I don't know whether or not I'm sorry to have started this post or not - lots of grossness!! I can definitely relate to feeling disgust at seeing huge infestations - there's something about hoards of aphids squirming and scuttling over a bud, or millions of scale plastered over a stem that just makes me sick! re slugs and cats, sometimes I step on them by accident and I find the aftermath so much worse than when they were alive! Smells definitely add to the unpleasantness - mehitabel's right - at least you can close your eyes! :) Thanks for sharing! :D

catfishsam, it hasn't showed any sign of a leak for over three weeks now. I had one scare--all was good and suddenly one morning the water was down to the leak level again. I am making a very small waterway designed to shoot water out through a cliff opening into the pond and the water right now runs out of a small pipe over a piece of liner that just sits there. I eventually realized the wind had moved the liner enough for the water to be flowing into the dirt. They say waterfalls are the biggest cause of losing water and now I believe it. Great relief. Is your silt/clay patch still holding? Was going to send an update by e-mail but address not available. Fingers crossed for both of us and anyone else who stumbles on the good fortune we seem to be enjoying Mike

I sent you a message on American Ponders. I think I will have Lilypons, Chubby and Hollandia.... I'll know for sure in approx. two weeks. Gotta go thru the lilypond! :) Thanks, Bonnie

Definitely says cottage to me! It looks like a place you can be quite comfortable in while enjoying the bright colors and sights. I love the "aged" look of the garden, lots of volunteers and seedlings weaving through, making new magic. Those pink hollyhocks are just lovely, and the black and blue salvia practically glows it's so blue. I'd like to see more of that twig arbor that is just peeking out in the photo.