Very nice shots. What are you using for those closeups?

Since it appeared that you were attempting to do your big pond ecconomically, may I make a repeat of my suggestion of a small stream. It doesn't really add to the cost (other than a few more feet of pump tubing), assuming that you end up with a scrap or two of liner that could be used to line a small trench, and it allows one to forget about the uv and other filtering.

Thankyou. I have a Canon Rebel XS EOS I have wanted to get a macro lens because getting those closeups can be trying with the standard one but It's worked so far:)

As far as your suggestion thank you. I don't really know where I would be placing the stream since the pond is backed up into a corner. I have so many ideas up in the air right now including using the above pictured preform as some type of skippy or holding tank for the waterfall...but if I'm honest with myself I feel like digging a hole and lining it is way over my head right now! lol!!

Wow, the Canon has some range. I assumed it was a Macro. I know you really didn't ask, and I agree that you have enough interesting stuff going, and otherwise should probably relax, but I had actually thought you could put a Small stream where the soccer ball is in the last picture. Or your preform could be the stream.

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing. I'd say you are well on your way to ponding and water gardening. I am amazed at what you were able to grow from seed. I have not attempted it yet but it seems difficult. Especially the lotus. I would love to grow lotus one day. It looks like your soil is very sandy. That makes digging much easier. Keep us posted on your progress :)

Looks great Chubby!

Thank you guys! Chas I'm always open for suggestions:) about where the soccer ball is I envisioned doing a stacked water fall which would be what you view when you stand straight on with the pond and maybe a stream coming away from it and coming around the right side of the pond and spilling into a different area (if that makes any sense lol) we'll see.
pcan, Thank you! I won't finish nearly as quickly as my brain wants me to. with two toddlers I only get about an hour to dig at a time lol. Lotus are so easy!! I have a blug actually from last year I'll include the link...it def. needs updating tho. I'm really thrilled about the blue and pink lilies that have sprouted from seed my mature plant just poked its 1st bud of the season out of the soil yesterday!

Here is a link that might be useful: lotus seed step by step

blog*

I've been getting very impatient while waiting for my lily to begin blooming and yesterday while fertilizing I spotted this!!!!!

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And another surprise!!! I have been waiting on this iris for almost two years to bloom! Walked outside to water everything and saw black on my iris. I was all "oh no what happened why is my plant turning black? (obviously I need glasses) upon further inspection it's sending out its first flower and there's a second one right beside it!!!
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Very nice pics!

They bloomed!!!

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Almost there ...... almost :)

BACK CORNER VIEW

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VIEW FROM LEFT FRONT CORNER

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FRONTAL CENTER VIEW

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My 2 year old "helping"

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trying to get the credit! :D (This was before the deeper part was dug out)

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Still won't be finished anytime soon but I'm getting closer. Like I said before with two toddlers, a puppy, a new kitten, Fl. heat, money, and me being 100lbs really limits my time/resources and strength.....but determination is my drive. My dad and hubby laughed at me when I told them I was going to dig my pond by hand.....well I'm laughing now....and probably have bigger biceps than both of them now too :P ROFL.

YOU GO GIRL!!!! I went thru the same thing trying to tame this yard of mine and the "men" all poo pooing my ideas....now they say " What can I do to help!?" since they like the way it turns out!!! (Best bud lives on the property with Hubby and me)I am going to be rebuilding a section of my pond this year since the sand all collapsed. Gotta build a better retaining wall.