One of the other members of my Knit and Natter group asked me if I would be interested in something from her garden. It apparently likes damp soil, so I thought why not for the bog garden.
I’m not so sure the bog garden is actually very damp, although there could be water underneath the soil crust, of course. This hasn’t helped the purple loosestrife I tried to grow but, all things being equal, it means I have a space for the new acquisition.
We’re not sure what the plant is called and it comes with another plant or two, hidden in the fronds. All to the good. It looks like at least the main plant is perennial, so I’m hoping it will protect the sunnier side of the pond from too much ultra-violet light and help preserve the liner.
Algae is starting to grow on the pond liner – except of course above the water line. I realise that the pond could therefore do with some oxygenating plants soon but it’s also intriguing to see what happens naturally.
The birds certainly seem to have no qualms about coming up and drinking from it. It was delightful to watch mummy blackbird swoop down and step up the the edge for a sip the other morning.
I dare say the bumblebees are less interested in the pond but I’m glad they have also started visiting. So far, it seems to be for reconnoitring rather than feeding, although there are flowers they could be getting on with (such as the primula pictured above) until the phacelia gets going.
The pigeons love to drink from our water feature. Good luck with the mystery plant
Thank you, Derrick. I’m sure the pigeons must be drinking their fair share from the pond, too. I just haven’t seen them yet 😊
My garden is full of ‘don’t know’s and ‘ haven’t a clue’s – it makes for nice surprises!
I’m sure it does!!
The bees may well use your pond in the summer on hot days. I watched some honey bees last summer taking water from an ornamental pond. They perched on the edge of the water lilly leaves to get at the water. Lovely to have the birds using it already too
Thank you for telling me about the bees, Murtagh. I hope there will be some water left, if they need it!
Take some pictures of the plant as it develops. Perhaps we can guess what it is.
Good idea 😊
It’s exciting to see an unknown plant develop into something known too. Enjoy the experiment Helen 🙂
Thank you, Agnes.