Sunday 4 March 2012

Sunday safari

You do not need a large water feature or pond to attract wildlife.    Ten years ago I bought an oak barrel, filled it with water and planted up.    I did not realise but two species of native snails were brought in on the plants.   One was the Great pond snail, the other the Great ramshorn snail.     They have grown in numbers and there is now a small colony.
This feature is also used by the birds.   A small branch placed in the appropriate place allows them to drink.
Correct planting keeps the water clear and healthy.
A nice addition to any garden.

Happy Sunday safari.

18 comments:

Crystal said...

What a lovely water feature. I agree with you entirely about the correct plantings to keep the water clear. My small water feature has been neglected recently. I must remember to add more oxygenators this year..

Cheryl said...

Tku Crystal,

I always have to give myself a gentle reminder to replant in the Spring. A not in my gardening journal is the answer for me.

o2bhiking said...

That is really nice, Cheryl. In my last house I put in a water garden and it was amazing the wildlife it would attract. I miss it, but have good memories of it. Art

Cheryl said...

Tku Art, how are you?? Well I hope.

I love water features, they tend to attract more life than anything else in the garden :)

ShySongbird said...

I am very tempted by this idea Cheryl, yours looks lovely. Something else on my list of things which I never seem to get around to.

You nearly had me fooled by the Dragonfly :-)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

This is a beautiful water garden Cheryl. I have tried a couple of them. Not much luck for whatever reason. One being a big white furry dog that drinks the water. Racoons that wreck the plants looking for fish and worms. Sigh~~

Cheryl said...

Hi Jan,

I found this feature really easy and I have to say it has been very successful. The birds really enjoy it....I get many visitors, sparrows, blue tits, blackbirds etc.

I think the main thing is to get the planting right. It is not difficult honestly and you will get such a lot of pleasure from it.

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa,

I had to smile....sorry, but I could see Luna and the racoons having a party :)
You know I understand, my garden is often wrecked by the rabbits.

Wendy said...

I remember you posting about this barrel quite a while ago, but had forgotten it until now.

I am anxious to try this out, once I move back into a house.

It looks like an easier solution than to have a pond built.

I would be fascinated by the colony of snails. I've only seen one at a time - not in a group.

Rose said...

This is such a lovely planting, Cheryl. I've also seen people use large stock tanks as water features as well. I love the dragonflies!

Rose said...

Seeing Lisa's comment reminded me that I would need a larger water feature--Sophie seems to think any pool of water, including my small solar fountain, is her personal drinking dish:)

Cheryl said...

HI Wendy,

I do not think I have shown this feature before. I have shown the three barrel feature on the patio,

This one is on the deck and has no water movement hence the snails do very well.

Cheryl said...

Hi Rose,

It would seem having a small dog is the better option with regard to small water features :)
So funny !!

I read about people using tanks but have never seen one in a garden. Perhaps you may decide to take this option ??

Wendy said...

Oops, my mistake. Yes, I do remember the three barrel one now that you mention it. And it is quite different.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
A lovely water feature.
I love that the snails were on your plants!
We took out our back garden pond last year to make room for our fig garden...I think we will take out the front pond this summer...getting things ready for a studio!
As the gardeners change so do the gardens! We are doing smaller bird baths and puddlers for the butterflies and bees.
I like this water garden idea.
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Dear Sherry,

I to loved the fact the snail eggs or snails travelled home with me.

Yes indeed, gardens change all the time.....it is an ongoing journey.
My gardens are also changing....lots of new plants for the bees and butterflies. I have extended most borders.....hard work but satisfying.

Carole Barkett said...

Very beautiful, I love your dragonflies too

Mary said...

Nice idea, Cheryl! My pond is nice but I'd love to try the barrel.

Hope all is well!

Mary