I’ve been away for a few days and it’s always nice to check on the ponds when I return, just to make sure all is well. I was particularly keen to check on this occasion, due to the heat and lack of rainfall recently.
I could see that all three ponds were quite low, so I carried about 12 watering cans full from the water butts this morning, to top up the levels. And then I spent an hour scooping out blanket weed from Lion Pond, carefully rescuing any trapped snails and tadpoles. I also repotted some straggly bits into new aquatic pots, settling them into the newly cleared pond. They should flourish nicely in the hot weather and also provide a few extra hiding places. Finally, I moved some pond weed from Lily Pond into Lion Pond, also for extra cover.
Here’s the result of my efforts. Full, healthy ponds and, in Lily Pond, a lovely new lily to enjoy, at last showing its gentle cream pink bloom to complement the creamy yellow of the original lily.
When I add water to the ponds, I’m always careful to add it slowly and to disturb as little as possible. As usual though, the stream of water did make a splash and I saw a tiny froglet hastily hopping away across the pond weed. It takes a while to adjust but, once you’ve spotted one, it’s not hard to find a few more keeping cool in the shallows, on pots and in amongst the reeds.
Here’s a challenge though. Can you spot six froglets in this picture. They’re very well camouflaged on this mossy poolside rock and hidden behind the flying hedgehogs on the far side of Lion Pond.
If you need hints, here they are in close up…
FROG BLOG 