Wayne wrote:
1st Question:

Sorry, will leave this one to the critter experts.

2nd Question: I have some pickerel weed that produces the long, purple
bloom that is so pretty. When the purple has gone and the bloom appears to
be dead, do I need to cut that off?

The seed head does not need to be cut off, unless you don't like the way
it looks. It's actually quite interesting to watch the process though as
the stem bends toward the water as the seed head develops, then the
seeds drop off. Our koi eat them, the blue and scrub jays stop by to
pick on them, and even the squirrel likes to snack on them as well.
--
zookeeper
3500gal pond, 13 pond piggies
Oregon, Zone 6