so we will put in some elbows to slow the flow. The leak is over the top of the preform where I will foam the rocks in to prevent further leaks.

[marla]

Jackie, it alreay looks wonderfull and when complete will be a stunning addition to the yard. Is it possible to get on the roof (wait send Joe) and get a picture of the yard with both ponds. I can see where know in my head how they both are, but would be nice to see together.

Can't wait to see the new tiles sounds like a fun subjet.

[Jackie Ramo]

Marla I think the two ponds are too far apart for me to get a pic with both in but I will see if I can cut and paste a pic together. No one is going on the roof, it is too high, but the second floor window should give a decent view.

Tiles, you'd think Terri would have at least noticed I said they were done... :frisbee: they are hers.

[Terri]

Okay, so I noticed,... just this minute as this is the first I've read about it :razz:

What'cha doing next Tuesday?

[Jackie Ramo]

Terri, I can be here on October 2nd. Let me know.

Had a dinner party here tonight and thankfully saw this thread was up which reminded me I plugged in the pump to show folks the waterfall and ... now unplugged it, pump wasn't dry but some of the plants are...

[Jackie Ramo]

Well the pump has been running for several hours and no water loss as yet. Will add to the flicker link as I did start planting the garden today.

I do think in spring I will tear it downa nd start again... a lot of design flaws but the idea is good.

[Jackie Ramo]

We didn't lose any water over night so we are good to go. Still lots of work to do but at least the wakin have a home come spring time. :clap: :clap:

Smith is now talking about cutting the pear tree so we can see it better.

[marla]

Jackie, wow you must be elated!!! You have lots of time to plan out plantings over winter and come spring your fingers will be itching to be out. Sure the wakin will enjoy their new home, it is going to look FABULOUS. Great job you guys did.

[Jackie Ramo]

Well there are so many parts that need to be reworked. You know how it is, I can't stand to see the liner so rocks will be moved, but not this week.