What a delightful job you did on your pond. I agree, it is never done!!

What is the square black thing in the first picture? Is it a solar panel?

Anne

Beautiful pond and lovely photos!
Having to wait for rocks gives you more time to rearrange them in your mind - saves on the back later :)

Pashta, that is the skimmer box which has the pump inside. I am wanting DH to build a miniature dock to cover it.

Sheepco, you are right. I think I even dream about rocks. Who needs movie stars? Not me. LOL. Some may think I am being too picky about the rocks I add. But, I have a basic idea of what I want. Also, a few of my rocks have sentimental value. Some are from San Antonio, Ohio, Colorado, and the like from family. The one on the right side of the skimmer box is actually part of a petrified tree. Makes me wonder just how old it is. Here is a close up picture:

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Thanks, Vickie

Lovely pond and pics. I think you are gifted in photography as well as the shots with the reflections of plants in the pond is most beautiful.

Take your time finishing the pond as it is lovely even in it's unfinished state.

Lisa

Thanks, Lisa.

beautiful! i really like your double waterfall. the critters in your area must really enjoy the cool oasis you have made for them - and for yourself. min

I had hundreds of tadpoles, which are now baby toads running all over the yard. Late in the evenings, I have found myself walking on my tiptoes to make sure I don't step on any. I have spied a couple of frogs, one of which is usually pondside every night. Dragonflies and butterflies visit often. I have a rock with a shallow scoop in the middle in which droplets of water are there for the butterflies to drink. Even my dog, who I thought hated water, has been caught swimming in it. He has gotten a couple of spankings, when I caught him red-pawed. My other dog refuses to get too close, and he'll just lay on the deck, and look down into the pond and watch the fish.
It is a lot of fun to watch.

S.E. I think you have done a great job. for only two months it has certainly come a long ways. And being picky is what makes us individuals and creating something different. James Maloy

I really like the fall. I am trying to get up the courage to do a free form pond myself. Right now I have 2 preforms. I may be looking for advice in the near future.
elle

Elle, ask anything and someone, somewhere will answer.

As for the falls, for some reason, it took me a while to wrap my head around it. I had the basic idea of what I wanted, but I was stumped on how to ACTUALLY start the falls. And, of course, I needed the 'perfect' rock. When 'The Rock' was found, it seemed to fall into place when it was set at the edge right above where the water makes its last drop into the pond. From there, I just stair-stepped it backwards toward the filterfall box.

I still have a long way to go, and waiting on spring. I so want to get back out there and begin again. I want to finish the edges around the pond and finish the falls. I haven't quite figured it all out, but I think that's where the fun comes in.

I'm kind of glad I have time during the winter to re-think things, because I tend to jump head first into things that I end up re-doing later. At least being a DIY'er I'm not out alot of $$, but planning ahead - over and over and over - sure saves on labor - especially when moving rocks.

Vickie, I love your rocks!

Thanks, sheepco. I am waiting for ground to dry up from all the rain and snow. I want MORE! Many people have offered to give me some, but the majority of them have been very light or white. They probably think I'm nuts when I say they are the wrong color. LOL. Hay, it's a color coordinated decor, what can I say.

I also wish I could have your ornamental grasses. Sigh, there are so few that are hardy in my zone...

I finally asked my neighbors (west central MN farmers) if I could raid their rock piles. That was great, but back breaking. Then one of the farmers offered to dump a load of rocks from his field in my yard (4' from the ponds!!!)WooHoo!! I was in heaven! I rejected some, but got alot of good ones once I washed the mud off. And this guy actually took the time to pick up 'special' rocks when he was cultivating too.

The grasses you see are Miscanthus sinensis "Gracillimus'.
Some call it Maiden Grass. Maybe you can get lucky and it will grow for you, if you've never tried it. It is in quite a few garden catalogs.

I have another one, that was supposed to be white pampas grass. It wasn't. I'm not exactly sure what it was, but it grew over 10 feet tall in one season. I admit it was pretty gorgeous, looking like a huge green water fountain. I just hope it doesn't become a nightmare.