"Creating a Wildlife Haven: My Journey to Building a Backyard Pond"

As I sit here, reflecting on my unwavering determination—*I will not be defeated!*—I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and a tinge of frustration about my little pond water feature. Just yesterday, as I attempted to craft this idyllic spot for my beloved animals and nature, a delightful hover fly paid a visit. Its gentle presence reminded me of the beauty and tranquility I aspire to cultivate in my garden.

Recently, I received a delivery of new materials to experiment with. Included were a lovely kitchen plastic sink and an all-purpose tub, alongside rounded pond pots.

Oh, how I despise the square pond pots that my flowers came with—they’re so difficult to position! I take great pride in my garden; being a perfectionist, I aim to create a natural wildlife area that feels both inviting and effortlessly elegant.

I’ve also stocked up on more pond liner and discovered some fabric hidden away in my garden shed, which was previously used as an underlay beneath the pebbles by the rose bush. I’ll be employing this as extra protection for my pond, ensuring it is both functional and visually appealing.

To enhance the charm of my water feature, I’ve bought gravel, pebbles, and another enchanting solar water pump feature. I find myself scouring TikTok and the Internet for inspiration, captivated by videos of others effortlessly transforming their outdoor spaces into beautiful micro habitats. They make it seem so easy!

Yet here I am, contemplating the next steps for my own little haven. After leaving some water in the basin overnight, I noticed it has decreased in volume but surprisingly no longer leaks. This leads me to ponder whether I should dig into the earth, nestle the basin within, and surround it with an arrangement of bricks to create a more grounded appearance.

With another day ahead filled with creative stresses and tough decisions, I remind myself that every effort is ultimately for the wildlife I wish to attract. Every blooming flower, every buzzing bee, every exquisite moment in nature is worth the challenge. 

After all, you know me—it’s always for the animals, and I can’t wait to share the beauty of my garden oasis with them.

Warmly, Lindsay Blair 

Monday 19th May 2025