Feeling a bit overwhelmed, you?
7 years ago
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Feeling very overwhelmed :-(
Comments (7)Well from a "former" newbie to another (I've had my pond running since October), you sound a lot like me. Just remember, this will be your first full year, so you are allowed time to live and learn; so take it easy on yourself. This forum is a great source for information. I started by researching (I must of checked-out 10 books on ponds from the library) (Good book & online: Ponder's Bible)and working all aspects out in my head and on paper. It sounds that you bought into with a nice set-up regarding your pond. First thing I'd do is figure out (close as I could) just how big the pond is. You need to know this in case you need to apply materials/ items (AKA chemicals) to balance your pond. Think of your pond as an aquarium on steroids. My opinion: Do your best to stay away from using chemicals; Only as a last measure. Second, get a test kit (there are simple test strips that test 5 factors per strip). Test frequently at first to get a base result, then when needed (you will start to "feel" things aren't just right as you learn// observe your pond). Third, get a working knowledge of the the life of algae. You will learn that not all algae is bad for your system (see Norm Meck article - link below) and it comes down to a competition for nutrients (give it to your plants; not the single-cell ones). Your water temp. is just warm enough for string algae. When your water temp. increases, you will probably have free-floating algae (layman's term: pea-soup water). That's why we're always advised to shade our ponds. When the water reaches certain temp. levels, certain types of algae wake from their winter sleep first before the good bacteria/plants; so they are the first in line at the nutrient food-line. Usually it is: string algae/ free-floating/ water plants. My point: work to keep a balance in your water's clarity through the use of plants/ shade / good bacteria. "Today I turned off the filter and started emptying out the tubs. The former owner said he would do that about once a month/two months. It's been less than that but when I opened up the pipe, the stuff that came out of the bottom of the tub was more sludge than dirty water. I mean, it was THICK. Should I be doing that more often?" Generally most basic filter systems start with a mechanical component (brushes) to trap the debris and a biological (good bacteria breaks down the fish waste to plant food)component. Usually there is a drain for release of "sludge/ dirty stuff". When I open mine up, it looks real dirty and slightly smells. I use this discharge to water my ground plants (and do they benefit from it). Again certain times of the year mean different cleaning cycles. The previous owner probably had his/her way of doing/knowing when to clean. And you will learn this process. I know it's time for me to clean my leaf basket when I see the outflow on my water wall drop off. So take a breath, take it easy on yourself, and take heart in knowing that a lot of people have been in the same place you presently find yourself. Happy ponding, LP Here is a link that might be useful: Pond Water Chemistry...See Moredo you ever feel overwhelmed with decorating?
Comments (22)mldao, I have to learn some of your patience. I make decisions too quickly and then regret them ALL THE TIME. Good luck with your pain colors, I am sure they will look beautiful. Thanks for sharing all your wise advice. I will try to slow things down but I really need some paint and a dining room set. lol.. Love the piggy bank idea. If I said to my husband I am making the house beautiful for you he would say it is fine just the way it is. I want to retire early.. lol.. ahh! can't complain, he is pretty good. Tomorrow he arrives home from being away and will notice all kinds of new things on the walls. oops. lol.. Thanks again ladies. I really enjoy this forum and your sense of style and humour. Joanne...See MoreA Bit Overwhelming
Comments (31)I have the best neighbours. My neighbour Donna stopped by earlier today to see how everything was going and she noticed the Rose of Sharon bush I planted had been run over by the lawn mower when my neighbour cut the lawn a few weeks a go. I babied that thing through then drought making sure it survived and my neighbour thought it was a weed. He cuts my lawn when he cuts his because I could never get my gas powered lawn mower to start. Donna then went home and an hour later was back with a wheelbarrow and a shovel and a beautiful large Rose of Sharon bush. How nice was that! She reminded me the city was sending around trucks Friday to pick up trash from the flood. I told her I was going to call my brother after he got off work to bring up the things that needed to go. Donna then said she would do it. Of course I was useless, I was able to bag things but I wasn't able to bring the stuff up the stairs. We got rid of just about everything down there even though it wasn't wet from being on the floor but because everything was wet from the dampness. I had a bamboo table and chairs that went out to the curb and everything else that was down there that I was never going to use. Bundles of cardboard boxes the restoration people brought in for my last flood because they were wet from the air. Most of the items were given to me by other people who thought I might be able to use them one day and they just end up down the basement. I refuse items now. There was a box with a mirror with big bulbs around it like you would see in some Hollywood dressing room. I forgot it was downstairs and not something I needed or would ever use. Then another neighbour came over to help bring stuff up and take to the curb. Even the stuff I saved from the flood that I put on the landing was so wet we got rid of it too. I am beyond appreciative of their assistance. Now that everything is out I just have to wait for the other group to come in and disinfect. I have the fan running down there now....See MoreFeeling overwhelmed
Comments (19)Congratulations on your new home and new garden! It's always a big thrill. As for your garden...deep breaths. Relax. From your description it sounds like you started big, which makes things a bit overwhelming. This is a natural feeling and I'm sure it has happened to many, many new gardeners (even with small gardens!) it certainly happened (and is still happening!) to me. A few things to keep in mind: Don't be in a rush to cram plants into every little space to make things look full. They grow, and sometimes far more than expected. Your sparse, new garden will be overcrowded in a hurry. If you feel like spots are not filled in enough, put annuals there for now until shrubs and perennials can take over. BONUS: most perennials need to be divided every few years and so you'll get free copies of your plants to fill into other parts of your garden. This is new for you. Plants will grow differently in different conditions, so for now consider everything an experiment. Some plants will thrive. Some will fail. Some will grow way too big and you'll have to make changes. Others will struggle and you may have to move them. In my first 6 years of gardening I have had to move or replace so many plants it is ridiculous. Right now I am dealing with a Bee Balm that was supposed to grow to about 3x3. It is currently 5x6 and is a monster eating up my middle border. So this fall it will get divided and I will have to think about moving it to the back of the border. Live and learn. Try not to get too attached to plants or think that making a change is some kind of failure. It's not. Remember: this is still an experimentation phase. If something isn't working or if you think something else would work better, make the change. BUT...remember that perennials and shrubs may not really show you what they've got for a year or two or even three, so have patience. Peonies often don't bloom in the first year or two. Make sure they weren't planted too deep! If too deep you may not get much bloom. Roses are often scraggly the first year. Once their roots get better established then they will have an easier time getting water and nutrients and will look a lot, lot better. Big gardening jobs are usually easier if you break them down into smaller jobs. And try to incorporate some of the work into your routine. For example, when I let my dog out into the backyard each morning I spend a few minutes inspecting my roses for pests, diseased leaves, and doing a bit of deadheading. A few minutes of this daily means come the weekend I don't have a gigantic job ahead of me. It also gives me an excuse to enjoy the flowers! Best of luck to you, and feel free to post some pics!...See More- 7 years ago
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