Author Topic: Seriously considering filling in the hole (Read 3649 times)

Mikey · « **on:** November 26, 2010, 10:03:19 AM »

When the frustrations of keeping a pond begin to outweigh the pleasures of keeping a pond it becomes time to joing BlindToo and consider filling in the hole...... I've been struggling with this realization for the last three years for several reasons including:

Several years ago raccoons began visiting our pond. First they started knocking over pots on the plant shelf, sending them to the bottom. Then they began foraging in the potted plants and eating the floating water hyacinths. Then last winter they chewed a hole in my rubber liner resulting in a 1' loss of water overnight. Two weeks ago they chewed another hole in the liner in my stream area, again resulting in water loss. Yesterday I noticed the water level was down, meaning I may have another hole courtesy of the raccoons. I have considered getting a dog, but quite frankly now that I am retired want to be dog free.

Our electric bill is pretty high and running the pump 24/7 doesn't help. In addition I feel our energy rates are going to increase.

I enjoy gardening and have lots of plants. Our water bill is high and constantly having to fill the pond, either due to natural evaporation or raccoon damage is no longer tolerable. Water rates are also increasing and I have already started replanting with more drought tolerant plants.

I'm now 60 years old, retired and I no longer want to spend time working to fix pond problems. The Fetching Mrs. Mikey dearly wants to move closer to our grandkids up in Oregon and having a fairly large pond will likely make the sale of the house less desirable.

I may downsize to a small water feature....

purplepshn2004 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2010, 10:25:03 AM »

I'm really sorry to hear that Mikey, but sometimes, that's the way it goes. When something enjoyable just gets to be too much trouble or just plain not as fun anymore it's time to do something. And with utility prices these days we all need to do something to cut back. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure you will make the right decision for you and your wife.

turtlemike · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2010, 11:34:38 AM »

Make a small mud pond, plant it with Clyde Ikins and some native marginals put some shiners in it and forgetaboutit !

Seriously ! Why have a liner and pump and filter and all that expensive junk !

Dig it as deep as you can and line it with packed clay a few inches deep if it won't hold water on its own. An 8 ft dia. hole will work. I have one that's about 15 X 8 and it stays clear and has beautyfull lilies and fish and I NEVER give it a second thought ! IT costs NOTHING. The racoons and herrons can eat all they want.

You already have the hole ! Just rip out that useless expensive junk and give it to someone who has a lot of money and you are more than half way there ! Plumb your roof water to it and a burryed overflow out from the hole at the desired water depth and your done. Save your rocks to put in various places around the shore, the rich friend can buy his own. Plant some land plants and there you go !

Jerry · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2010, 03:31:08 PM »

It is so sad to hear, but T Mikes ideas sound good. Maybe that's an answer?

If you are pondless Mikey, we will create a bigger garden section here!

Julles · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2010, 04:58:05 PM »

I hate to hear you throw in the towel on your pond, Mike. But, it does sound like things are leaning in the direction that it would be about time to make this change. If you really are considering moving, not having a pond would make your home more saleable, and with no fish to rehome, it would be easier for you to pick up and move across the country.

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2010, 07:45:21 PM »

Early in my life I loved the challenges and stress of life and now I like neither. As I look back on my life I realize it is a book filled with many chapters. Building and maintaining a pond was a 12 year experience that will definitely fill a chapter in my book and it's time to end that chapter. As time passes I will fondly reminisce about the raccoons that were determined to empty my pond of plants and water, a Caddyshack type experience.

I spoke with the Fetching One about my thoughts and she will miss the fish, water lilies and sound of the waterfall but she understands.

Jerry · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2010, 11:13:11 PM »

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

Julles · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2010, 10:22:56 AM »

Mikey, you make a good point. I think we all grow and change (call it maturing, if you like). Things that were once so enticing are simply not even interesting anymore. Late late nights out disco dancing, for instance.

But all sorts of other things, too. I dont' decorate for Christmas like I used to, and don't get all in a titz over dressing up and making up just to go outside of the house, and don't fret if bookwork or housework aren't 100% tidy.

Quieter and simpler is good.

Mikey · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2010, 10:36:24 AM »

Quote

...and don't get all in a titz over dressing up and making up just to go outside of the house...

Severa days ago I posted this on my Facebook page: "So what does it mean when you have been out shopping and upon returning home your wife asks, "Why are you wearing your shirt inside-out?" Furthermore, what does it mean when I just laugh and I'm not concerned?"

gander · « **Reply #9 on:** November 27, 2010, 11:35:16 AM »

If someone would come and get all my fish I would fill mine in. I dont just mean and come get some of the fish I mean all of the Koi and all but a few of the goldfish.

SueSTx · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2010, 12:11:39 PM »

I have never regretted not having a hole in the ground. The hardest part of closing down the tanks would be to get rid of the fish.

Mikey · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2010, 01:29:44 PM »

My hole contains 2300 gallons of water, thus I'm going to need a lot of dirt to fill it in.... When we moved here many years ago there were still fields around where I could get the dirt.......but not anymore.... Today I went to Yahoo's Free Cycle and typed in "dirt". I immediately recognized the name of a fellow gardener friend who had a post offering some dirt she wants to get rid of. I sent her an e-mail and she responded saying she has "a lot" of dirt in her backyard that she will be ready to get rid of after Christmas. I don't know how much "a lot" is but at least it will be a start....

Gary: Why are you considering filling in your hole? You have a beautiful pond as I recall, and great looking fish....

Jerry · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2010, 01:47:49 PM »

Well, the good news is (correct me if I am wrong) That Mikey will remain a friend to many, and even make more of his enlightening posts

reddad35 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2010, 07:39:14 PM »

Hey there Mikey. My father, also an ex police officer, decided he was done with his pond shortly after his retirement. Maybe with the relaxation that comes from a pond while still employed in such a stressful job makes the smaller problems of daily life just seem like a vacation. Maybe with the relaxation of being done with such a stressful job makes one want to let all problems go after a bit. Stress is handled in a different way once leaving a job or retiring. Maybe you as my dad did, looked forward to coming home and removing stress while now it is your stress. I hope the best for you and will never try to sway you. If you decide to fill it in I am sure you will remember it as a good time in your life. Do whats right for you and thank you for helping others. Thanks for being a pond guy, it is a great therapy to a point.

gander · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2010, 06:44:19 AM »

I am getting where I am not able to take care of it. There is just too much work for me. I am not in the best shape and working nights standing at the casino is taking its toll on me.

Mikey · « **Reply #15 on:** November 28, 2010, 11:04:24 AM »

I have definitely decided to fill in the pond and I am already considering what I will do in that area, roughly 20'x10' where the pond is. One thought is to relocate and sink my 150 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank that is presently my biofilter and keep one or two tropical lilies in it.

If any locals want some fish, let me know. I have two mutt koi and roughly a dozen goldfish.

Jerry is correct in that I certainly am not abandoning my pond friends. I will just have to spend more time at their homes enjoying their ponds.

Just so that I am not misunderstood, I have not regrets having built the pond. It has provided much entertainment and relaxation. Redad: You pretty much nailed it with your comments. And Gary, I certainly understand.

Jerry · « **Reply #16 on:** November 28, 2010, 01:03:47 PM »

A few water lillies in the stock tank will be nice, Maybe add a fish or two? A red ear will be nice too.
If all goes well we can build a pond!

perplexed ponder · « **Reply #17 on:** November 30, 2010, 04:49:39 AM »

Sounds like you have given it alot of thought. I am glad you will still be here with us!! You are welcome to visit our pond whenever you need a "fix". We'd love to have you!

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #18 on:** December 02, 2010, 09:46:49 AM »

Your beautiful pond, Mike!...Well I do understand your decision and the time and efforts to maintain a pond as large as yours in the suburbs. I'll miss the water mirage you created.

Sometimes I feel the same way as you about my ponds. I worry about the fishes all the time and the fact the I do not spend as much time around the ponds any more. I also have the variety of nature coming into my yard purposely to raid the ponds. The netting and obstructions to prevent visitors make it less desirable play with the feesh.

When I'm away I really can't depend on anyone to care for the ponds in case something happens to the equipment. And of course there is the cost. I just did an energy savings test and the results say my pond pumps are the biggest users of electricity. I know most of my water bill goes straight into the pondsp too.

Naturally, once a Ponder, always a Ponder!

LeeAnne151 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 02, 2010, 10:46:09 AM »

Take lots of pictures before you fill it in. Think of it as another stage in your life. Just as you don't want another dog because you are now retired and you love to travel, the pond is like a dog in that it needs care and I do feel your pain with the raccoons....

Indiana Karen · « **Reply #20 on:** December 02, 2010, 04:16:56 PM »

I totally understand what everyone is saying........... :'(

Kittyzee · « **Reply #21 on:** December 02, 2010, 05:24:26 PM »

I feel just like Karen--everything totally makes sense, but leaves me with a twinge in my heart. But when something that you have enjoyed for a long time begins to feel like a burden, it's time to let it go. You are a strong enough person to understand that and be proactive and end it and not let it end you. Good for you Mikey. There are many more things out there for you to become obsessed with....

Mikey · « **Reply #22 on:** December 02, 2010, 10:27:09 PM »

I was up on the roof of the garage putting up Christmas lights and saw the pond down below. Even though I had not yet read LeeAnne's note about taking photos I climbed back down and got my camera. These photos are looking down at the pond from our garage roof.

Slightly zoomed in:

Jerry · « **Reply #23 on:** December 03, 2010, 02:00:00 PM »

One great view. Makes our heart strings twitch even more! :'(

SueSTx · « **Reply #24 on:** December 03, 2010, 06:38:08 PM »

That looks amazing, but I can see where it takes a ton of work to keep it looking that way.

Mikey · « **Reply #25 on:** December 03, 2010, 08:30:32 PM »

Quote

I can see where it takes a ton of work to keep it looking that way.

Actually Sue I spend very little time working on the pond. The real drain on me was the constant worry about raccoons. I've chased them off my roof and out of the back yard on numerous occasions. Every time I would hear a noise that sounded like raccoons on the roof I would go out and check on the pond. Their damage to the liner in the stream areas and the resulting loss of water was the real problem. Since I made my decision the burden of worrying about those rascals has been lifted. We are leaving on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera tomorrow and I will not be at all concerned about the pond......and my only concern will be eating too much......

Tonight I found an old photo of the pond taken after it was completed and shot from the roof of the house. I sure hated that necklace look with those granite rocks. Those rocks are now mostly covered with the Sweet Flag show in the previous roof photo. I can no longer see the pond from the roof of the house due to an umbrella tree blocking the view.

Jerry · « **Reply #26 on:** December 03, 2010, 09:44:58 PM »

Remember Bullfrog? and Raccoon's? He once posted a photo of his shotgun. Yes in Texas it is different

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #27 on:** December 04, 2010, 08:06:10 AM »

Great photos,Mike. Bon voyage! Walk more, enjoy all the food!

Desertponder · « **Reply #28 on:** December 06, 2010, 04:29:02 PM »

I completely understand. I don't have an inground pond but I have the two 1,000 gallon stock tanks and they are both more work than I wish to deal with anymore. I told myself at the end of the summer I was going to sort out which lilies to keep and which ones to get rid of so I could at least cut back to one tank. That proved to be a more difficult task than I had expected. I couldn't make up my mind which ones to keep so there are still two tanks out there.

I just don't have the time and the energy to keep up with them anymore. I love the lilies but can't keep up with taking care of them. When spring comes I just have to do it and cut back to one tank.

SueSTx · « **Reply #29 on:** December 06, 2010, 07:28:58 PM »

All my tanks have had 6 or 7 pots of lilies for several years. I told myself that I was gonna cut back to 3 or 4 pots per tank before winter. I started pulling duplicate plants when they finished blooming for the season. I think I have have all the tanks down to 3 pots now. I am hoping to have only one pot of each variety next spring, so keeping the dead leaves pinched back next summer should be easier.