Sheri, I don't use much in the pond, just two 'for sure' things. One is, Crystal Clear Biological Clarifier+ and the other is Microbe Lift Koi Clay. Both are used on a regular schedule during the pond season. What a beautiful pond. I wish the "outside area" of my pond was finished. After I redo the plumbing from the pump to waterfall, that is the next project for this summer after I finalize the rock work. A ponders work is never done. : )

I love the rock islands too. Loved watching Apricot; she has some sisters at our house who have a verrrry similar hobby! They also like to try and "fish" for the little mosquito fish, or at least bat them.

Believe it or not you can actually train goldfish to do tricks and such. And since the best thing about having a pond is seeing the fish you need to train them to come out and say HI!!! What I do is every time I go to feed then I first bang the fish food container a few times on the slate I have around the pond. Pretty soon they come to realize banging means FOOD and they swim out from under the plants to the feeding spot. I also toss in the food one pellet at a time so I get the most viewing time at feeding. Additionally, when they've had enough I don't have a ton of food to fish out.

Luvs, We haven't done much on the pond at all, but DH promised me the liner will go in this weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. My backyard is a mess with everything laying around waiting to go in or around the new pond. I've been doing as much as I can get done on the rest of the backyard so I'll be ready to devote all of my time to the new pond. I have 3 tons of rocks waiting and need about 3 more tons. My poor back. LOL I planned my Memorial Day table in my head, but didn't get it done. I'm glad Karen posted her stacking plates. It made me feel better just to see someone else's. Kathleen, Please do post a pic of your calligraphy. Wow, 300! You sure got them done fast. How are your hands? I hope your DS's house sells quickly. Our yellow pollen is past, but we are over 9" below average for rain. We need it very badly. Tam, You've been really busy. Isn't it rewarding though to just get your hands in dirt? I saw on TV that there is something in soil that helps depression. It's hard to believe there's been so much rain in some areas and none in others. Gotta love Mother Nature! Karen, I love your tipsy tower with the painted pots and silk flowers. What a cute idea to paint the pots. I have 2 in back, one with terra cotta and the other with the plastic "terra cotta" looking pots. One tip...if you use real terra cotta put a plastic bag from the grocery inside before you add your soil. Just tear a hole in the bag over the drainage hole. It helps to keep them from drying out too quickly. I bought some large pots to do a big one in my front flower bed, but haven't gotten it done yet. I saw a pic somewhere of a tipsy tower decorated for Christmas. It was a really cute idea that I want to do also for the different holidays. Kathleen, the tipsy tower is EASY! You can use any pots you want. Jaybird, I wish the rain would rush through TX and come to NC. We're desperate. You've been super busy also. We would love to see pics of your new spread, etc. Please share. I'm wishing really hard for a day of rain so I can stay inside and sew some napkins for 4th July and save some on my water bill.