Orange and Cerise Candelabra Primula coming into bloom with central Iris Siberica  –  The Pond is hiding behind them!

Although I live very close to the sea, I do not have a view of the mighty Atlantic Ocean from my home.  I remedied this somewhat by building a wildlife pond, which I can enjoy from my bright pink garden seat!

The newly dug pond back in 2011

I made the pond by digging down to a depth  of around 18 inches, adding a butyl liner, filling it with water, then covering the edges with soil and planting with LOTS of plants tolerant of damp conditions.  The pond itself has just three plants rooting in its midst – a Water Lily, a yellow Flag Iris and a Marsh Marigold.

One of my STAR pond side attractions is the Candelabra Primula with tiers of flowers in shades of pale pink, orange and cerise.  My collection has expanded year on year as the primulas reward me with new self seeded offspring.  I deadhead each plant after flowering and if the summer is warm with just the right amount of rain, I have the added JOY of repeat blooms.  I have sometimes had THREE lots of flowers in one summer!

Cerise Candelabra Primula edging the pond in 2016

The pond attracts lots of insects and gives me hours of pleasure.  I have waited expectantly for frogs to take up residence.  However, they have not arrived thus far- maybe next year!

Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.