Topics

1

Aquatic and Terrestrial Plant Exchange / It Has Been Awhile

« on: April 15, 2016, 08:00:40 PM »

It's been awhile since I've last traded or purchased any plants from fellow members.  I do know every time I would purchase or trade, the people were awesome and the transactions were very easy.  Now that my pond is up and established, I'm looking for a few specific lilies.  Here's what I'm interested in:  Mayla (hardy), King of Siam and Pink Pearl

I'll have the following to trade in a week or so: Wanvisa(hardy), Miami Rose and Islamaroda

I'm also up for purchasing the plants I'm interested in.  PM me and we can chat.  Looking forward to a new ponding season!

2

Pond Chat / It's been awhile

« on: June 16, 2015, 10:18:44 PM »

Hi everyone!  I used to frequently chat and partake in the forum years ago.  It all was put on hold when I sold my house with the pond pictured in my profile.  Long story short, I bought a new house with a large backyard.  Knowing that I would build a pond, I saved a pretty good space for it.  I'll upload pics as I progress.  Here's one of today's work.  These boulders are going to be the end of me.  One more trip to the rock hard should do it.  I'll then connect the pump to the filter.  The filter is a Hayward filter that I'm converting using bio balls and filter media.  Can't wait to finish this, but I've learned to be patient in building ponds so that everything looks to my liking.

Edit: I'm not able to upload pics from my phone.  Says pics exceed the limit ????
Edit: I email the pic to my own email.  Prior to sending I'm prompted to choose the size of the pic.  Saved the smaller pic to my phone.

It's good to be back!

3

Pond Chat / Where's Joyce?

« on: May 08, 2010, 10:38:30 AM »

Hope all is well.  I enjoy reading her comments and posts.  Maybe she's waiting for her lotus pond to bloom?   

4

Pond Chat / Pond Vac III

« on: March 16, 2010, 12:27:45 PM »

I did it!  After reading everyone's posts and long research, I purchased a Oase Pond Vac 3.  Great deal from Webb's.  I mentioned American Ponders and they were glad it was one of us. 

My pond is due for a vacuum.  The water is clear, but the muck and string algae are quite visible.  Over the winter, I purchased a 55 watt uv clarifier and a huge skimmer from a guy breaking down his pond.  Great deal on both clarifier and skimmer (60 bucks all together).  Every year around this time I feel the pond bug nibbling.   

5

Chit Chat / My new toy

« on: November 18, 2009, 06:27:51 PM »

I purchased a 1966 Ford Mustang recently.  I've always wanted this car.  My mom had one when I was 5 or so and I remember being dragged all throughout Phoenix in that car.  She eventually sold it for $200.  Till this day, everyone in the family gives her a hard time about that decision. 

I guess I'm trying to relive my childhood, but with more horsepower.   

There's much to learn and more to do.  The cars runs like a dream and needs little work.  I'd like to rewire the stereo, change out the distributor and spark plugs, brakes, and paint.  Any advice? 

6

Pond Chat / Updated Pond

« on: September 06, 2009, 10:42:57 AM »

I rebuilt my pond this past winter.  The first time I built it, I tried making it out of concrete.  If I would have known, I would have just used a liner from the beginning.  Oh well.  So I had to break through all that cement to build the new one.  That was a pain in the rear.  Now, it is wider with shelves and deeper.  Did it in record time.  I hired help, but I had to fire him for dancing and goofing on the job.  Finally, I have lilies blooming and things are looking good (except for the water clarity).  Here's what it looks like now.  Before and after.

7

Chit Chat / Teacher Appreciation Week

« on: May 05, 2009, 06:39:33 PM »

This week, we take the time to say thank you to all the teachers that have made a difference.  Most of us do not need a week to remind us of their hard work.  So, send one an apple or give them a hug. 

Just a thought. 

8

Terrestrial Gardening / I saved a tree today

« on: April 15, 2009, 05:57:23 PM »

Construction workers were clearing an area for playground equipment.  As they were doing so, they tore out this Hong Kong Orchid.  I couldn't believe it.  When asked what they were going to do with it, they said the district will handle it.  My wife sent for me and I immediately wrapped what was left of the roots with a plastic bag.  I moistened the roots a little.  It was planted about 2 years ago and was very nice.  Now I've tried to grow this same plant twice and failed.  Mainly due to the hot summers and the trees were very young.  When I planted this tree, I used B1 and some acidic fertilizer.  Is there anything else I can do?  Do you think it has a fighting chance?  It was out of the ground for 30 min before I wrapped it up.   

3rd pic is of my son and wife doing the dishes.  My son is a professional dish washer for hire. 

9

Pond Chat / Wish List

« on: April 14, 2009, 05:52:55 PM »

It may be a little bit early, but let's start a wish list.  Maybe we can trade or help each other out (as we always do).  I tried to overwinter my tropicals this past winter and they didn't make it.  My fault. 

Here's what I have:
Iris-purple
Mayla
White Odorata
and that's it. 

Wish:
King of Siam
Queen of Siam
Blue Star
Rose Marie
Miami Rose
any blue topical

10

Pond Chat / Tink Lotus Progress

« on: March 28, 2009, 10:44:06 AM »

I haven't had much luck with the whole lotus thing.  This year, thanks to Tinkster, I potted the lotus and placed it in my pond.  It gets very hot here in the summer, so I figured this would be the best way.  Wish me luck.  Thanks again, Tink. 

11

Pond Chat / Pool skimmer in a pond?

« on: March 17, 2009, 11:10:56 PM »

Has anyone ever heard of that?  I posted a want ad on a local classified section.  I'm in need of a skimmer.  Someone emailed me offering a pool skimmer.  He said he used it in his pond.  I googled images of a pool skimmer and I'm not sure about this. 

12

Chit Chat / Stinking Flu

« on: March 08, 2009, 09:46:06 PM »

I missed work on Friday and I've been in bed all weekend.  I have to sleep in the guest room so I don't spread this to my wife and son.  Looks like I will have to miss work on Monday as well.  Not the best time to miss work.  Standardized testing is coming up and the kids need me.  It would be terrible if I were to contaminate my classroom.  I'll have to disinfect every thing on Tuesday.  Stinking flu.

I know the flu is a virus, but is there any home remedy to speed the process?  I feel better than I did Friday, but the congestion, chest pain, sinus pressure, etc are still there. 

13

Aquatic and Terrestrial Plant Exchange / Wanted: Black Taro

« on: March 04, 2009, 12:44:02 PM »

Last year, I went lotus and tropical water lily crazy.  This year, I'd like to dress up my new pond.  If anyone has black or green taro, please let me know.

Gracias,
Alfonso

14

Pond Chat / Any Ponders in Arizona?

« on: February 12, 2009, 11:03:16 AM »

I know there are a few here.  My question is: How many times do you top off your pond?  Do you lose water?  If so, how many inches?  I shouldn't be losing so much water, but every pond I've built I seem to lose water. 

Thanks.

15

Chit Chat / New addition to the family

« on: January 26, 2009, 05:58:48 PM »

His name is Chesty "Willie" Puller.  He is my first dog.   As a kid, my mother would not allow dogs.  To this day she hates them.  I don't know why, but she does.  Well, since the Marine Corps, I've wanted an english bulldog.  Here we are.  He's a handsome lil guy. 

16

Pond Chat / It's getting warm

« on: January 09, 2009, 06:14:52 PM »

We have a warm front here in my neck of the woods (Buckeye, AZ).  I'm thinking about placing my lilies in the new pond.  I know as soon as I do, BAM, cold front.  It has been in the high 60's to low 70's.  What do you think?  Is it a risk?  I'm scared.  

17

Pond Construction & Filtration / Rebuilding my pond

« on: January 01, 2009, 12:39:19 PM »

Today is day one of construction.  I originally used cement, but eventually covered it with a liner.  I’m in the process of breaking through the cement with a pick.  What a pain in the rear.  The fish are in a tub.  I’m using an aerator in the meantime.  I took a lunch break, but I need to get back.  I don’t want to keep the fish in that tub for long.  I’ll post some pics later today.  Wish me luck. 

18

Pond Chat / Filter Pad Question

« on: December 19, 2008, 07:21:36 PM »

I'm in the process of constructing a filter out of a 55 gal barrel.  I know you are not to use media which contains fiber glass.  Someone gave me a buffer pad, but I can't find any information on it.  It's a 3M 5100.  Anyone know anything about using buffer pads as a filter media?  What's your experience with it?

19

Pond Chat / I need pond liner

« on: December 02, 2008, 07:31:35 PM »

I want to expand my pond, but liner is pricey around here.  I checked a few roofing supply stores, craigslist, Home Depot, etc, but they seem to be around the same price.  Any advice?  Please don't tell me to stop being cheap.    I'm just thrifty 

20

Terrestrial Gardening / Chicken Poop?

« on: October 29, 2008, 01:10:54 PM »

Anyone use it as a fertilizer?  I just heard how great it is, but have not used it in my gardens. 

21

Pond Chat / Indoor Pond Question

« on: October 28, 2008, 07:52:49 PM »

I'm dividing my lilies and placing the divisions in an indoor mini pond.  Is the grow light supposed to stay on 24 hours?  I'm not sure if it would be too much light for the lilies.  Also, what do you fertilize small divisions with? 

22

Chit Chat / Stinking cold!!

« on: October 20, 2008, 11:39:25 AM »

Anyone know of a good remedy to a cold?  I can't seem to shake the sinus pressure and runny nose.  ARG!! 

23

Aquatic and Terrestrial Plant Exchange / Wanted: Lotus Seeds

« on: September 30, 2008, 08:30:36 PM »

A friend of mine would like to try growing lotus from seeds in her greenhouse.  I don't think she is picky, as long as they are dwarf.  Please let me know if anyone has any available.  Thanks everyone.

24

Pond Chat / New Pond Lights

« on: August 19, 2008, 05:59:22 PM »

I got a great deal at a local pet store.  I saw on the shelf the price was $17.  Originally, the price is $60.  Well, when the cashier rang up the item, it wasn't on sale.  I told the cashier the item was listed for $17, so she had to check.  I showed her where I got the lights from and the sign.  Well, it turns out the lights were on the wrong shelf.  I didn't see the fine print on the sign, which was for something else.  She was such a nice lady and gave me the deal of $17.  I came out of the store with a huge grin on my face.  The gig was up and the wife knew I was up to my old shenanigans.  They are Laguna Power Glo Mini and I like them.

25

Pond Chat / Mayla and Rose Marie kissing in a tree

« on: August 03, 2008, 11:28:14 AM »

First comes love. Then comes marriage.   

26

Pond Chat / How hot is it in AZ? Update

« on: July 31, 2008, 03:47:16 PM »

We had another excessive heat warning today.  The sun has not been too nice on my lilies or other plants in my garden.  Here's what is going on in my neck of the woods.  The first pic is my first Miami Rose.  I don't think it will look any better the second day.  The second pis is one of Craig's blue vips (I do not know the name).  I received both from Kat.    The colors look great.  I can't wait till more pop up.      

27

Pond Chat / Pond is filling out

« on: July 26, 2008, 12:31:42 PM »

My pond never looked so full.  I'm happy with the water clarity and the wonderful blooms.  Everything seems to be budding and blooming.    My water lettuce is stretching all over.  Here a few pics.  The second is my first Rhonda Kay.  Third is the almight bloomer Attraction (bought at Wal.. last year on clearance).

28

Pond Chat / Water lilies at Wal...

« on: July 21, 2008, 09:17:58 PM »

I was at a local Superstore and a worker had a shopping cart full of Top Fin water plants.  They were marked down to $1.50.  I asked if I could buy a couple and she said no.  The plants were taken off from their inventory and she was going to dispose them.  I asked if I could just have them, she said no.  That made no sense to me.  She said it was store rules not to "give" people things.  I should have talked to the manager, but I was amazed why they would do such a thing.  Does this make sense?  I even tried humoring her and asked her what if I run out with them?  She said jail isn't worth it.  I walked away.  She took her job way too seriously.  Mind you, this took place in the garden area near the exit.   

29

Pond Chat / Tropical division question (with updated pics)

« on: June 25, 2008, 02:41:01 PM »

I read Sean's tutoral on this topic, but I'm left with a doubt.  The tuber didn't have any new growth under the division that I pinched off.  Is this normal?  Here's a picture of the tuber afterwards.  I would like to send the tuber to Tinkster, but only if it is healthy.  Does this look right?

30

Pond Chat / Daddy's gift...to himself

« on: June 14, 2008, 02:54:44 PM »

I've been very busy lately on my newest project.  I built an outdoor kitchen.  It was more difficult than I had thought.  Especially in 105 degree weather.  I have the scars and farmer's tan to prove it.  Now my yard is complete... until I decide to rebuild my pond.  Here are some pics.