I think with Global Warming the song title should now be “May is bustin out all over”, as I don’t think there is much left to bust out. Trees are in full leaf, most plants are in flower and all I can hope for is after two days of rain the sun will start to bust out soon.
1st
Just to show you what I am up against digging out my pond loads of stones big and small, a small seam of coal (we are in a coal mining past area) clay and some easy shale. The area that Im have broken up will be down to the same depth as in the middle, which is just over two feet deep. Should achieve that today.
Various days and the progression of “The Pond”.
Pond dug out, old carpet underlay placed on the soil to prevent stones puncturing the liner and the liner added. nearly filled it , but have left the last eight inches to allow me to make sure the pond will be level when finished and the least amount of black lining visable when completed. So here is what it looks like today.
The bottom end nearest the shot needs raising a fair bit, but overall really pleased with how it has gone so well. It took over thirty wheelbarrow loads of soil to dig it out and so glad I had somewhere to deposit it just twenty yards away so that section was easy, it has been a case of finding muscles I didn’t know at my age I had and at least I haven’t used my gym.
Next stage, grass put back on far side as I said the rock end is low compared with the rest so I will be putting some thinner slate down there, which will allow birds and critters to get to the water in the shallow end. Pump and filter coming at the weekend so weather permitting I can fit those, plus hopefully getting some marginal plants tomorrow. All go.
Addition of slate on the low lying section, plus a section of garden ready to take some Yellow Flag Iris, that was all neatly dug over until the birds decided to turn it over scattering the soil over the patio. Plus you can see the first two plants in the water.
Pump and filter have arrived but awaiting some extra cable to reach the external power point, which is frustrating as I thought I had the cable but it must have gone to the tip during our move.
9th.
Had plans worked out for today an early walk, mow the lawns before the forecast rain arrived (it has rained everyday this months so far). Managed a dry walk but the rain came while I was mowing, but got it finished.
The Starlings maybe common birds and often a pest and are particularly noisy at this time of year with babes, but you have to admit the colours in the feathers are amazing.
The Crow another pest though can be amusing seem to know when In put a bit of food out and sit on the fence waiting.
The Red Campion on our walk adds to a very dull day with rain clouds gathering.
Slugs are in their element in these damp dark abundant food days.
14th.
Filter box and pump both wired up and plugged in and for me doing the electrics, it is a miracle it actually all works. Pipe to pump needs shortening, filter box needs lowering to water level, enclosed cabling needs to be buried , but at least it is all coming together might need some more plants (don’t tell the wife) and need the turf to grow down to the water to cover the lining but after all the hard work I am pleased with the progress.
Adding to my pleasure the first Damsel Fly, it is a Large Red and was on the path next to the pond and actually landed on the rocks in the pond also. The first of many I hope.
We went for lunch in Ayr and decided to go for a walk in the sun along the promenade a few others had the same idea.
This is a cruise ship just anchored off the Port of Ayr and passengers were taken in the ships tenders to Ayr for the Rabbie Burns experience . The ship is called Le Champlain named after the “Father of New France “(Quebec), Samual Champlain. It was built in 2018 and run by the French company Ponant.
Well this first half of June has busted out, only in rain. Every single day so far it has rained and the last two days have been a real strong wind to go with it. Today was in fact a fairly pleasant morning with sunshine and cloud, but it is meant to rain after lunch. Let’s hope my next blog comes up with better weather.