Autumn Pond Prep Advice please

So, the leaves are beginning to fall and it's that time of year where the netting needs to go over the pond.

But, my pond surface is completely covered with water hyacinth. Now, I know to overwinter it I need to pop a piece or two into mud, bring it indoors and keep it in a well lit spot; but, what I'm *not* certain of is ...


... what the booger do I do with the stuff still in the pond? My thoughts are that it will decompose during the winter but, won't that be the same as rotting leaves? Should I remove it all and put it on the compost?

 

Good question!



Erm, it is wider than me, longer than me and, if my memory serves me right, it's about as deep as just above my knees (maybe mid thigh? )

(flipping blokey question that, Our Mandy!)

 

I'm not a garden GNOME!!!

 

You can run; but you cannot hide

"Gnomey gonna getcha; gnomey gonna getcha .... *evil laugh* "

 

It is approximately:

Length: 12'
Width: 6 - 7'
Depth: 2'
Kidney shaped.

 

Butyl (and I didn't need a tape measure for *that* one )

 

It was here when I got here and in a pretty sorry state, I might add. Having said that though, there were fish in there and newts, frogs, pond skaters, water boatmen.

I made the mistake of being 'advised' to have it cleaned by the local Mr "Pond" I lost a lot of fish, he couldn't locate the leak, then decided that the money he'd spent on a pump and filter he wouldn't actually be able to fit (there was more to it, but basically, a hatchet job all round).

So, a new butyl liner was put in 3 yrs ago. Recently restocked the fish because I lost the last of them last year. Only have a small amount of marginals because I'm only just learning about water gardening but I have salvaged the yellow flags and the two water lillies which were in the pond when I came. I've added the water hyacinth this year and a papyrus and I do have a smaller blue iris a friend gave me (along with some dreaded blanket weed as a bonus )

Next year I'll have to delve deeper into marginal plant territory.