Using Nature to Sustain Life

Two Spring seasons in and this little puddle has become a small little ecosystem in the back yard. I captured the natural runoff from the artificial terrain of the pool deck that flows down this path, and am now utilizing it to sustain some fish for viewing. And apparently, it has worked out so well, and that nature has taken a liking to my design, that I appear to have some renegade residents taking home in the puddle.

I was initially a bit in awe as I discovered the fish had survived the first Winter and the freezing temperatures. But now I am realizing this little habitat I have created is something unique and is proliferating life. How little projects evolve into what they end up being... always intriguing.

Mr. Gnome keeps watch over the fish at night. He has a magical ability of protection to ward off flying beasts that would dare snatch my bright orange scaly swimmers.

To prevent excessive sediment transportation and to give the drainage path some stability, I slowed the flow of the rushing water with a stone dam and reinforced the last knick point with brick and created a transport tube over the knick point to further boost the longevity of the mud drainage path.

The sound of flowing water over top some rocks is a relaxation inducing sound.

As i mentioned above, we have guests taking residency at the puddle now.. as this would be the second separate day of spotting a baby box turtle like such. There is a much larger pond nearby, but that is awfully far for a tiny turtle to be crawling for food or whatever it wants..

I believe it has found itself a home with my puddle. Now start eating the bugs little turtle.

As always, I pray to Heavenly Father. Take care!