View of pond in its first summer. The small 'beach' allows birds to bathe, and was an instant success with local birds. In time, the plants growing in the water and the emergent plants developed well and they need to be annually trimmed and cleared to keep an area of open water. In the mature pond the water is kept crystal clear by natural processes.

The main reason pond water goes green or murky is the build-up of nutrients in the water. These can come from autumn leaves falling into the water and not being removed, and from topping-up the pond with tap water. Unfortunately tap water is polluted with Nitrogen. To encourage a healthy biodiversity, the gardener's aim should be to keep the pond water as low in nutrients as possible. Topping-up with rain water from a clean water butt is better than using tap water.

In the background is a semi-wild shrub rose, Rosa gallica officinalis. Shrubs roses of this kind that are close to their wild ancestors look totally at home in hedgerows and informal plantings. they are tough and thrifty and can compete with other plants. Many old-fahioned shrub roses have 'double' flowers that do not provide pollen or nectar for insects. The single-flowered kinds such as the one in this picture are preferable in a wildlife-friendly garden.

© Marc Carlton 2010