My new pond/butterfly garden

[Pamelajo]

Ok this garden(first two pics) was a mass of overgrown plants and weeds from two years of neglect, this is it after cleaning it out most of yesterday and 4 garbage cans full.

[Pamelajo]

Tomorrow I will be thinning out some other plants from my side garden and planting them in this garden and a couple more I bought. I am adding as many kinds of flowers that will attract butterflies as possible that will like the area.

I can honesty say I dug out 3/4 of that hole. My shoulder is can prove it.

[Ursus sapien]

thats going to be a great garden pond. good work!

[CACAdmin]

Fantastic, Pam... well worth a bit of a sore shoulder, I'd say. Using a tub will mean a more durable pond and no worries about a liner tearing. Can't wait to see what all you do with it.

[Pamelajo]

Actually my shoulder feels okay this morning, which is good. Rained here last night so that will make planting easier.

[Laura]

That'll look great! How deep is it?

[Pamelajo]

2 feet.

I got half of it planted and mulched, just need to pick up a couple more plants from my friends and then it should be complete. I would like to eventually put flat rocks over the edge of the pond.

[CACAdmin]

You've been a busy gal! Looking forward to seeing more pics. Has Kelsey tried to help with the digging and planting?

[Pamelajo]

She has been no help what so ever, more concerned with hanging out in the shed on squirrel watch. 3 toads took up residence over night. They keep coming for a swim and then hopping out. Off to get more plants so be completed by this evening.

[CACAdmin]

You should have got her to help with the digging but I guess it's probably better that she didn't. How would you get her to understand that once everything is planted that it's off limits to digging.:rolleyes:

2 toads in for a swim? Tell them to poop while they're in there to get the cycle started. :wink:

[Pamelajo]

It is finished. One of the plants is looking a little wilted, but planted it when it was still shaded so hoping it will take. The sunflowers and tomato plants won't be there next year, but did not want to move them.

[CACAdmin]

That's beautiful, Pam. Awesome job! (and in such a short time... you certainly don't mess around once you get started).

Do you dry the sunflower seeds?

[Gobies et al]

It looks beautiful, Pam!

What kind of mulch are you using?

[Pamelajo]

That's beautiful, Pam. Awesome job! (and in such a short time... you certainly don't mess around once you get started).

Do you dry the sunflower seeds?


Have to move fast, before hubby has a chance to have second thoughts.::D:

The birds are already into them. I don't dry them, but will cut the heads off and set them on the picnic table for the birds to pick at.

I may get one or two more shubunkins to put in there with the two I already have.

Jay do you remember where I got my barrel filter, I would like to use a similar but larger one but can't remember where I got it?

[Pamelajo]

It looks beautiful, Pam!

What kind of mulch are you using?

It is called red devil mulch, from TSC for $3.00 a bag regularly 6.


It has been a lot of work, but fun work. I only had to buy two plants, one I already had, 4 were taken from the garden on the side of the house and the rest from my girlfriends garden.

[blainep]

WOW that looks looks great Pam ! :thumbup:

[Gobies et al]

We don't have that mulch available here. It looks very nice! I noticed a new one on the market made from shredded tires but red colored. I haven't seen anyone using it yet. just wondered...

Have fun ponding! :yes:

[Pamelajo]

Gerry I came across a pic of your pond early that I had missed, very, very nice.

[CACAdmin]

Jay do you remember where I got my barrel filter, I would like to use a similar but larger one but can't remember where I got it?

I got mine at Big Al's and think you did the same... not 100% sure though.

[Pamelajo]

I must have gotten it there, but for the life of me I could not remember. Thanks

[Laura]

To soften the edges of a preform, in lieu of or in addition to rocks, I found creeping jenny does spectacularly.
It is a ground cover and will grow into the pond, living quite happily. Some people even keep it in their tanks. It comes in two colour foms - dark and light green.
I've got some around my preform and it breaks up the edges very nicely - I'll have to take a pic and post it before the season runs out. I know that some people don't like it and find it invasive - I've not found it to be an issue, but it's stayed in my gardens so far.

[CACAdmin]

This isn't exactly to do with the pond but it's surrounding area. You mentioned planting in hopes of attracting butterflies. Out of curiosity, I checked to see what different species you might see. I could not believe the huge variety of butterflies in Canada. Here's the species list (http://www.cbif.gc.ca/spp_pages/butterflies/speciesindex_e.php). There are pictures and info on each species. A handy reference to figure out which ones you spot in your garden pond area. Too bad they're listed by name as opposed to picture (that would make ID'ing ones you see much easier).

[Pamelajo]

We have also decided to tear out the cedars on the other side of the shed and make it a butterfly garden too. It is more sheltered, so hopefully with both sides I will attract some.
Yes listed by pic would have been better.

[Pamelajo]

Okay picked up a pump and filter used as a package deal. The filter is total overkill, so not using it. Turned on the pump and it would not work through the sprayer, I turned something I think. So got it running and it was spraying the water out of the pump, great instant watering, but not so good for the fish. Any even on low it sprays out, so we reduced the spray nozzle in height and now it has a little volcano effect. With Jay's suggestions and hubby's help we now have a home made filter surrounding it. Jay suggested we take two basket and cut a hole for the nozzle, which we did and a notch for the cord.
When I was at the dollar store I picked up basket and flat scrubbies. I sewed the scrubbies to the inside of the basket with fishing line and tie offs so that any water entering has to come through these, more media surface area. Now I have to get Jay's inserts to fill the spaces in the basket. Sorry no pics but when I take it apart to add the filter inserts I will try to take pics. The total cost for the filter will be well under $15 dollars. I may make another one, so I can transfer the inserts into the new one when the old one needs a really good cleaning.

[Laura]

That sounds very much like my DIY filter. I got a couple of plastic fruit baskets, lined them with furnace air filter (looks suspiciously like some filter material I've seen in pet stores), piled in round kitchen scrubbies from the dollar store and tied them together with plastic pull ties.
The thing to watch for is to to make sure that nothing is treated with antibacterial treatment.

[Pamelajo]

I will double check that. Thanks

[Pamelajo]

In the first pic the pond is on the right. I did put butterfly plants in there but that side is a bit windy so decided to continue to the other side of the shed were it is more sheltered. We had some overgrown shrubs on the left so tore them out yesterday and added the rest of the butterfly garden. Were you see the pots is were some plants that are coming from friends will go. One more corn flower and black eyed susan and three of the green leafed sedums. I want to add butterfly and birds houses to the sides of the shed yet. Next year it should look great. It feels so good after two years of working and school and everything getting behind to get these areas overhauled.

[CACAdmin]

That's lovely, Pam. I had never heard of a butterfly garden until several years ago, and then only the public tourist venues... and had never had the opportunity to see one.

I wouldn't have known to think about finding a sheltered spot for it but it's true, whenever I've seen butterflies over the years, it's a hot sunny spot where the air is still. Looking forward to seeing some of your winged visitors if they hang around long enough for you to get a chance to snap a picture or two.

Now a question? I've seen many birdhouse variations but what constitures a butterfly house?

[Pamelajo]

It is a long skinny type of birdhouse but instead of a whole it has slots and in side you stand up pieces of bark. I still have to find a couple of nice stones, they like to warmth from them and put out a water dish of some sort with pebbles in it. On the pond side the honey bees are enjoying one of the plants already many visiting as we were working out there digging the trench for hydro to go to the pond.

[CACAdmin]

One tends to forget about the work that doesn't show (digging the trench for power to the pond). I hope you didn't have too far to dig. Once you have power to it, have you thought about pond lighting? or do you prefer to have it as simply to be enjoyed during the day?

[Pamelajo]

Had to go about 35'. We will be using solar garden lights for now, but I did see floating lights for it today, but resisted.

[CACAdmin]

Those solar garden lights are neat. So are the solar floating pond ones. So much temptation and only so much money in the budget, eh?

[Pamelajo]

:yes:::(:

[Catahoula Ranch]

nice job, If I was a butterfly, it would be on my must visit list. Do you plan to put any fish in this year?

[Pamelajo]

My shubunkins will be going in there, the barrel is getting too small for them. And thanks. I am really looking forward to seeing it next spring when everything is fresh and new.

[Noctame]

Centre Island in Toronto is a butterfly sanctuary of sorts as is Pelee Island. The latter would be a good source for info if you needed it Pam.

[Pamelajo]

Thanks Noctame I will definitely look it up.

[Melody]

Sorry Pam, I have been slow to take Chris' advice and have fun in spite of the world in general :laugh: . However, I'm doing so now and found your thread. The pond looks wonderful - what a lot of work. I can't even aquascape a tank properly.:rolleyes:

I know who I can share my seeds with now. I went ebaying for perrenials after that Mr. Edge character got me back into flowers, but there's way too many of most of them. There's one in Ontario in fact, and the seeds were great - all individually bagged and marked, clean of debris. The name is Josie's Garden - she's in Oshawa. I am doing all bulbs and perrenials out of pure laziness - I like something that comes up every year. I'm collecting Butterfly Bush species so they'll fit right in!

[Pamelajo]

Not a problem, you have been busy helping with Chris's animals and everything else. I love perennials too less planting. I added a couple more to the garden beside the house as I still have to plant stuff in there in the spring.

[Pamelajo]

Update.
I had originally planned on leaving fish in pond outside,:Skeptic: but have been really reconsidering it.:Think: I could put a deicer on it and they would be fine. Some one in the area has a shallower pond and does this every winter and has not lost a fish. Anyway I can't put them in their winter tank as it is already full of critters. Well tonight I moved plants and two little gold fish in from barrel and put in clear rubbermade container in windowsil in basement. Hubby asked what the container is with the fish, I said it is from the barrel. He suggests all on his own :err:that we bring in the big pond and cover the hole up til next spring. Then I can keep all the plants together in one area and the fish all together.:pompom: Awesome, solves my dilema.:yes: Now if I had suggested this it probably would have taken some coaxing.:Discussion:

[CACAdmin]

So with a little help from hubby, you now have an indoor pond. I'll be eager to hear how it does over the winter.

[Pamelajo]

I am hoping all the plants will survive as we are putting it close to the south basement window. So small window but the side of the house that gets the most light.

[CACAdmin]

Fingers crossed that they do well.

[Pamelajo]

Pond, plants and fish are now in the house. Pump we had planned on using would not work so we did it all by hand 110 gallons is a lot of water.

[CACAdmin]

You definitely got your workout hauling all that water. Just think of the health benefits (without having to go to the gym). :wink:

[Pamelajo]

definitely!!

[Pamelajo]

Pond indoors filled and occupants back in.

[CACAdmin]

Now that is really cool. (Of course there will be the work next summer of moving everything and everyone back outdoors (just don't tell hubby that. :wink: )

[Pamelajo]

Least the draining will be easy!! I just need a big bright light a lounge chair set up beside it and I can extend summer. Oh yeah a heater too, the basement is now very warm.

[CACAdmin]

Don't forget the wine cooler. :wink:

[Pamelajo]

Oh yes and the cooler!

[CACAdmin]

We'll know where to find you when the first big snow storm hits. :laugh:

[Pamelajo]

So far butterfly garden and pond are coming along nicely.2117

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[CACAdmin]

Looking great, Pam! ... and it looks like summer has arrived. (Do you think you could send a little this way?)

[Pamelajo]

We only have summer for the week, then not sure what we'll get. lol Still crappy out there?

[CACAdmin]

It warmed up somewhat today (16) but still lots of cloud around. Cooler and more rain on the way later this week... summer will come eventually.

Any butterflies visiting the garden yet?

[Pamelajo]

no butterflies yet. I will have to get some pics of the other side yet.

[Namor]

Looks great Pam! :thumbup:

I like the garden frog. My current avatar is one of the many that reside at my Moms place.
We had to take the batteries out of a motion detecting one, as even a slight breeze would make it croak. :laugh:

Hope your garden attracts some visitors soon.

[Pamelajo]

So far only seen a big bumble bee out there! LOL I guess that is a start.
I purchased a filter for the big pond today as the homemade one was getting clogged to easily. This one is actually meant for a barrel pond, and would cover the whole bottom, which seems a bit much. Hooked it up tonight and the flow with it on is much better now. It was regularly 60 on clearance for 20, bonus!!!!http://cgi.ebay.ca/Laguna-Round-Filter_W0QQitemZ350358463904QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5192fde5a0

[CACAdmin]

Sounds like you got a good deal on the filter. As for the butterfly garden, maybe it depends upon which plants are in bloom as to when the butterflies will arrive. Have patience. Go sit out there and read you Treasure Hunt Contest (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=7472) prize when it arrives. Who knows, some butterflies may join you.

[Pamelajo]

Here are the latest. Picked up a lily which is in bloom at auction and the variegated grass.

[CACAdmin]

The plants have done really well. I guess they like the heat. Such a cozy spot. I think I'll pull up a chair and just sit and relax (beats going to work, that's for sure.)

[Pamelajo]

The other day when I was feeding all the food just kind of sat below the surface and did not sink. Upon closer inspection the hyacinth's roots were not letting it through. Can't believe the roots on these things. Some one used them as part of their filtering system with great results, now I have an idea why.

[CACAdmin]

:laugh: You're making the fish hunt for their food. What fish do you have in there now?

[Pamelajo]

The two shubunkins from two years ago plus two more I added at the end of last year on one fancy tailed goldfish.

[Laura]

That looks great!
Can I ask how the papyrus does submerged that far? The #%&*@ racoons keep trashing my pond every night and knocking over the papyrus. I won't have any left at they rate as they keep breaking.....

[Pamelajo]

Thanks Laura, they seem to be doing great. Something was upsetting plants for a while here too, but finally leaving things alone.

[CACAdmin]

Laura, you just might have to resort to an electric fence like
Detritus Mulm's to keep those raccoons at bay.

[Laura]

I don't mind sharing the pond - I'm sure it's one of their few accesses to reasonably fresh water - it just ticks me off when they trash it.

I've put my papyrus in the bottom of the pond like Pam's and cut off all the damaged fronds and will try and root them. The last one that I tried rooting has 3 little roots now!

We'll see if they can get a drink and not destroy everything now:wink:

[Pamelajo]

How did you get yours rooted? Someone told that the tops of the plant will fall over so that it can propagate. My one has done nothing yet.

[Laura]

Mine just break when the kitties play with them, or the racoons knock them over every night:laugh:

There's a discussion here http://canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8637 about propegation - bae3 has some good pointers

[Pamelajo]

Thanks Laura.

[CACAdmin]

I went for a walk at Deer Lake last week and was amazed to see hundreds of tiny butterflies (each the size of a nickel) on the plants along an the path in an open meadow. I have no idea what the plants are or what type of butterflies they are. If they love these plants this much maybe you could plants some in your butterfly garden next year, Pam.

The plants were covered in them (all those yellow specks are butterflies.)
They covered plants all along the path (this is just one tiny patch):
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/butterfly-plants.jpg


As you can see, each blossom was covered with these little butterfles.
Anyone know what type of plant these are.
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/butterfly-plants3.jpg

Here's a close up with one of them with wings spread.
Anyone know what type of butterfly they are?
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/butterfly-plants2.jpg

[Pamelajo]

Not sure what kind of plant that is. I do have some similar shaped ones though , but they have finished flowering. I have attracted the bees so should not be too long before I start seeing more butterflies. There is a white one I see flying around there so far. Update


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[Pamelajo]

My papyrus (sp?) had a baby plantlet in my big pond will get a pic tomorrow.

[Melody]

I love butterfly gardens - very pretty Pam!

Jay, what a treat! The flower looks like Purple Vetch or one of it's cousins, but that's just a best guess.

[MDahms]

That plant is commonly called cow vetch, another species called crown vetch is used extensively to stabilize highway embankments in Ontario. Both plants are members of the pea family, not hard to grow but they make a ton of seed and become weedy in most garden settings.

Mike

[CACAdmin]

Your garden is beautiful, Pam. Such lush growth. Awesome that yuor papyrus sprouted a plantlet. That's a good indication it's happy with where you placed it. Look forward to seeing it.

[Pamelajo]

The front of the garden needs is a little crowded so come fall I will move one of the plants near the back wear there is more room for it. I don't want to plant too much at the back the butterfly bush will get a lot bigger, but will tried to keep it trimmed every year.

Mike what was the name of the plant you told me about for the monarchs?

[mdfa.ca]

Milkweed?

[Pamelajo]

similar I think but it is a garden plant, unless I am remembering wrong. Can you buy milk weed for gardens. I am libel to get poison ivy if I go looking for some.:eek:

[mdfa.ca]

When we grew it in the garden last year, we just collected some seeds by the lake. Extremely easy to grow (it IS a weed :laugh:). Just throw some seeds on the soil, sprinkle a bit more on so they don't "fly away" and just wait.

[Pamelajo]

maybe that was all the little fluffs on the lake yesterday floating unless it is too early for them to go to seed

[mdfa.ca]

Yeah,probably too early. And they are big seeds (a bit bigger than dill seeds) and the tufts of fluff are rather large as well. I bet you could just dig one up and place it in the garden. They are pretty hardy plants. WOuld you like me to bring you one to our coffee?

[Pamelajo]

That would be great!!! Thanks.

[mdfa.ca]

I shall do that then. Will dig up a couple of young ones so they can flower for you, without any poison ivy... :wink:.

[Pamelajo]

I thank you for that!

[Pamelajo]

And here is the little plantlet.

[Melody]

the butterfly bush will get a lot bigger, but will tried to keep it trimmed every year.

You should trim it right to the ground every year. I have a collection of seeds from a bunch of different varieties that I keep planning to plant. While I was planning, I was researching. It's the doing I have issues with :laugh: .

[Pamelajo]

I did read that somewhere too. I snipped a couple pieces off the top hoping the bottom would fill out a little more for now, but come fall it will get a major trim.

[Melody]

Something about it only flowering on new growth or something like that. It will be a good stress release activity...LOL.

[MDahms]

Asclepias tuberosa, great plant and a larval host plant and nectar source for Monarch butterflies. Each area will have their own native milkweeds but this one is available from some nurseries. I might have some seeds if your interested? I know I have Asclepias curissavica seeds but that's a tropical species so it needs to be grown in a pot and kept inside during the winter.

Mike

[Pamelajo]

Hi Mike,
Margaret is bringing me a small plant but would also love the seeds of both if you have some. Then I can have more than one plant for next year. Thanks

[mdfa.ca]

Ahhh, that one! Pam, you're in luck. Believe it or not, I have a little one in my garden. It's a survivor from some major cleaning out I did last year. Was trying to get rid of it... I guess it had a reason to survive, so it could go to you :wink:. I'll bring it over on Wednesday. Asclepias tuberosa, great plant and a larval host plant and nectar source for Monarch butterflies.

[Pamelajo]

Perfect!!! Thanks.

[CACAdmin]

How's the butterfly garden this year, Pam?

[Pamelajo]

It is good Jay, a few more butterflies hanging around. Have seen a hummingbird twice not at the feeders yet though. Pond is a little green already did two big water changes to keep the algae under control.

[CACAdmin]

Green is good as far as the fish go... it's we humans that want to see clear water