It's easiest when you start off with a blank canvas
May 2012
During the summer of 2012, I set out to reestablish a back garden after many years of neglect. And with plans (in my head), I knew I wanted to shut down the small pond near the back of the house and put in another at the back garden where I could expand it. Digging in the Long Island sandy soil isn't really that difficult or even really back breaking. I had no boulders or clay to deal with. Long Island has sandy loose soil. This area long ago was where my dad set up an above ground pool when we were kids, and where he poured water in the pool impression in the winter so we could skate. It also is where we had a vegetable garden and compost area.
In choosing a pond location, I let the garden do the selection. After I had the back area cleared (yes, I paid a landscaper to have it cleared out - something I could never do in the one day it took a crew of six), what was left behind was a natural depression formed from the removal of a mid-sized weed tree and it's stump and most of it's rootball. From there, I began to dig. I knew I wanted a somewhat circular shape, created "steps" or spots where I could climb out when I would inevitably have to do maintenance within the pond, and dug deeper spots to allow the fish to hibernate easily.
The lining is safe for fish, is heavy and thick.
And as I filled up the now lined depression,the pond really began to take shape.
With all the ponds I've built, I do it keeping in mind that I never want it to be a permanent structure without room to grow or change. My ponds are always given fluidity to change. All the rocks can be moved, rearranged to accommodate humans and animals alike.
These flat rocks placed in the foreground were the start of a falls area for the wild birds to bathe.
And even when unfinished, the pond brought reflecting beauty.
Then came the placement of the stones...
And surrounding areas paved in wood, slate, brick and stepping stones...
With a final touch to close off the garden and pond, the old iron fence from the front yard was re-used in the back garden.
The garden and pond are still changing, being arranged, new plantings and this year a stream was put in!
I often think of my parents when I'm in the yard, as I'm puttering around, slaving away, hacking at overgrowth, enjoying the feel of earth between my fingers... and think of when they bought this house in 1952. Here's pictured my Dad, during the first year after they bought this home and, from what my mother told me, the yard had been totally overgrown - high with weeds and grass, the original garden and plantings neglected. I wonder if that wire trash basket he's using to contain the burning debris is still in the garage?