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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Living well in the urban village

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« Peanut Butter Chocolates
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The Pond In Winter

July 28, 2013 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Our little pond sits in the middle of seven round vegetable beds.

Creating it was an essential component of Linda’s permaculture plan. Apart from being a peaceful spot to sit and rest, it also provides a home for frogs, tadpoles, dragonflies, damselflies and all sorts of other kindred garden spirits.

At one end of the pond is a baby waterfall, which flows during the day (it’s on a timer). It keeps the water from stagnating, but doesn’t produce quite enough current for me to play Pooh sticks…

Despite being constantly washed over, one brave little plant has managed to establish a foothold…

Lichen is growing in soft colours and curvy shapes…

Green moss is cheerfully colonising the constantly wet stones…

A wide variety of water plants live in the little pond, providing sanctuary for infant  dragonflies and damselflies. Somewhat surprisingly, there are almost no mosquitoes in our garden, and we think that’s because the predators in the pond are eating the mosquito larvae before they mature…

The Dwarf Papyrus plant is thriving, with its tufted pom-pom seed heads. Our neighbour Nic dries the flower stalks and then plaits them into handles for her baskets…

Pink Rotalas are only meant to flower between Spring and Autumn, but ours are happily blooming in this mild Sydney winter…

At times of stress, the little pond provides us with a tiny oasis of peace and serenity – we come out and lie on the arched bridge and gaze at the blue sky through the branches of the jacaranda tree.

It truly is my favourite spot in the backyard!

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Posted in Garden | 88 Comments

88 Responses

  1. on July 28, 2013 at 5:33 am Emilie@TheCleverCarrot

    What a lovely spot in your garden Celia! Such pretty colors and that little bridge is too cute. I was wondering about the mosquitoes…thankfully they are not taking over!


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:26 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Emilie, it’s a constant source of surprise to me that there aren’t more mosquitoes! Some of the neighbouring yards have heaps of them. We DO have a lot of predators in the garden, though…


  2. on July 28, 2013 at 6:21 am Promenade Claire

    I’ve come to realise the pleasure of sitting watching/listening to a pond too. And your photos are a delight, I wish I could say the same for our pond, I’ve a lot to learn when it comes to water gardening!


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:26 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Claire, the pond is so full of plants that it’s hard to see the water these days. We used to have fish, but they all died off, and we didn’t replace them, as it seems to work well enough without them!


  3. on July 28, 2013 at 7:16 am alison@thisbloominglife

    What a lovely spot to soothe away worries. The sound of water is so calming. Gorgeous tour and photos Celia. Xxx


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ali, it’s particularly nice late afternoon or very early morning, when the sun isn’t too high in the sky. Can’t wait to show it to you when you (finally) get up here for a visit! :)


  4. on July 28, 2013 at 7:33 am Sally - My Custard Pie

    How gorgeous. Beautiful picture of the moss – I’m always drawn to mossy stones.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:28 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Sally, the moss is just so intriguing, when you get a good closeup look at it, it’s got tiny little fernlike leaves…


  5. on July 28, 2013 at 7:35 am hotlyspiced

    Just lovely, Celia. We had a house with a very large pond and it had a lot of water lilies. I used to find it very therapeutic to sit on its edge and just watch the goings-on. We had fish in it and there were lots of dragonflies and frogs and no mosquitoes xx


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:28 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Charlie, a pond big enough for water lilies must have been amazing! My sister used to have a huge one with giant koi in it!


  6. on July 28, 2013 at 7:56 am The Life of Clare

    It’s beautiful! What a lovely calming place to have in your backyard!


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Clare, it’s a really nice thing to have in the backyard! Brings lots of predators that benefit the garden!


  7. on July 28, 2013 at 8:02 am Debra Kolkka

    It looks heavenly! I would also like to lie on that bridge.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I’ll shuffle over, so we can share.. ;-)


  8. on July 28, 2013 at 8:13 am Jane @ Shady Baker

    This does look like a beautiful and calming place Celia. Have a lovely Sunday x


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane, thank you! It was a really nice weekend, hope yours was too! x


  9. on July 28, 2013 at 8:51 am heidiannie

    Water elements are so calming and lovely. I love the plants blooming out of season and the wealth of dragonflies and frogs you have in your backyard.
    I have a garden in the back corner of our yard- I’ve named it a fairy garden and managed to convince my boys that fairies took care of it for me when they were young. Actually I convinced them because I believed it myself for the most part.
    I sit back there and think quiet thoughts and sometimes sing little songs- it is my place to be by myself in the yard. I should have probably added a water something- but now I am past the adding part of my life. I am content with what I have. A quiet place to sit and be. :)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Heidi, a restful spot in the garden or backyard is so valuable for soothing the soul, isn’t it? I’m glad you have a magical corner in yours..


  10. on July 28, 2013 at 11:04 am radhika25

    How idyllic! May I come over for a cup of tea ;)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I actually seem to drink quite a bit of tea sitting on the bridge! :)


  11. on July 28, 2013 at 11:07 am Eha

    A lovely description to go along with those peace creating photos: would love to dangle my bare feet over that little bridge: would love to listen to the quiet waterfall – thank you for the calming picture . . . .


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:32 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Eha, it’s a nice space, small people who visit like to try and put pebbles in the pond, and we’re always having to stop them (it really is the tiniest little pond). But it’s very peaceful, I’m glad you enjoyed it! x


  12. on July 28, 2013 at 11:46 am Rose

    Gorgeous photos Celia, your pond is doing well through the winter. Thanks for linking the permaculture reference. I have heard of Linda Woodrow of course but have only come to seriously thinking about permaculture lately. I’ll order this book.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Rose, Linda’s book really set the path for our garden, both in structure and thinking. I think it’s fabulous. The pond is essential to attract predators that keep the pests in check, the chickens garden for us, and it makes the whole low maintenance gardening thing workable for us. I hope you enjoy the book as much as we have – Linda’s blog is here: http://witcheskitchen.com.au/


  13. on July 28, 2013 at 1:51 pm lambsearsandhoney

    Looks lovely, Celia. I’d love to visit your garden one day.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 3:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Would love to have you Amanda! x


  14. on July 28, 2013 at 2:55 pm Jan

    The only thing better would be to lie on that little bridge gazing at the sky with one of those heavenly peanut butter choccies wedged in my bulging cheek – you would be welcome to do the same on the other side:)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:11 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hahaha…we’d need hot tea to wash it down with too, Jan! :)


      • on July 29, 2013 at 8:56 pm Anne @GtSlamseysFarm

        Can I join the pair of you if I promise to bring some Raspberry Gin with me? Love the lichen and the moss Celia.


        • on July 29, 2013 at 8:57 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

          Come, come! We’ll have a little tea and gin party! :)


  15. on July 28, 2013 at 3:44 pm Lisa the Gourmet Wog

    it’s great you have no mosquitos Celia, they’re such a pain to deal with. Thanks for the beautiful photos, enjoy your Sunday x


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:11 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Lisa! Hope you had a great weekend too! x


  16. on July 28, 2013 at 4:19 pm marilynscottwaters

    What a lovely little world. WE love our pond and I think that we have all kinds of birds and bugs in our garden because of the water source. Your pond might be too small for mosquito fish, we have bunches that eat the little buggers. Hugs, Maz


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Maz, your pond is absolutely amazing, I loved your photos of all the koi in it!


  17. on July 28, 2013 at 4:30 pm Peter Bryenton (@peterbryenton)

    A good read for my Sunday morning, thanks. I like the greens and blues in your pictures. Your piece about the Permaculture plan is equally good.

    I’ll be visiting this productive plot one day.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Can’t wait, Peter! All the photos were taken on the Hipstamatic using John S and Blanko Freedom 13. I find it a lovely combo for the garden.


      • on August 2, 2013 at 1:59 am marilynscottwaters

        I agree with Mister PB. The lichen is stunning.


  18. on July 28, 2013 at 4:37 pm Liz

    Lovely photos, Celia. My little pond is sadly overgrown with Louisiana Iris. I think it’s time to give it a revamp. I love how frogs take up residence as soon as water is available.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:13 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Liz, frogs were very late coming to our pond, we’ve only just seen our first one this season. We think we can hear them though – although they’ve been quiet in the colder weather.


  19. on July 28, 2013 at 4:59 pm theintolerantchef

    How’s the serenity Celia! So lovely and relaxing indeed :) I have to admit I barely go out and about in my backyard for the coldest weeks of winter- with minus temperatures and deep frosts there isn’t much left to see! Xox


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Becca, it does get bitterly cold in Canberra, doesn’t it? Pete used to laugh at me when we were first going out – I’d complain about the 10C cold. You Canberrans are a lot tougher than I am! :)


  20. on July 28, 2013 at 5:19 pm Glenda

    It is amazing how water is always calming … your pond obviously does the trick. Congratulations.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks G, it’s good for the soul! :)


  21. on July 28, 2013 at 5:44 pm Bronwen

    Pooh sticks – such a relaxing game…I have great delight in playing Pooh sticks with my grandsons…they love it…


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:15 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Bronwen, I’m a little tongue in cheek there, because it really is such a tiny pond with a little bridge – not much movement under there at all.. ;-)


      • on July 29, 2013 at 10:41 pm Bronwen

        guessed that – but just loved the mention of Pooh sticks! think it is becoming a lost art. cheers


  22. on July 28, 2013 at 6:03 pm Pat Machin

    That’s beautiful and so are your photos. I see your winters are a little different from ours!


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Pat, I’m not sure I’d cope with a Yorkshire winter! I thought of you when I saw a documentary on North Yorkshire recently – such amazing wildness!


  23. on July 28, 2013 at 6:54 pm Sandy

    So pretty! :-)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Sandy! :)


  24. on July 28, 2013 at 8:37 pm Suelle

    A beautiful area to help keep your garden in balance, and great photographs as usual!


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Suelle! It’s especially appealing to the small people – they stomp back and forth over the bridge like the Billy Goats Gruff.. :)


  25. on July 28, 2013 at 8:54 pm My Kitchen Stories

    It sounds so very lovely I want to move in…


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:17 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      You can always come for a rest cure. :)


  26. on July 28, 2013 at 11:31 pm Judy @Savoring Today

    It is easy to see why this is your favorite spot, we all need a place of peace and respite. The way you describe what is going on below the surface is a reminder of the tandem benefits of enjoying natural beauty. Thanks for sharing it with us. :)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Judy, thank you, it really is as you say, a place of peace and respite.. x


  27. on July 28, 2013 at 11:44 pm Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    What a wonderful spot and the perfect place to reflect on life’s moments. I love it.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:20 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Maureen, today my little three year old friend Jack peered through the bridge and stuck his hand in the pond and tried to throw pebbles into it. It wasn’t peaceful then, but it was just so much fun to watch him! :)


  28. on July 29, 2013 at 12:46 am dishnthekitchen

    How beautiful Celia! can you come over to Canada and transform my backyard someday?


    • on July 29, 2013 at 6:21 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Bernice, it’s always been on my list of places I’d love to visit! :)


  29. on July 29, 2013 at 6:07 am Joanna

    If there is room for me next to Jan and I promise not to eat all the choccies – lovely photos and words :)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 8:17 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Of course there’s room, we’ll shuffle over.. :) xxx


  30. on July 29, 2013 at 1:20 pm EllaDee

    Your photos and description evoke the lovelist of thoughts… even the smallest amount of water and greenery creates serenity ;)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 8:18 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      ED, I started taking the photos because I noticed how clear the water was – you’re so right, it really doesn’t take much… xx


  31. on July 29, 2013 at 5:28 pm lizzygoodthings

    Love this Celia, especially the fact that it gives a home to frogs and other little critters.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 8:18 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Lizzy, it’s the dragonflies and damselfies that really love it – they happily flit around the garden in spring.


  32. on July 29, 2013 at 7:27 pm Jas@AbsolutelyJas

    I’m with Lizzy – how exciting to have tadpoles and frogs and dragonflies in your backyard, and it’s definitely a plus if they keep the mozzies away! Oh how I wish we weren’t renting…!


    • on July 29, 2013 at 8:19 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jas, along with the chooks, it’s like having a little eco-system in the backyard. Or, in the case of the kids who visit, a petting zoo.. :)


  33. on July 29, 2013 at 7:59 pm GourmetGetaways (@GourmetGetaway)

    Such gorgeous images!
    It would be so peaceful by the pond, everything looks so lush and green, just beautiful :)


    • on July 29, 2013 at 8:20 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Julie, thank you! It’s only a tiny spot, but it is very calming! x


  34. on July 29, 2013 at 8:39 pm Fairy

    Hi Celia

    This is off-topic but just wondering how you put the text on your photos? I also have a WordPress blog.

    Thanks in advance.


    • on July 29, 2013 at 8:47 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Fairy, I use a free program called Gimp (http://www.gimp.org/) – it takes a bit of practice to figure it out, but it works brilliantly. You can also use Microsoft Paint or Photoshop (I think the latter is very expensive).

      I tag the photos in Gimp before uploading them to WP.

      Hope this helps, Celia


      • on July 29, 2013 at 8:49 pm Fairy

        Thanks for your quick and detailed reply. I will definitely try it. :)


        • on July 30, 2013 at 7:06 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

          Fairy, there’s an online help guide to Gimp, but it’s a tricky program to use (as are most of the photo-editing programs), I’m always having to ask the men in my house for help. If you’re looking for a simpler program, I think Paint is easier to navigate. Also, I was recently pointed to a great iPhone app called A+ Signature, which can watermark or add text to photos in the blink of an eye – but it does mean editing them on either your iPhone or iPad.


  35. on July 29, 2013 at 10:17 pm Melanie

    For being so small, your pond looks so lush!! Looks so peaceful. I love to study the small things in nature, plants and animals. Dragonflies are amazing and I like to tease the frogs. May I come lie on the bridge too? I will need to brings a few pillows though. There aren’t any trolls under the bridge are there?


    • on July 30, 2013 at 7:03 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      [shuffles over a bit more] Sure Mel, there’s plenty of room here! The bridge has a nice little arch to it – great for back support! :)


  36. on July 30, 2013 at 2:05 am dianeskitchentable

    There’s something about sitting near water, especially w/a little waterfall that is so calming. I have a little waterfall at the very back of my property that I had cleared away brush from years ago but alas, the mosquitoes keep us from really enjoying it during the summer.


    • on July 30, 2013 at 7:07 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Diane, it sounds wonderful – shame about the mosquitoes! I hope some dragonflies find your waterfall and eat all the mozzie larvae! :)


  37. on July 30, 2013 at 8:59 am ChgoJohn

    Now this is something very special, Celia. How very wise of you to create this little oasis. I’m sure you enjoy it and may you always find time to do so.


    • on July 30, 2013 at 9:56 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      John, so kind, thank you – I hope we always find time to sit by the pond as well! Come and visit! :)


  38. on July 30, 2013 at 10:00 am Norma Chang

    A beautiful and restful spot.


    • on August 1, 2013 at 4:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Norma, it really is, thank you!


  39. on July 30, 2013 at 10:26 pm Platanos, Mangoes and Me!

    How very beautiful…just looking at your pictures was calming…


    • on August 1, 2013 at 4:17 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Norma! :)


  40. on August 1, 2013 at 12:41 pm Allotment adventures with Jean

    Beautiful photographs Celia. Love the little bridge, what a lovely place to lie and look through the trees.


    • on August 1, 2013 at 4:17 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jean, it’s such a tiny space, but it brings so much pleasure, especially to the littlies who visit!


  41. on August 1, 2013 at 2:27 pm Jason Dingley

    I am sure I have said it before but your pond is beautiful and I really love the tiny bridge. We don’t have a pump in ours and to my surprise the water has stayed perfectly clean. I think as long as you have water plants then the water will remain fresh because the plants filter it. You have inspired me to put a bit more effort into mine.


    • on August 1, 2013 at 4:18 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jason, thank you! I must say I’ve never been for a dip in our pond like you have yours though! :)



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