Posted on 12/30/2004 9:15:47 AM PST by Pukin Dog
Welcome to the ongoing vanity saga of my new backyard Koi Pond. A while back, I created a frantic post after discovering that Great Blue Herons were eating my Koi, so I asked FReepers for advice. Later, after installing a "Scarecrow", an infra-red, motion detecting, water sprinkler, I created a second post describing my success in using this device to ward off the Herons and preserve my expensive fish. During that thread, some folks requested that I post some pictures of my newest pond.
So, after picking up a very cheap digital camera on Ebay, I started taking pictures. I am also an avid gardener (no Pukin-ette to keep me busy)so I also included some plants growing near and in the pond. These represent the best of the shots that I have taken so far. (DISCLAIMER) I am NOT a photographer, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express recently. I hope you all enjoy these, and I welcome advice for how to take better pictures.
I was supposed to still be flying this week, but after the way that my airline (and their computers) screwed up our feeder routes, ol' Pukin is free to come home and goof off on the Internet today.
Click on the thumbnails to see the full size images. Sorry about the ads, but ImageShack was the only way that I could post thumbnails instead of the full size images.
Happy New Years!
The bright green stuff is the water lettuce, surrounded by azolla and water hyacinths.
This is one of the two Scarecrows installed at my pond, which protect my fish from Herons, Racoons and other animals that might want to make a meal of my fish.
This is the pond from a side view, highlighting my first attempt ever to install flagstone and mortar.
This is a plant called "Salvia" which grows near the pond.
This is the view of the rear of the pond from over the waterfall/biofilter.
This plant is called a pineapple palm.
This plant is called a 'Peace Lily'
This is a plant growing in the pond called 'Papyrus', which grows over 6' tall.
I dont know what this thing is, I was hoping that FReepers could identify it for me.
This is where all the fish are hiding. I think the flash scared them.
This is a King Sago Palm (not a real palm tree, but a prehistoric 'Cycas revoluta')
Another hiding place for the Koi.
Almost got a fish on camera, but he ducked under the azolla when he saw me.
This is a close-up of a plant called 'Duckweed' (the little green stuff) which is actually the favorite food of the fish. They are 70% vegetarians. (but not Liberals)
This is a white Cyclomen, a favorite flower of mine.
nice work
Watch out the Tsumani doesn't get to it.
I'll reserve all judgement until I see the rest of the miniature golf course...#;-)
Actually, it looks neat...you've got a lot to show for all the work you obviously put into it!
Way above average vanity. (I like it!)
Great pics! Nice pond. Right now my pond is being battered by our big storms, and looks like he||. You must live in a more temperate climate.
Just kidding
Very pretty! A blue heron ate my friend's koi (in the next subdivision over) last winter.
Very nice pictures, I enjoyed them.
Mira Mesa, CA.
You did a great job!
Everybody got to have a hobby.... Mines fishing :)
He does have some mauve flowers....
Ah, I'm near San Jose and we're getting slammed by storms this week.
Cool hobby. Pond looks great.
I think the unidentified plant may be dollar weed, which is pretty for a weed, I think.
http://www.emilycompost.com/dollar_weed.htm
Do you have enough open water to find out if koi will take a dry fly?
I was gonna go to the Emerald Bowl at Pac Bell park and watch Navy pound whoever, but nahhhhhhhh.
I inherited a koi pond in a home we once lived in...ended up giving the whole kit and kaboodle to our lawn guy who expressed an interest in rescuing the ailing set-up. He did a marvelous job at his home with the equipment and fish we gave him...so much better than the pathetic set-up the previous homeowners had done before we moved in. He had a much better spot to put the pond than we did to begin with...and he loved working with the many plants and pumps and things that are needed for a healthy pond. I also had little kids at the time and they delighted in throwing things they weren't supposed to into the pond "for the fishies to play with"...ugh. He was semi-retired and had the time and patience to work wonders. I was glad to give the fish to such a good home!
It's a demanding hobby, but a rewarding one. I love the plants you chose and I hope your fish and you enjoy many peaceful years together. Have a ball!
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