The pond in the picture looks like a poor design for birds. The piled rock on the sides are to high. I have a link below to my "Kinder Pond" which ended up being great for birds. I had huge flocks of Robins in the winter rotate through this pond for bathing, 25 at a time and it would take more than an hour for the entire flock, maybe 500, to get through. Strange, but they never made a mess. The small vertical waterfall was visted by hummingbirds, they would bath on the wing and perch on the edge. Although it was only 3" deep I would have made some of it even shallower. Some really small birds couldn't use it very well. You do want a deep part, 12-18" for the pump and something like a skimmer to protect the pump. Consider planting some shrubs next to the pond as a place for the birds to stage. I trimmed them to be open so I could see them better. I once saw a falcon dive into to birds for a meal but the shrubs acted as fence and it didn't get a meal. Also keep the area clear of ambush spots from cats, many will try. Also the birds don't like to go into a hole. They'd like to be able to see as far as possible as they bath. All this isn't so much to protect the birds as it is to help them feel safe. Concrete over liner works best. Good footing. Bare liner is really too slippery. EDPM is tops. But it this case, shallow pond, protective by concrete, I'd wouldn't turn my nose up to PVC. I'm not sure if the pond you linked to has preformed falls, but I would stay away from anything performed. They're actually must harder to install although they look easier. Plus they don't last very long and are ugly. Mosquito fish are very helpful and fun. I wouldn't put any feeders close by as some birds can get pretty territorial. Cool thing is the birds, dragon flies, cats all show up as you're filling the pond/ Here is a link that might be useful: Kinder pond

googling helenium, i just came across this; looks worthwhile. i've always admired tom's knowledge; he certainly knows alot about plants! best, mindy Here is a link that might be useful: tom fischer's blog(ex Horticulture mag. editor; editor Timber Press

I have a thing for the larger ones... In my garden blooming now that are 7" or larger (minus spiders): SPANISH MASQUERADE (not crazy about the crepe texture, but this one is fabulous!) BAFFIN BAY BEAUTY (and a beauty it is!) In my garden blooming in the next few days that are 7" or larger(minus spiders): BEAUTIFUL EDGINGS (tons of branches and buds, can't wait for this one!) JOHN ALLGOOD (I've heard some mighty good things about this one, and the way it's been growing in my garden, I'm betting it lives up to it's name!) In my garden blooming in the next few weeks that are 7" or larger(minus spiders): RUTH WHITTEN (double!) WISPY RAYS (this one is relatively new for me, but see loveofmylife's post above) On my wish list that are 7" or larger (minus spiders): CALL OF UNIQUENESS CARNIVAL MASK (UFO) CAT CLAWS (UFO) CHRISTINE DIXON GIANT ON THE MOUNTAIN JUMBO SHRIMP LAUGHING CLOWN (UFO) NEON EMBERS (UFO) OVERSIZED LOAD (UFO) ROLL UP CANDY (UFO) SILVER SPOON (UFO) SPEEDO TIJUANA TREASURE TROPICAL SENSATION WIND UP TOY (UFO) WHIRLPOOL GALAXY (UFO) YO BIG MOUTH

A belated thank you and HNY to you, gardengal. The display was absolutely spectacular, well worth the $5 admission fee. Wished I had gone with a gardening bud instead of my SO as had difficulties identifying some of the "plants". Oh, look, isn't that clever! That's a.. a.. you know, something that kinda looks like that yellow flower, the one in the side yard next to the bench? Spot-on about the gift shop. Very small. Was hoping to score some garden-themed, 1/2 priced ornaments, but the pickings were slim and just the usual red/green/glitter. Highly recommended for anyone who hasn't been. There is no charge for kiddies, so would be a budget-friendly family outing for next year. Satisfied, Rain