Two weeks ago, Kris mentioned that it was time for a big outdoor project. We are enjoying cloudless days and premium temperatures, so I thought it was a great idea.
The Mission: Build a pond in our (tiny) backyard.
When Kris brought it up, I began to formulate a design in my mind. I drew up some rudimentary plans, and Kris did the math and the research. We wanted a raised pond (we did not want it to become a doggie swimming pool), and we wanted it to fit in with our bricked patio we built two summers ago. We decided on a rectangle frame, with a small sitting bench on the side, and a 4.5 foot pond that holds about 75 gallons of water.
So, we were off to the various hardware stores to gather our supplies…
With the wooden 2x4s to build the pond frame…
Kris whipped up the structural frame very quickly. (All while I was enjoying my festival Saturday!)
Next up, bricks and mortar. Thank goodness we had Jen to help us. She is a skilled brick mason.
That is 176 bricks. That is a lot to carry out of the store and load into a compact car.
Lolly the mortar mixer. Using those biceps.
I have a new appreciation for masonry. After trying my hand at it (with less-than-perfect results) I can say that this is hard work! We pulled out the level a million times, and I was always off. Here is the section I did.
Keep on bricking all day and some of the night, and what do you have? A very nice addition to the backyard!
We completed the brick with a nice wooden bench top, and set the pond liner. I placed some of my herbs (and strawberry plant!) on the side bench, and Kris put some small floating plants (mini-lily pads) into the pond. After the mortar is completely dry, we can spray wash the facade and get some of the white residue off of the bricks.
It is so rewarding to complete a do-it-yourself project! Kris did a great job really putting this together (He was much faster and better at the whole brick thing than I was!) and now all we need is a lotus blossom and some fishies! We are planning to put some small fish, like guppies, into the tank to combat any mosquito larvae problems.
More gardening (terra and aqua!), as well as some great crafts for this lovely green MAY month to come…
WOW!!! DIY Pros ! You guys did a great job – that pond is just lovely!!
I love it! What a great idea. My track record with DIY projects suggests it would take me about a year to complete something like that.
Looks very professional. Great job!
I love your little pond!! Well done!
I always wanted a pond but I guess I need a backyard first, LOL!
Did you get the yarn yet?
Great job!! Looks like lots of work but lots of fun too and totally worth it.
Great job! It looks like a lovely addition to you yard. Every time I mention water features my husband gets scared. Maybe it’s because he’s far from handy.
hey look at you guys!!! Your pond looks great! Love the mini lily pads!
Holy wow, Lolly! That is absolutely fantastic! I don’t think we could do anything with water (due to the kids), but something like that would make a fabulous flowerbed. And I adore the bench around it.
oh my gosh! that is fantastic! Just beautiful!
I was wondering what happened to you
Glad you are back. I am really happy with WordPress. I think you’ll like it.
oh wow lolly! that is just gorgeous.
i always find ponds are so relaxing to be around. make sure you share photos of your fishes with us when you get them.
That turned out great! Are you going to get some goldfish (Koi) to put in?
We always wanted one of those ponds but figured out we would fry the fish in the summer without additional aeration so….we didn’t.
Looks great. I am envious.
Such a cute pond! You and Kris are so talented to do all of this yourselves. Will you really have froggies in it, too? Or an air pump or something to circulate the water? And an air filter, too?
It will be so peaceful to see your fishies in the pond every morning or whenever you feed them.
Enjoy your little piece of heaven!
Great job, I’m so impressed!
that is an awesome pond! and you both did it together – how inspiring!
What a cool project! You guys are practically professional. Yay!
How great is that, Lolly? I want one too! LOL
Have you read my GREEN SPRING Poetry in my blog?
http://tricotine.blogspot.com/2006/05/violets.html#links
You are so inspiring!
Hi Lolly, That is a very awesome project. I can’t believe you did it one day!!
Great job on the pond! Very cool.
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