The Water Garden

Press pause if you want the above video to stop looping or else it's gonna keep playing.  I'd like to say I put the pond in for under $500.  I would be telling the truth as long as you don't count anything around it say the patio, wall, plants, etc.  I won't go as far as to say I've created a backyard paradise.  And my actual garden has really taken a hit this year though it looks decent right now.  The more important thing is I have myself a backyard retreat.  A place I can easily relax, write, or just think.  Wildlife visit--more than I'd like them to (Deer, for example are uninvited due to their poor manners).  Birds and butterflies are beginning to take notice of it.  I've always loved the sound of running water.  Whenever I travel, I make sure I hike to a waterfall (when possible, waterfalls are hard to come by in the desert.).   A tour of the full garden is down below.  Time will tell if my hard work pays off when I see how it looks after winter.
I've tried my hand at a container garden with minimal success.  Apparently you really need to keep those things watered.  I've managed okay with herbs like thyme and oregano but they do just as well in the ground, oregano a bit too well.  I've always had too many tomato plants.  I thought containers would be a good idea.  I'll try again next year and if they don't produce then, I'm done with it.  You'll notice on the quick tour that there's still much cleaning up to do but there is plenty to see, some plants have really taken off.  I love the vincas.  You don't need to water those suckers at all and they stay full of blooms with great looking foliage.  I've tried my hand at roses this year--real ones--not the knock-offs, I mean knock-outs.  More on that in another post.  The fish pond and waterfall is my favorite addition.  I really hope I pull it off long term.  Next year, I'll get more plants in there early in the spring.  Plus I'll see how the ones in there winter over.  I'm really tempted to keep the waterfall running through the winter.  The nieces will be over soon to add rocks around the fountain and waterfall, that should give it a better look.  The pond has several fish in it. 
The nephew and each niece are putting a fish in it and naming it.  More on that in another post.  I'll post another video once I get things cleaned up a little better.  Until then, enjoy.