How I Turned a Galvanized Stock Tank into a Stylish Planter
gingerwithroots
last month
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HU-787167202
18 days agoRelated Discussions
My stylish and wonderful new garden pond!!!
Comments (29)Sandy - I disagree with your comments on a philosophical level and am contrasting my thoughts in the honest commentary you ask for. Flowers, with standards of color and arrangement and whatever, are not ponds. The original post here was mean-spirited in its sardonic and sarcastic presentation, but it sure was a no-holds- barred critique of someone's pond that stimulated responses. I don't agree with the poster's attitude, but in looking at the pond when the pictures were available, I can say that while I wouldn't build that, it is interesting as an expression of an individual, perhaps of class and culture. The owner probably takes as much pleasure as I do with mine or you with yours. Any pond is inherently interesting to me as a personal expression. Nowhere that I have seen has anyone said a pond must be artistic or a work of art-some turn out that way by design or accident. Not everyone has your aesthetic, background, creativity or ability and we just muddle along making ourselves happy (and obligated to change in the future of course). I have never seen a poor pond by a poor pond builder or pond keeper-only ponds that don't suit my location or desires. To critique a pond based on very subjective criteria isn't fair; helpful comments or a pat on the back just for the hard work and money is all anyone really asks, if they ask. To me the key is the concept of appreciation in the broadest sense--to look at and learn and understand there is always something to be seen and to learn from. To judge (poor pond) or apply a personal judgment that is not some universally accepted view (bad ponder - and we have no standards for that)is negative rather than constructive, constructive being hard to do, an art in itself. Anyway, that is my point of view, philosophy that diverges from yours in some ways. I really enjoy your posts, we have had some interesting back and forth on some topics, and hope that continues because it is instructive and especially, fun. This is an obscure post in a less well traveled part of the forum I suppose, but do hope you see it as well as others. Hopefully some will respond and there can be more discussion on the idea of looking at and commenting on what ponders submit. My two cents today; like you I have too much time on my hands and find myself getting old, err, maturing. Mike...See MoreTha Stock Tank Garden, birds and cats
Comments (10)I've had the same problem. And I surely wouldn't want anyone drowning because the water is too hard to get to and out of. I ended up putting a plant (in a container) on a milk crate. The milk crates are nice because fish can hide in them. What I think is perfect is if you can put a crate, and then a potted plant, so that the top of the pot/soil of the plant is just a tad above water level. That way, they can land on the plant's soil and lean over to get a sip of water. Don't put it too close to the edge though. Actually, though, I've seen birds all summer landing on the aerials of my lotus and climbing down and just drinking water that way. So maybe just growing some reeds, etc. might be enough. At the bird store, I've seen big arched rot iron things that you could clamp onto the side of your stocktank, and then hang a birdbath saucer from that. I'm glad you're trying to keep the birdies safe from your cats. And I really like your benches!! How much fun to just sit there and enjoy your pond!...See MoreWhere to find galvanize stock tank?
Comments (6)lemonlime - this is a littl off-topic, but do you mind identifying the plants in that photo? I think you've got a beautiful nook there and all your plants look so nice together. I'm really struggling with garden design so I'm trying to "steal" as much inspiration from others in our challenging climate. Also, what direction is that spot facing and how much sun does it get? thanks! btw - I have a 500-gallon galvanized water tank buried in my backyard - it would hold approximately 5,673 plants and you are welcome to it if you can get it out of the ground!! ;-)...See MoreStock Tank Pond Update
Comments (23)Hi, whyndy! Welcome to the forum. My pond isn't "hooked" to the well in any way. It was filled with a garden hose, and about once a week, I top it off about an inch, due to a little bit of evaporation. I bought the circulating pump at Home Depot, and I got one designed for ponds up to 500 gallons. (The tank holds about 425). Mark ran an electrical line to the area, and the pump is plugged into a box as shown above. It circulates the water through a biofilter which we bought at Home Depot at the same time. (The guy there was very helpful in picking out what we needed). One of the most important things is to have plenty of good aerating plants in the pond. Typical aquarium plants will work great, and you can also add some decorative floating plants, too, like water lilies. They help keep it clean and provide cover for your fish. They also help oxygenate the water. If you don't overcrowd the fish or overfeed them, and you don't get fertilizer in the pond (from potting soil), it should stay clear for you. But sometimes, it does take a few weeks to get it balanced. I recommend picking up a good pond book (they even have those at Home Depot) and reading it through. They will have plenty of illustrations and good tips to help you decide just how you want to set up your tank. It's not at all hard, and it is so rewarding. Good luck with your project, and feel free to ask any other questions you think of. Marcia...See MoreDebby Katz Interiors
17 days agogingerwithroots
17 days ago
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