I expect some of you might wonder why we have decided not to install a fountain or waterfall, even as the location lends itself. Also you might be asking why are we not stocking the pond with fish.
The sound of moving water is such a pleasant and relaxing influence (but not if you haven’t got up yet😱) The pond is basically too small to entertain the notion. Also frogs and certain pond plants, such as water lilies, don’t like moving water.
However I pondered on the prospect for a long time before coming to a decision.
I am not averse to fish and have seen many attractive fish ponds. Watching such colourful creatures idly mooching around just beneath the surface is calming too.
However they will foul the water and incur the additional need for expensive pumps and filters. I am not opposed to such expense, it’s that they will eat the larvae of the insects, as well as the frog and toad spawn. We hope that frogs, toads and newts will soon take up residence chez nous.
Fish will be easier to observe elsewhere whereas amphibians are getting harder to spot.
So! A wildlife pond it is then.
No fish in our pond, it's set up for wildlife.
ReplyDeleteI suspect many stock ponds with fish not just because they are attractive and fascinating but they offer instant gratification, whereas a wildlife pond takes time to mature. But not all that long.
ReplyDeleteWe had fish and frogs and newts in our pond. Now, we just have newts.
ReplyDeleteA sparkling new pond is delightful and it's such a pleasure to see it mature.
Good for you. I’ll wait patiently for my turn
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