Hard to imagine now but I was a bit doubtful about the pond. I knew it would be important for wildlife and I’d always wanted waterlilies but I imagined it a bit of a work sink and of rather little interest outside of waterlily season and yet… Here it is now, one of the glories of our beautiful garden..

Surrounded by plants that are buzzing with bees, the occasional bloo and bubbles of newts, masses of invertebrates: snails, beetles, dragonfly larvae….

It’s become a focal point for everyone from small children to jaded adults.

Earlier in the year the marsh marigold was a focus, now it’s the irises and the masses of delicate white water forget-me-not. The waterlilies are developing flower buds and then the snoek kruiden will poke up pink persicaria like flowers. In the autumn the kalmia, a pink gladiolus like flower comes.

It definitely doesn’t make it easier to ride off to the office having to leave this glory behind….