Those of a similar age to me will probably be thinking about the hit song by Europe at this point...
But that's not what I am referring to but rather we are on the final few things to do before filling the pond. I had hoped we would be able to get finished this weekend but sadly the winter weather that has arrived had other plans for us
Its not even as if there is much left to do; only a little woodwork to the pergola bases and then fitting the window into the pond. But for the sealant to set correctly around the window we need warmer temperatures, so that will have to wait. We even had a friend from our koi club lined up to help us fit it.
We had also started building the deck last weekend but again, with the cold weather and expected snow, will stop us from doing any more on that this weekend.
The final job we had started was removing the left over chalk and clay from when we dug the pond. Most of it was taken away last weekend, but I don't really fancy trying to dig into frozen soil this time.
The filter house itself is also nearly complete, subject to testing for drips when we fill everything with water.
Talking of water one small job that we may be able to get done is fitting a water connection into the filter house. This will allow us to top up the pond from the filters rather than having to have a hose trailing into the pond. I haven't quite decided how we will do this, possibly by having a hose reel in the filter house itself. The other way may be to have a connection outside and then bring through a house with a spray gun on the end.
With it cold outside this week Mark has been doing one job a little bit at a time each evening. The small water feature will have a mulch of slate on the base, but as anyone who has added slate to the garden will know it tends to be very dusty. As we don't want the filter to get full of slate dust, Mark has been washing this in advance of putting it in the small pond.
So rather then get frustrated by the winter, the best thing will be to just embrace it, and find other jobs to do in the garden or have a day out somewhere else.
Has the song got out of your mind yet? Just in case it has, here it is again!! :)
But that's not what I am referring to but rather we are on the final few things to do before filling the pond. I had hoped we would be able to get finished this weekend but sadly the winter weather that has arrived had other plans for us
Its not even as if there is much left to do; only a little woodwork to the pergola bases and then fitting the window into the pond. But for the sealant to set correctly around the window we need warmer temperatures, so that will have to wait. We even had a friend from our koi club lined up to help us fit it.
We had also started building the deck last weekend but again, with the cold weather and expected snow, will stop us from doing any more on that this weekend.
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| Lining up the joists |
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| Fastening it all together. The white noggins were left over pieces from building the pergola. |
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| Admiring my handiwork. |
The final job we had started was removing the left over chalk and clay from when we dug the pond. Most of it was taken away last weekend, but I don't really fancy trying to dig into frozen soil this time.
 |
| Most of this pile has now gone. |
The filter house itself is also nearly complete, subject to testing for drips when we fill everything with water.
Talking of water one small job that we may be able to get done is fitting a water connection into the filter house. This will allow us to top up the pond from the filters rather than having to have a hose trailing into the pond. I haven't quite decided how we will do this, possibly by having a hose reel in the filter house itself. The other way may be to have a connection outside and then bring through a house with a spray gun on the end.
With it cold outside this week Mark has been doing one job a little bit at a time each evening. The small water feature will have a mulch of slate on the base, but as anyone who has added slate to the garden will know it tends to be very dusty. As we don't want the filter to get full of slate dust, Mark has been washing this in advance of putting it in the small pond.
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| Small water feature |
So rather then get frustrated by the winter, the best thing will be to just embrace it, and find other jobs to do in the garden or have a day out somewhere else.
Has the song got out of your mind yet? Just in case it has, here it is again!! :)
Gaz
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
You got a lot accomplished. Didn't realize you were building a deck there but that is going to look great with your ponds. It's going to be done before you know it and you guys are going to have so much time on your hands you won't know what to do with yourselves. :)
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
We do have a few other ideas but all on a much smaller scale (for now!)
DeleteYou're sooooo close. I bet you'll have it all done by the end of the month.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to your soil? Did you have it hauled to the dump?
BTW, I loved "The Final Countdown" when it first came out. What a blast from the past!
Its geat to be so close - but we have just had a large snow fall so for this weekend we shall have to change our plans.
DeleteWe took the soil to the dump - there is a small recycling centre about 5 minutes drive away so really hand for us. There is still a little bit left but the majority is gone now.
Thanks, I'm gonna have that song going round my head all weekend now! That soil pile looks like you are preparing to bury a body...
ReplyDeleteshhh dont tell anyone about the exotic mafia :)
DeleteWindow into the pond??! I do admire your persistence despite the weather this year. My projects ground to a halt ages ago
ReplyDeleteHi Helen, the large opening next to the deck area will have a window. The glass has been delivered already and it weighs 80kg! It is a thick laminated window suitable for including in ponds.
DeleteGarnered loads of useful info here - thank you Gaz
ReplyDeleteThanks Catharine
DeleteI'd missed (forgotten?) that you were building the deck, I love it!
ReplyDelete(regarding that musical blast from the past I thoughT you were a lot younger than me...maybe not!)
Hi Loree, I was 10 the year this was a hit, so I guess that gives my age away :)
DeleteIts changed a lot since you were here, you must come back one day and see how it all comes together.
OMG the anticipation is killing me! You are wise to wait but I would be so impatient that I'd do the whole thing too soon and curse the leaky window for the rest of my life. Hope your weather warms up soon!
ReplyDeleteWeather hey! We want it finished but its safer to wait. It's taken us a long time so far so what's a few more days!
DeleteCant wait, I've started counting. In my case not the years. I think you should have a grand opening day.
ReplyDeleteWe are planning on having a bit of a party once its all finished.
DeleteI hope when it is done you get your local mayor to do an official opening! well deserved!
ReplyDeleteMayor....
DeleteDarling, we are expecting a Queen :)
Oh, thank you, so much, that tune is now going round and round my head. Aaagh!! Love the "decking by lamplight" work, very dedicated.
ReplyDeleteHappy to help.... :) Glad you enjoyed seeing us working at night
Delete