Got a plot again… after 20+ years since my first one!!

[Debs]

Sooo excited about this, and what a plot it is!
South facing, a greenhouse, potting shed, mature bramley apple tree, small overgrown pond and lots of plants that I'm yet to unearth 🥰
Just need to clear it first

[Debs]

[JanG]

Sounds great. Congratulations!

Hope the clearing of it is enjoyable. Do keep reporting on what you discover. What are you most looking forward to?

[historygardening]

how do you plan on planting you plot. how big is the plot?

[tobiasthedog]

I love the thought of the apple tea. I would love to make some apple pies, strudel and maybe a chutney too.

[Debs]

So today after clearing floating debris from the small overgrown pond I unearthed a newt which I quickly put back and also a couple of mating frogs!
I've heard supermarket watercress can help oxygenate the water
Has anyone tried this?
Do I put the watercress straight into the pond??

[JanG]

Lovely to have a pond so full of life. I have no knowledge of using watercress as an oxygenator. First thoughts are that more people would do it if it works but you don't lose much by trying.
Does the pond already have some oxygenating plants? It sounds like it's working pretty well as it is, but I guess the test is when temperatures start to rise. You can see then whether you get any problems with blanket weed, etc.

[Debs]

There's not a single plant in it, so I was surprised to find a newt frogs and also water snails!
I'm planning on creating an escape route, and putting in some plants to improve the water quality