In summer 2022, I decided to remove a rotting stumpery in my garden and had the idea to create a tiny pond, with the hope that frogs might set up home. Within two days, my pond was created and filled with rainwater from the butt.
Pool in progress
I bought a few plants to help with aeration and then I waited. Nothing much happened in terms of wildlife. The plants developed around the pond and the pond weed started to take over. I had to start scooping it out to keep it under control because nothing was eating it.
Planting in and around the pond
It was peaceful, just sitting there, watching the water. And in autumn I had quite a job keeping it free of leaves. I’d created it in the shade of a large beech tree and a small fig tree, so the frogs wouldn’t be cooked if they ever arrived. Didn’t think about the implications of that decision though. I tried putting a net over it but that ruined the look of it, so I just kept up the leaf duty until the trees were bare.
I added some bits and bobs left over from a building project, thinking that the sight of possible homes might entice new residents, but the year ended and still no life around the pond.
January saw the installation of a new resident, Fishergnome. A Christmas present from daughter No.3, he began his fruitless fishing endeavour in January. I made it clear that there would be no fish, because this pond is waiting for frogs, but he seemed fine with that, even when the pond froze over.
Christmas present
FROG BLOG 