Rock Beds & The Spring Pond

Last year I made a new pond. You can see the whole story on the left side bar. The post was: It Took 3 Ponds.  My ponds have always been very clear, so I decided it would be neat to line the inside of my 6ft x 11ft –24” to 33” deep pond with heavy stacked stones.  I have very happy fish that stay in the pond year round. A pond expert told me that stacked stones would create an area for debris to accumulate.   Last week some above normal temperatures gave Ted and I the opportunity to pump the pond out. I carefully netted the fish and put them into a large container with some of their original water.  Then I walked in and proceeded to lift out the rocks. Ted helped me with a couple of the really big ones. I now have biceps and triceps and “bottomceps” from walking in and out of the pond.   It was chaos with all the rock surrounding the pond. Ted took a picture, but I told him I would not blog such a messy scene.  So what to do with so much rock.  I made 3 raised beds for veggies and dry stacked the rest into a partial fence.

Yes, this morning we awoke to snow. But, it didn’t last.

This raised bed is in the front yard. I will be adding composted buffalo manure that I will be getting from a rancher friend. Yea! This is the year of the manure. Ted and I will be married 29 years in May and I told him that I want lots of manure as an anniversary gift. :)    Notice the dry stacked little wall in the back. I started this little wall with bits of rock I’d find around the yard.  In the country sometimes you will see circular stacks of flat rocks. We call them “sheepherders monuments”..

 

This bed is on the side yard. Notice the bit of rhubarb trying to get started. Ted loves rhubarb pie and I make sure to make him some.



One more raised bed made from those rocks that were in the pond.  This is my Ventomatic – It is a cold frame. It automatically opens up when the inside temperature reads 72 degrees.  I have had this for many, many years. I bring it out in the spring and use to to grow seedlings and harden off plants.  This year I have brocolli started inside. I plan to plant it into medium clay pots and sink them into the soil. I am also planning to soon start some swiss chard and spinach in this cold frame.