Yesterday was pond clearing day. It’s not a job I relish since it involves waiting until all the wasps and bees have departed, then standing in very chilly water for an hour or so. Meanwhile the fish exfoliate my legs and I end up smelling divine.

On the other hand it has to be done because after a long hot summer the pond plants have grown like triffids. The worst is the water mint which, although very pretty in the early months of summer, is a bit of a slut and will put itself about all over the pond. It sends out massively long trailers covered in plantlets which will send down roots whenever they touch a crevice in the rocks, either underwater or above. Pulling it all out is tricky because there’s a tendency for the rocks to come with it, thus breaking down the walls of the pond. So you need one hand on the rocks and the other pulling like crazy to get it all out.

When we started the pond was really full of plants, but by the end we had a good pile ready to go on the compost heap and a much clearer pond. On the other hand the water was extremely clouded by mud so I’m surprised the fish can see, but they seem to manage. By the end of the day it was clear and we could see the bottom again.

I was rewarded for my efforts by a serious nip from a dragonfly nymph which took exception to my disturbing its habitat.

I have left the plants and detritus beside the pond overnight so any trapped creatures can make their way back into the pond. Now to move the smelly but nutrient-filled pile to the compost heap.