There's loads of knowledgable people here, I learn much from them every day! :) About the goldfish though... this seems to be an immediate issue. The one thing I really suggest (besides what the others have said) is to take sample of pond water up to the local fish/aquarium/pond store and have them test it for you. Many places will do this for free, as you're just starting out you might save yourself that headache of trying to learn about water testing kits. In the long run, however, you should get yourself a testing kit and learn to use it. It is a bit cold there still, fish should still be in hybernation or just coming out of (unless you keep it heated in winter - do you?) sleep. So if they're dying off this early there could be something seriously out of whack. Get your water checked for ammonia, nitrate levels and PH, as well as anything else they can tell you. A PH crash can kill fish quickly, as can large levels of ammonia or lethal gasses (caused by decomposing matter) built up in the substrate. Patial water changes can initially help to balance the pond and reduce stress on the fish, but the reasons for the ill water conditions need to be addressed for a permenant solution. Have you cleaned it out yet? If you have - did the fish begin to die before or after you did? My bet would be either a ph crash or gas build up. I like to drain and clean once a year in the Spring. I do save some of the water and filter media to save back the beneficial bacteria that the others have mentioned. I go out every couple days or once a week to net out the stray leaves and debris that have found their way in, to keep it from builing up on the bottom and creating stagnant gas. Good luck with your pond, I am sure with help here (and freindly terms with your local aquatics retailer) you'll learn pretty quick. Ponding does take a fair amount of work, but is extremely relaxing! Have fun and good luck!

Kris, I'm a long way from you, but I lost many to a dry winter this year. I had moved all the "empty" pots to one area to be dumped. I had been whining about my high losses through several posts. Babka finally said she wanted to see the roots. When I dumped one out, I found that deep in the pot, dormant roots were emerging. This was 2 or 3 weeks after my last one showed pips. So, don't give up yet. Of course, it would be very small if it came back from dormant roots. But to have a piece of one you really liked might be nice. It will take years for it to become a full plant, though. Mine was a Bridegroom. I was so sure it was lost, that I already had ordered another. I'll probably add it to the pot with the new one if it makes it this year. Also, since it's placement in your front yard was so important to your landscape, think about buying 3 plants and putting them in the pot. You will have a nice full pot sooner. bk This is how it looks today (yes, I know it needs down-potting)

Foxgloves are what I think of as cottage garden flowers. They would be much easier if you could depend on them coming back. I had a little patch of thick weeds that I didn't pull waiting to see what it was. It is yellow celosia. Those are easy and always come up but I am glad I didn't hoe them which was my thought. Your petunias are coming up too and four o clocks everywhere.

I've been really impressed by everyone's efforts in publishing their pictures. I have tried the 'normal' method as suggested on the site instructions for the gallery, but my pictures are too big and rejected, and I cannot figure out how to shrink them down to size. Kazzie, would it be possible to forward the instructions if I sent you my email address too?