BigBens pond

[BigBen]

Are fox gloves safe to be around the pond?

[black ghost]

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, all livestock and dogs and cats, so I would assume it’s also toxic to fish. I wouldn’t let any part of the plant come in contact with the water.

[BigBen]

I'd already decided to pull it in the end, thanks!

[wingnut55]

Digitalis very toxic indeed.

Ian + Karen.

[BigBen]

Quick update - the black fish are goldfish, however I found this chap floating this morning and I don't think it is a goldfish, any ideas? The dorsal fin starts further back than the goldies. The belly in sunken a bit, but the others are nice and fat. Is it worth an anti parasite treatment?

[fr499y]

Rudd judging by the red fins

[BigBen]

Rudd judging by the red fins

I'd agree with that, thanks!

[BigBen]

I met the old owner of the house by chance at the fish shop this morning and got talking about the pond. He was adamant that there was only 6/7 goldfish and no black fish or Rudd, so I suspect at some point someone may have rehomed their fish in my pond! I suspect it's happened again fairly recently with the Rudd, I'd had no sitings before and now there is definitely another one in there. I'm installing a camera at the front of the house and that will pick up if anyone climbs into the garden.

Anyway, here's Pavarotti:

[BigBen]

Another month or so or growth and I like the overgrown look in starting to get. I have a battle with fox gloves though, they appear hard to get rid off without coming back in a few days. Water is murky when the waterfall comes on, there's still a lot of detritus in the bottom where it hasn't had a lot of love from the previous owners!

[fr499y]

looking good though!