Dear D.W.:
Expect to be completely and totally consumed by this new hobby, and start
planning your next, bigger pond. They are addicting, and like potato chips
.. . . you can't have just one. Good luck!
Sue

"D.W." wrote in message
om...
I have just finished my patio pond, my first attempt at water
gardening. Let me describe what I have done so far and, hopefully
then, I can get some advice and you will share some of your
experiences with me. I admit that I didn't do as much homework as I
should of before I started, so I might say something that will make
you experienced folk wince.

I had just moved into my new apartment and had to make a few repairs,
and I remembered a picture I had seen in a Home Depot advertisement in
Sunday's paper. While at Lowe's curiosity got the best of me and I
went to look in the Garden section. When I saw the half whiskey
barrels I knew what I wanted to do.

I asked the store clerk for advice and she pointed me toward a "Little
Giant Barrel or Planter Kit." It included a 120 gph pump with fountain
and a liner.
While there I also picked up a few water plants, a water lettuce and
two water lilies (one that had a bud), and also some river rock.

I got the barrel lined and filled, It has about 25 gal., and set the
water lettuce sailing. I planted the two water lilies as
recomended(aquatic soil, planter). Did I get one to many water lilies?
They both look very healthy. Though they were advertised as being good
for whiskey planters, I am afraid they are not deep enough. The bud
that was on one of them began to open, (Still under water). The next
day however it was closed again? So Disappointing! I thought it might
be the daisy fountain...I had read lilies did not like having their
leaves splashed, so I changed the fountain head to a water bell
pattern. Will it open again? I also, rinsed the river rock and layered
the bottom with it.

The next day I went and got some more plants. I got a water Iris,
another lettuce, some hornwort, and another marginal. I potted them
all, though with the two marginals I forgot to remove most of the
original soil they were in. Should I repot immediately? I am worried
about fertilizers. I also got some fish. I got three pearl scale
goldfish. Each are about 2 inches.

I added the rest of the plants while letting the goldfish bag float in
the water. I added the fish to the pond and then added some Pond Start
water conditioner and also Pond Water Clear...both were part of a
Jungle Pond Kit which also contains a Ammonia and Chloramine remover,
A Clear Zyme, and Pond Block for Algae. I am picking up a pond testing
kit today. I dont want to rely to much on chemicals, so what do I use
to keep the pond healthy? I was thinking of adding snails and/or also
some pumice and a bio filter. Do I need a filter, or will the plants
handle it?

I also got some Little Giant Goldfish Food. The goldfish don't seem to
like it. Maybe they just aren't used to being fed by me? Are they
full? Otherwise they are vital and attractive, and very humourous.

So far everything looks healthy and it has been a tremendous
enjoyment, but it has only been a few days. I want to start right. So
please share your thoughts.
What should I expect during the next week, month, and seasons?

Thank you!





Sorry...I am a story teller