Projects to work on 8212; Make a pond

After the rains, water becomes scarce. This scarcity however affects mainly wildlife which is dependant on the rains for water. So, constru...

After the rains, water becomes scarce. This scarcity however affects mainly wildlife which is dependant on the rains for water. So, constructing a pond will be a good idea to provide water for animals. A pond will be useful for birds who need water to drink and bathe in and will also provide a home for many other creatures. Plan your pond carefully, as location is very important. Shaded ponds under trees fill with leaves, so choose a sunny spot. The pond will be a focal point for birds so find a place where you can watch quietly.

Ponds need a robust lining to hold water. Glass fibre or concrete can be used but it is easier to buy a flexible but thick rubber and plastic sheet. Then you can build a pond as big as you like in any shape you want. Good quality material will last, while cheap polythene will weaken and leak.

Use pegs and string to mark out the pond shape. Dig a hole for your pond measuring 120 x 150 cm and 30 cm deep measurements can vary proportionately, if needed. Remove sharp objects from the bottom and edges of the hole, then completely line it with a thick layer of newspaper or an old carpet. Or use a five cm layer of sand. Line your pond with rubber or plastic sheets measuring 250215;280 cm to allow for the depth of the pond and to overlap the edges , when filled with water which pulls the liner down and moulds it to the shape of your pond.

Now fill your pond with water and cover the edges of the liner with soil and stones to give it a more natural look. If more hard-wearing edges are desired use concrete- paving stones.

Let the pond settle for a week or two before planting in and around it. Decide where and how you are going to plant. Some plants grow faster then others and are better confined to pots or baskets in a small pond. If you intend to plant directly into the soil rather than into baskets, make sure the edges can take 15 to 20 cm of soil and use heavy soil free from manure. Then plant submerged plants and emergents such as Vallisneria, Hygrophila, Cabomba, Amazon Sword Plant, Duckweeds, Water Lettuce and Hydrilla keep the water clear and aerated. Emergents like Water Lillies, Lotus and Cattail Reeds are best planted in containers.

Never dig up wild plants. Buy them from garden centres or aquarium shops. Collect them from friends, neighbours and others who have garden ponds.Leave the pond to settle for about a week before introducing animal life. You may need some water snails to control algae, and perhaps some fish such as Gold Fish, Koi, Black Molly and Red Swordtails.

You can watch your own pond improve as plants grow and new creatures find it and move in. Insects such as dragonflies can lay their eggs inside the pond water, if possible try to observe their life cycle stages.

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Observe the same for fish and frogs. Observe the feeding bebehaviour of snails. Birds will love your little pond. Keep a record of birds and other animals visiting your pond. Moreover sitting next your pond and observing pond life is one of most enchanting hobbies which you can develop.

Did you know?

The state animal of Maharashtra is the Indian Giant Squirrel or Shekru.

The state flower of Maharashtra is Queen8217;s flower or Jarul.

The state fruit of maharashtra is Mango or Amba

The state bird of Maharashtra is the common Green Pigeon or Hariyal.

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For communication, elephants use infrasound sound below the range of human hearing.

The elephant8217;s tusk is a modified incisor tooth.

The Sea Otter is the one and only sea mammal which lacks a thick blubber.

Little Kingfisher is the smallest Kingfisher in the world.

Indian Newt is the only representative of the tailed-amphibian found in India.

Chinese Giant Salamander is the largest amphibian in the world.