The Plan
 
Plan??

Alright. The upper three pools have formed a cascading waterfall, feeding into the main pond. On a still evening, the sound they make is gorgeous.
Trees and ferns have been planted behind the pond, so these will form a forest backdrop, as they grow tall.


The main pond is fed by two waterfalls, the water recycled by two small electric immersion pumps.
Rain water is supplied from the roof of a woolshed nearby (my studio). This water catchment allowed me to build a large pond, and care in the concreting of the pools means there is minimal water loss. 


Next to the pond is a wooden deck, and beside this there is a sunken garden.
The trees and shrubs here are already established, and this sunken garden leads from the house, out to the shallow end of the main pond which is to be a water garden.

Because my location is the top of a hill, I rely on the collection of rainwater in a tank to keep the water refreshed. Even though my pond is large, this works very well.

In the heat of summer however, the sunlight on the water coupled with increase in water temperature promotes the growth of algae. I refrain from adding any chemicals whatever to the water, so I fish the excess algae out with a garden rake. It is largely caused by grass clippings falling into the pond and decomposing, so I now take care in mowing grass around the verge.

The pond is sited on a hilltop and the wooden deck provides a nice view over rolling farmland to the Ruahine Ranges. I love the skies here in the Manawatu. West coastal sunset situation, beautiful clouds and starlight, lightning on the horizon..
Who needs television when you can lie back in a wood fired bathtub and explore the night sky, moon shrouded in steam, communing with moreporks . . .
cheap luxury

My pond here gets morning sun and afternoon sun and is a perfect place for lunches on sunny days, watching the fish swim about, the patterns of silver reflections rippling up the flax bushes..
A very pleasant diversion

But first you have to construct it