Micro Pond Build : Week4 : Completion and first resident

Final part of the build..

I've now managed to complete the dry river bed with gravel and pebbles. I've used some old rotting wood as a shelter for many smaller animals such as toads and newts. The pond plants are starting to grow. The elodea has now reached the surface and there are new leaves on the floating plants. I've also seen a couple of water boatmen in there too as well as bloodworm larve.

I've planted a couple of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) plants to attract the bees. There are lots of uses for lemon balm...

Melissa officinalis

The plant is used to attract bees to make honey. It is also grown and sold as an ornamental plant.

The leaves are used as a herb, in teas, and also as a flavouring.

The essential oil is used as a perfume ingredient, but the plant has other culinary and medicinal uses.

Lemon balm is used in some toothpastes.

I also have my first resident. A medium sized common frog.. Freddy as i've named him :) He should keep my garden clear of slugs and other creepy crawlies

Common Frog (Rana temporaria )
The Common Frog is easily our most recognisable amphibian. They’re found throughout Britain and Ireland, in almost any habitat where suitable breeding ponds are near by. Common Frogs have smooth skin and long legs for jumping away quickly. Garden ponds are extremely important for common frogs, particularly in urban areas.

Souce http://www.froglife.org/info-advice/amphibians-and-reptiles/common-frog-2/

You can view parts 1,2 and 3 here
part 1
https://steemit.com/nature/@dune69/follow-my-micro-pond-evolution-week1
part 2
https://steemit.com/nature/@dune69/micro-pond-build-week2
part 3
https://steemit.com/nature/@dune69/micro-pond-build-week3-laying-out-the-dry-river-bed