Early Spring Cleaning

A water garden is a great attraction for a variety of plants and critters:  birds, herons, squirrels, frogs, turtles, coons... we have had all show up in addition to the few goldfish we provide to keep mosquitoes out.  Today we took advantage of the beautiful spring weather to tackle something that is very easy to put off... Otherwise known as a very "Dirty Job"...  


The first picture was a very early morning shot on Feb 6 to show the light dusting of snow on the deck behind the fish/lilly pond.   And the second is how the pond looked this afternoon about 5:00 pm.   Every few years we clean it totally... the worst part being the deep, fine, heavy, muck that accumulates on the bottom from years of decaying pine needles, and plant materials...   Would you believe a wet/dry shop vac sucks it up and then I have to figure what to do with gallons and gallons of slop.  I hope the compost piles like it.

Actually the dirty jobs guy stopped by with his TV crew to take a look and help, just as dear Master Gardner was ankle deep in the "mucking out" process... and he soon decided to leave after losing his lunch.

But we have enjoyed the pond, goldfish, and lilies for about 25 years and it doesn't require much else in the way of maintenance. So I think we are good for another 5 years or so.