Can't Have a Pond so I'll Have a Bucket :)

Discussion in 'Water Gardening' started by Bilbo675, Jun 6, 2012.

  1. Bilbo675

    Bilbo675 Total Gardener

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    We aren't in the situation to have a pond in our garden at the moment, mainly for safety reasons with 2 young boys; so I managed to get hold of a nice large plastic tub/container cheaply and created this little mini "pond", it'll take a little while to establish, I can't wait...:dancy:

    Plants 115.jpg
     
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    • watergarden

      watergarden have left the forum because...i'm a sad case

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      I can't see the picture (seems to be a problem at my end) If you have 2 young children I would suggest you have a covered water feature, never anything with open water.
      Sorry to be harsh, but its possible to drown in 2cm of water, and its usually other children that do, not yours.

      A water feature will still attract wildlife, can have plants around the perimeter, and is safe.
       
    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      That's an interesting idea, but I have a couple of questions really.

      How will you keep it oxygenated? And if you don't, isn't there a risk it will just attract mosquitoes, and possibly that legionaires disease that can develop in standing water?
       
    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      I think it's a great water feature, Bilbo. While I see Water Garden's safety point, I think there's a fine line to be drawn between 'elf and safety and being able to enjoy things in life. I have my pond fenced off for safety reasons but I wouldn't cover it as to do that would nullify the beauty and point of the pond, so I ensure any children are supervised not just by the pond but while in the garden. I really don't think in the case of your particular water feature it needs to be covered up.:snork:
       
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      • Bilbo675

        Bilbo675 Total Gardener

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        Oxygenating pond weed is in, that along with the possibility of slight filtration through the marginal plants and eventual surface cover from the pygmy water lily will hopefully ensure that the water in the mini pond is healthy.

        I've had one of these before (and larger ponds) and once established with the right balance of plants the water was like tap water..:blue thumb:
         
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          I have done the same thing Bilbo:
          [​IMG]

          Mine is a cheap big Wickes bucket (about 50 Litres I guess), I've had it quite a few years now - filled with stones it was really a water feature, somehow frogs found their way in. I moved it next to my veggie patch about 4 years ago.
           
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          • clueless1

            clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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            I'm going to keep an eye on this thread because its something I'd love to have a go at myself, but I wouldn't know where to begin.
             
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            • ARMANDII

              ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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              Yep, as long as there are sufficient plants to extract the nutrients from the water it will stay clear as you said, Bilbo:snork:
               
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              • ARMANDII

                ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                What sort of thing do you want, Clueless??:scratch::snork: A pond or a water feature??:snork:
                 
              • clueless1

                clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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                I really wanted a pond, but we have a young lad and if I get my own way there might even be another even younger kid in the not too distant future, so the bucket pond sounds good to me.

                Basically I want to promote as much diversity in the garden as possible.
                 
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                • ARMANDII

                  ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                  Well, Bilbo's done a cracking job with his, and the best thing is it's also simple:thumbsup::snork:
                   
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                  • catztail

                    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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                    I've got mine in a large ceramic pot. It has a mini waterlily, water iris, water forget me not, and some oxygenating weed. They are quite easy to make and look really pretty. I'll get a pic of it tomorrow.
                     
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                    • catztail

                      catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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                      Here's mine. There are actually 3 but I don't have the other 2 planted up yet. Must get some plants!! POND.jpg
                       
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                      • Scrungee

                        Scrungee Well known for it

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                        My pond (for wildlife to drink from):

                        pond.jpg
                         
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                        • Penny in Ontario

                          Penny in Ontario Total Gardener

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                          What a great idea Scrungee......way to recycle :blue thumb:
                           
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