Allotments 4 All

Today I found a nice, round poly resin container to replace the tiny water feature the tadpoles lived in last year.  It's 44cm in diameter and 10 cm deep.  I'll sink it in the soil and add rocks and pebbles to allow easy access and a bit of pond weed too.  But as it's much bigger than the previous 'pond' I was wondering if I could also add a couple of water plants.  If so, what would you recommend that would afford a bit of shade but not totally take over?  Thanks in advance.

G x

there are some nice miniature waterlilies about? ;)

Oooh that sounds lovely.  Do you have a botanical name?

G x

Georgie I've just acquired a large green plastic dustbin lid, about 50cm diameter, 4cm deep at the edge and 8cm in the middle, which I'm going to use as a pond on the plot so I'll be interested in what plants you use.

Quote from: Flighty on January 25, 2009, 18:48:47
Georgie I've just acquired a large green plastic dustbin lid, about 50cm diameter, 4cm deep at the edge and 8cm in the middle, which I'm going to use as a pond on the plot so I'll be interested in what plants you use.

Exciting isn't it?  I like the idea of a dwarf waterlily and I'd also like something like a mini bullrush.  The thing is I know nothing about aquatic plants so I hope someone who does comes along soon.  :)

G x

A dwarf waterlily usually requires 6" (15cm) of water from the crown of the plant to the surface, bearing in mind the lily will be planted in a container it is very unlikely a waterlily would be happy or could survive the winter.
It would be better to concentrate on marginals floating plants & bog plants.
Take a look at these sites for a bit of inspiration.
http://www.wetlandplants.co.uk/acatalog/index.html
http://www.bromfieldaquatics.co.uk/store/erol.html

Thank you so much, Baccy Man, I had no idea there was such a choice.  Will have a good browse later but can't help noticing that there is a dwarf 'bullrush'.   ;D

G x

my thanks, too, baccyman, our 'bath' pond is finished now, just need some plants, off to look at te links  ;D

I'm waiting for permission for my flexitrug pond I'm planning for the allotment. It had to go before the Town council amenities committee.

Marsh marigolds flower very reliably and beautifully  in the margins of my pond.

Taken this afternoon, as you can see, the recent frost hasn't killed the watercress!![attachment=1] ;)

I like those Marsh Marigolds.  Will add them to the list.  :)

G x

So apparently my application for the flexitrug pond c.18" diameter by 18" deep (though it won't be because the planting baskets make it shallower!) has been approved. I know this because members of the public are allowed to sit in on the meetings and a fellow allotmenter happened to be there. He said they approved it and then one of the councillors piped up with it needs a fence to stop toddlers falling in so apparently I'm going to get told to fence it!!! ???

There are quite a few larger ponds and the water troughs that are our water supply bigger and deeper then my 'bucket'! None of them fenced???!!!  If i leave a trug sitting out in the rain and it fills with water will I have to fence it?

How many people let their toddlers wander around allotments unsupervised? Allotments are dangerous anyway to small children. Mine is nearly completely fenced so maybe a complete fence would constitute a fenced pond.

Quote from: Georgie on January 28, 2009, 20:47:53
I like those Marsh Marigolds.  Will add them to the list.  :)

G x

Here's a pic, Georgie
[attachment=1]

Beautiful, Hopalong.   :)

G x

I started work on the pond today.  Now all I need is the plants.   :)

G x

Add some water from an established pond,that will get it going quicker. :)

Quote from: betula on January 31, 2009, 15:22:21
Add some water from an established pond,that will get it going quicker. :)

If you'd read my blog you'd know I've already done that.   ;)  ;D

G x

Sorry Miss.

Read your blog now Miss. ;D

Quote from: Georgie on January 31, 2009, 15:19:22
I started work on the pond today.  Now all I need is the plants.   :)

G x


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Looking good G  :)