I Turned my Grass Yard into a Water Garden Oasis

[@SerpaDesign]

Pond season 2024 is over! I thought I could've done more in a year, but this will have to do. At least the animals seemed to like what I've done so far. What do you think I should add next year? I already have some of the features lined up, but I'm open to suggestions. Enjoy and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@p_llama]

I think smaller fish would be really cool to see, maybe like white cloud minnows or something similar?

[@sharramiller2200]

You could add another pond and a river to connect the two

[@IgorEngelen1974]

I really appreciate these docu style videos. Would it help to add a couple of predatory fish to keep the goldfish population in check? The fish I remember most from the pond at my parents' place was the golden tench. Would your pond be big enough for those?

[@rossturner3650]

In the warmer months, add some long fin rosy barbs, they demolish hair algae if you let them get a little hungry

[@thehoteldeveloper]

STUNNINGLY AMAZING 🤩

[@blairbear9884]

Wish when I failed it looked like this

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

I guess that is what happens when you aim for the moon 😁

[@austinwebbcreative]

😂👍

[@briefcaseblues6061]

Right!

[@nilanjan016]

Me too

[@rickandrygel913]

I wish my success looked half as good 😔

[@MWPdx]

I thought 6:30 was for sure going to be an ad segue, but no... no it was for moss. I love this channel, brought to you by moss, of course.

[@synarthrose]

LOL so did I, I skipped 10 seconds ahead and went “oh wait a second” and sheepishly went back

[@noaccount2494]

haha It had Big Moss ad energy

[@astrocat229]

"I'll remove the mint completely in the future" oh boy how id like to see you do that! No matter what i do i can never get rid of mint completely 😂 i dont mind though, it keeps mosquitoes away well enough

[@dirtywhitellama]

Yeah when he said that I was like, uh huh, good luck! 😂

[@LexYeen]

"remove mint"? he'll have better luck turning off the sun! 🤣

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

That's like removing better smelling Kudzu, dang near impossible! When starting to research aquaponics, it says in many places to avoid mint because you just as well give up the grow bed once it gets in. 😂😂 They literally say don't do it because it WILL take over and you CANT get it out 😂

[@danasmith8557]

Make mint tea with it

[@jmarshal]

I thought the exact same thing 😂 the mint is there to stay!

[@gs_thewhpmkr520]

This dude has gotta be one of the best yt channels out there he knows what he wants and how to get it done no matter WA setbacks he faces

[@8lynx817]

bro can be happy aswell having a wife that supports him that well. I at least wouldnt be able to achieve all of that without my better half

[@GooseTheCatOffical]

I couldn’t agree more

[@wingsinthewood]

I'm glad you talked about the birds and the nest. Not because I think you needed to "address" it (that never crossed my mind) but because now I understand more about these birds and nature. Thanks!

[@TheIndianaGeoff]

Agree 100%. Nature is brutal and creative. Sometimes "mean", but surviving is difficult. And having goldfish is fine. It brings you joy and sometimes that is enough.

[@DaTimmeh]

@@TheIndianaGeoff We live so comfortably and removed from nature, that many people forget where it all started. "survival of the fittest" didn't come from nowhere. And yes, complaining about goldfish in a pond is ridiculous, especially when the owner is one of the most well versed people in terms of nature. At that point, might as well call him out for his aquariums as well. Last I checked, goldfish can't magically grow wings/legs and lungs to move elsewhere...

[@chickenfist1554]

You didn't fail. These things take time and time is something we cannot control

[@JOSEPH-vs2gc]

a clickbaity title, but the pond looks great so i'll dismiss it.

[@matthewtoney5325]

Commenting on a video is an extreme rarity for me, but I felt compelled to say that your videos show you to be a very thoughtful, smart, experienced, and compassionate person who cares deeply about nature and wildlife (as well as your captive creatures), and who always does the best he can with the information he has. I would never presume to tell you what you do or do not NEED to do. Keep on trucking. I love your videos.

[@JustaKarenDiscoveredTheIntrnet]

dude is a sincere genuine person who probably doesnt let outside noise like politics or anything affect him..Just him and Nature the Basics of Life.His Life art provides great home to many species...i appreciate that he shares his connection with Mother NAture with us... Watching him reminds me of what really matters and what brings me calm and peace..

[@LaikasFriend]

0:35 "i failed" with that stunning picture behind him 😭😭😭 you did not fail, it's just taking more time than you thought

[@DauntlessProductionz]

Lets also give thanks to his wife who supports him in giving us such great content and inspiration!

[@ollie_acorn]

I recommend adding some elements of a food forest! Adding some areas to the yard that aren't just for sustaining wildlife, but also for sustaining you! (Also giving a bearded dragon fresh veggies that you grew is one of the best feelings.)

[@kimy656]

I second this! ❤

[@annadavis4663]

He's allowing the deer and whatever other wildlife to visit, and it also snows there... growing food under those conditions would be a battle

[@hookedonprjonrojas2314]

Nothing better than brewing a cup of hot coffee and watching your vids on a Saturday morning

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

frfr

[@eblake3617]

Dude! This is NOT a fail! To fail would be giving up. You're still in the process. You're learning for the future, and to learn is the complete opposite of failure!

[@aninfamousheadass]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 i absolutely LOVE this series and hope it continues... it really is about "trial and error" which is expected... and i agree the only failure would be giving up on the project entirely

[@richhhhhh4720]

Don’t listen to people who have less knowledge in this (including myself) what you are doing is amazing… simply that. AMAZING 🙌🏼

[@kristiobrien1418]

You have made tremendous progress! Please don't be so hard on yourself. Life happens, things get in the way, weather rolls in, and people get sick. But you also made LIFE happen: frogs, fish, plants, birds, deer, dragonflies, butterflies, and many more. You also built a deck, bench, fire place, and seating area. Well done sir, I can't wait to see what else you accomplish in the coming years

[@gardeninginthedesert]

Better to take your time. The salamanders might not have had their own space if you'd finished earlier. Your pond videos are always my favourite. 💚

[@noneofyourbuisness1679]

As someone who has no yard to speak of, take this with a grain of salt. But maybe one thing to keep in mind for future developments of the yard would be to add more deliberate perches for birds to use - specifically, those that hunt insects. I've seen other channels with similar premises do the same thing, and the birds almost immediately take to them.

[@bagel6669]

that would be really cool to watch too, little birds perching and hunting

[@dustman96]

We built a big pond in the middle of the sonoran desert, it's amazing how much life it brings. Raccoons, skunks, egrets, javelina, hawks, hummingbirds, dragonflies, damselflies, frogs, toads, water striders, falcons, bees, wasps, all manner of birds, etc, etc.

[@TheSeptemberRose]

Sounds like when I visited the Phoenix Zoo back in the late 1990s! I couldn't believe all the dragonflies!!!!! I was told it was built on an old fish nursery.

[@alena.m.zombie]

You do amazing work and inspire me regularly…. People that don’t understand nature will always criticize. I’ve never seen you be careless and the animals are always your biggest concern. Keep doing you!

[@ZetaHeart12]

The pond turned out beautifully! Also I agree it was the right decision to leave the egg alone. Nature is tough but we have to let it run its course

[@tsif7828]

We change nature's course continually with basically everything we do. Of course he has the right to make the choice he did but if it were me I would have considered it one more good reason God made pellet guns

[@LittleSpaceCase]

I'm also really glad we got to see this in stages in addition to the longer format version.

[@loganosaurus]

I’ve been watching you for years now. Learning along side you and dabbling in this hobby myself. Your content is far from boring or uninteresting but they have helped me sleep for years. I watch a video and then I’m lulled to sleep from your voice over. It’s so calming. Your information is concise and informative but delivered in such a calm manner that I can listen to you for 30-40mins and then fall asleep so peacefully. Thank you for this. Also, I was always a bit scared of frogs for some reason growing up, watching your content early on helped me see a different side and now I love them!

[@estherabrams7274]

I didn’t expect to see Tanner Serpa hit his limit! It often seems like there isn’t one. This series has been a true joy, and I’m really glad it will continue next season. Thank you Tanner, for your content and your honesty. Videos like this where you don’t build anything but just observe nature’s response to what you’ve built … Thank you for them, too.

[@drizzieee]

The best part about this was the slow progression which I enjoyed as a new episode of a show that I was eagerly waiting for. When you upload an entire video all at once sure that’s cool and it’s awesome to see but it almost doesn’t make it personable. You’re a one man show and you introduced thousands of critters by YOURSELF….that alone my friend is success no matter what you’re trying to achieve and I can’t wait until the next one! 🙌

[@HollywoodButterfly]

As nature cycles endlessly it continues to change. Your project will also change and evolve and be there beyond you. It’s okay that it’s “unfinished” it’s a process and you’re supporting so much life as you go. I love watching your story unfold over time. Thank you!

[@CIB8282]

I loved that he took the time to appreciate the moss. It really does make the pond look like an ecosystem instead of a backyard feature.

[@wheelchair_charlie]

Looking fantastic! Just an amazing pond creation! Im following over 200 channels on youtube & Ive been following you for years Tanner, your channel is easily one of my all time favorite channels that I look most forward to watching and following every week! PS I love how Mother Nature has decided to join you in your pond creation, and I agree with you letting her do her thing, and not get too involved yourself. Thanks for another amazing video!

[@Chesapeakereptiles]

The deck looks awesome

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

Your thinking makes me so happy! You always think what is best for the animals and are rethinking your building with the red salamanders in mind. My sister has got a few ponds going in the woods we inherited in Scotland and the frogs who seemed to live in this swampy area behind the stables now have places with deeper water to go and we have newts there too, she's planted it with indigenous plants to encourage insect life and The frogs and newts really seem to love what she's doing, I dont think either of us know anything about fish so we havent tried to introduce any yet, the insects and amphibians are the main tenants of the ponds and doubtless dragonflies and damsel flies are using the water to lay their eggs too. The woodland has, over the last 10-15 years rewilded pretty well there was a lot (200 hectares) of replanting with indigenous broadleaf trees and at first we had problems with deer eating the little trees but as time has passed and the trees are bigger now, we have seen pine martens in the woods and we always hope for red squirrels and wildcats but hopefully that will happen in the future. We have the usual stoats and weasels, rabbits, hares, foxes and there are cats but I would imagine theyre feral as opposed to actual Scottish Wildcats. We still have deer but they arent so problematic now and even though they are attracted by our horses hay in winter we don't really grudge them a bit of hay. I love your videos, both inside and outdoors as you really get into the healthiest environments for your living creatures, no matter what kind they are and I feel I learn something every time! Keep on doing you Tanner, your videos are a pleasure to watch!

[@The7ofDiamonds]

Just the timing of when I found your channels, I had always seen your indoor projects and videos… but I have to say seeing you working outside of the tanks and redesigning the landscape around you and tending to all the various tasks and projects and designs has been my favorite thing you’ve done so far! Going to of course keep watching all the stuff, but I absolutely love your vision for the backyard space.

[@heatheryarbrough5255]

Your back yard has evolved beautifully. Take your time and make it your own. I love your videos. Thanks

[@northide8785]

All your videos bring me a sense of peace but these pond videos especially so. Youve created a beautiful piece of nature.

[@ERROR_A23]

I was getting anxious with a bad stomach ache, good to see a new upload just in time. That's how I got into your videos anyway, it helps with my panic and anxiety attacks. Thank you so much for bringing tranquillity and knowledge to my life.

[@saadkhatri1129]

Try small projects, nature brings peace. It's the same for me 🛐

[@Cyberdragunz]

Tanner inspired me to make a small moss terrarium of my own and looking at it is incredibly relaxing too. Definitely recommend giving it a try. Even something as simple as a mason jar terrarium is a good starting point. Can make it in an afternoon and you have a lifetime of watching life grow in a jar.

[@ERROR_A23]

@@Cyberdragunz I also made one. After countless videos I learned a few things and it actually looks pretty neat!

[@ERROR_A23]

@@saadkhatri1129 I live in the middle of the forest for that reason. Love to tinker around the house.

[@saadkhatri1129]

@@ERROR_A23 legend 💀🗿 bro you're living my dream life. Though I would still keep a gaming setup.

[@kasuntharaka8040]

Great series, helped me in my hard times

[@natalieramsdell3031]

You’re disappointed you didn’t get more done and I’m blown away by how much you DID complete. It’s awesome, can’t wait to see what else you’ll have out there. ❤

[@roses1162]

your level of humor has consistently been unmatched. It's like the coziest deadpan I've ever seen. Love your videos man, I've been here for years and I have every intention of keeping it up for more!

[@lornacy]

Thank you for your perspective that going slowly gives you opportunities to learn from the process. It's a good metaphor for life.

[@ice7997]

Man, you leave in paradise, appreciate it.

[@randihardy6642]

I cant believe you did this much in a year. Its astounding.

[@katem3961]

I love that it has all evolved over time. The fact that you have so many diverse creatures visiting and living in and around your creation says it all. Everyone will have opinions but not necessarily the knowledge of how complex this all was/is to create. I, for one, appreciate everything you do and upload to your channel, a big heartfelt thank you from Australia ❤

[@cubingwithty]

9:27 Haters gonna hate! I’ve enjoyed this whole journey, and everything you do! I await your videos every Saturday, and they always put a smile on my face, thank you for everything.

[@FryDaddy]

Watching this series has been a real treat, and seeing how you’ve approached every aspect of the oasis from the pond to the cow birds to the mating frogs, you’ve handled it all expertly and we appreciate your work and content 🙏🏼

[@KarenB-um1by]

Thanks for creating a welcoming environment for all the critters.

[@annem521]

youre such a jedi master at teaching us patience and silver lining

[@deepstonecostco]

be careful with the mint! It went *insanely* wild in a yard of a house I was renting, it can be intensively invasive. Thank you for another great video, I love seeing the progress on this.

[@kimberlycarter8283]

Although I'm a new subscriber, I've watched several of your videos. I thoroughly enjoy watching your content and I smile continuously throughout. I'm a nature and animal lover as well. I'm far from being on your level as far as knowledge, but the passion and creativity that you embody makes my heart full. Thank you for sharing your artistry and talent. You are truly "blessed" by God and you are certainly a blessing to me. Thank you again!!

[@kaidenkeller8341]

you FAILED???! shut man. this is the most beautiful creative pond anyone has ever seen and you’re not even done. stop beating urself down man this is amazing

[@CollaborativeDog]

I think waiting at least a year between changes /additions in a garden are a good thing. It gives you time to watch what happens throughout the seasons to see how everything works so you can adjust accordingly, like with the salamanders. You're well on your way to creating a beautiful environment. ❤

[@steev927]

"I'll remove it altogether ..." yeah, I've heard people say that about mint planted in the ground before. Never heard of a single success story though, good luck!

[@jmarshal]

Sometimes things happen on the schedule they need to, and I think that’s exactly what happened here. It’s given you time to pause, reflect, adapt, and create what works best for your yard and for the nature around you. That much is obvious by how much has made itself at home in your beautiful aquascape and yard. As everything settles and grows, everything will get even better.

[@dbbrbc]

LOVE LOVE LOVE your backyard Tanner!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your oasis is AMAZING and I'm so blessed that you shared with all of us!! I cannot wait for the next video! As to the complainers, there are always negative people, please do not let them get to you. You know what you want and you have the intelligence and know-how to do it. So do it. Thank you SerpaDesign for everything you do!!

[@David_Cabrita]

It's a game of patience and seeing how far you're today compared to just 5 years ago si magical. I started making terrariums because of you and now I want my own pond too...! Thanks for inspiring us in our own journeys 😊

[@saladnander3690]

Thank you Tanner for giving me such a journey to watch on my lunch break. It's truly amazing what an impact you've had on this space in such short a time, and I can only hope someday to have a space to utilize more of the techniques I've learned from you. So excited to see what more you have in mind next year!

[@jorie42]

This is such a gorgeous transformation. I'm sorry you've had so many negative comments about this particular project, but I guess that's just the nature of the internet, and I'm glad it doesn't keep you from sharing your inspiring work. Looking forward to seeing the salamander habitat next year!

[@kzookid2051]

I've enjoyed watching the water garden grow over time. There's only one complaint I have about it, though. It's not in my yard. I love all your videos. You take such care and consideration for the animals' needs and comfort. I hope you keep up the great work for a long time to come and look forward to watching the journeys.

[@sandradolbel2578]

It's absolutely beautiful and we nature lovers are in awe ❤️..

[@phoebemacdhubhain3823]

As a goldfish lover and animal lover I think this is the most amazing pond ever!

[@dennisfeldmann7399]

Tanner thanks again for sharing this journey. Looking forward to seeing your videos about the salamander Habitat and everything else you have planned.

[@IMHO1172]

That is your space. There is no one better than you who creates such natural and beautiful habitats, inside and outside the home. We love your journey creating those spaces, so please keep doing what you do.

[@AlbinAhlskog]

I want to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed having this as a series rather than one long video. When you make a long video, the details can get lost, and wirh such a grand project as this the details really matter. I find it truly amazing that it looks so established after only a year, and I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your plans for this pond coming to life!

[@nathanclarke6694]

I love seeing it happen bit by bit over a period of time, seeing the way the thought process evolves, seeing little mishaps that require a design pivot and how they're accounted for; it's all good information.

[@QuintonMacCabe]

Happy for you Tanner. The yard looks great! don't let the haters get to you, you're doing great

[@erikw1251]

You did so much in a year. Feel proud for this amazing acomplishment!

[@tkegger21]

A Hammock spot would be great! Imagine enjoying a nap with the sound of running water ❤

[@roiblack8587]

Hello from Germany. You did the right thing according to the birdnest situation. I admired your discipline not to intervene. Nature is NOT a Disnexmovie. Our views and morals do not apply there. Of course some animals look cuter than others, but that doesn´t mean we should prefer them over other. We humans should be careful to apply our standards and bias there. And yes, this goes especially for our gardens and ponds. So please keep up the good work and all the best of luck to you.

[@latui7350]

Still my favorite back yard. I'm very excited to see what happens over the coming year. I also really appreciate you being an observer of nature and not interfering with its course.

[@urbanroyalte3967]

Tanner never ever have I seen such a beautiful and inspiring “failure” as you call it. The oasis is gorgeous. Keep up the great cinematic work it’s pure joy to watch 🫶🏽

[@annadavis4663]

I love LOVE this channel, Serpa is such a wonderful creator. I'm happy for him to change the channel and try new things, whatever he wants to do I'm here for it.

[@Bildgesmythe]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@carenza163]

This space is honestly just so beautiful even now. In a couple of years when it really takes hold and you introduce more elements and expand, it will be beyond amazing. It's a labour of love and it shows. I would not be calling this a failure by any stretch. I'm in agreement on the nature aspect. The golden rule of nature documentaries is you never interfere in the natural order of things no matter how tempting it may be, or heartbreaking the outcome. All things have their place in the system of life and that is just how it is.

[@SixGroundsStudios]

i love this series

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

That is a gorgeous oasis!! You did a ton in a year. Fabulous job Tanner. (Gina)

[@TheSeptemberRose]

Hey Tanner, your videos have always been educational, and visually appealing, but you're getting so much more professional in your storytelling, visual presentation, and educational quality that I always watch them as soon as I see they have uploaded! Thanks for sharing your world, and knowledge, with us!

[@BugzNBeanz]

Those are indeed bullfrog tadpoles! I’ve kept two of them as pets for a year now. One has fully morphed into a frog and the second has only developed his back legs. They’re such rewarding and entertaining creatures!

[@a_d_a_m]

i think your whole story to this point is a great example of what amazing things can happen when someone is finally able to pursue their dreams, especially when those dreams are in tune w making life better for others too! i loved this series and i’m looking forward to next years projects ❤

[@kungfumanda724]

You are so blessed to live in such beautiful surroundings 😊

[@keldaMouse]

your videos are like heavenly landscapes and soft spoken audio to soothe my soul.

[@BunzSudz]

No. No fail at all. It is all so wonderful❤

[@d.w.1485]

Wow how cool! It's amazing to see how large your projects have become. From the smallest jar to a whole yard I am always in awe of what you create and the way you think! Thank you for another great video and for all the insight into the why behind your pieces!

[@tree.65]

I think it's absolutely paradise! I really enjoy watching this come together, grow and thrive. I sincerely hope you continue to share it all with us. Can't wait to see it in winter, all frosted over. Maybe even covered in a blanket of snow.

[@bagel6669]

such a beautiful backyard even without everything you’ve done. you are so talented!

[@VibrantVictoria-gigi]

You do you and for your pleasure. Thank you for sharing your journey with many.

[@AquaticMoose]

Well done Tanner. Been with you since the beginning, very proud 🙏

[@jeroenvaneekeren]

The skill, the creativity, the space, the money to make it happen.. yes, I am jealous 😉But, also happy to see these video's of it! Thanks for sharing.

[@makanivalur]

I loved following this story. Thank you for taking us along on the journey and please don't beat yourself up about not making a deadline. There's no need to race for a destination when the journey is this enjoyable

[@judy208]

Probably one of my most enjoyed videos from this channel. it's always incredible to see any progress you've made on the Oasis and even though you "failed", this only makes it more exciting, as a viewer, to see what happens next! Honestly, this Oasis looks like an absolute dream right now and I can't wait to see it fully designed and for your vision to come into reality.

[@jc13781]

A lot of KZbinrs do things I don’t like. But I’ve never questioned a single thing you’ve done (in the comments) and just love your content. Despite sometimes thinking to myself something, I find if I just wait a little bit, you seem to always figure it out. You’re one of my favorite KZbinrs if not my favorite, although that’s hard to say bc I watch lots of different types of content, but please just keep doing what you are doing and evolving in your own direction. The cowbird was always going to be divisive but no matter what you had done people would have been mad. That’s nature. You’re awesome!

[@b1oh1]

I bet it looks even better in person! Tanner, you're so talented man. Much love ♥️

[@willierants5880]

This series is absolutely riveting. I just love it. I respect your decision to simply respect nature. I'll leave it at that. Keep inspiring and making controversy.

[@dogleghobag]

I think you succeeded! For one year, this is amazing. You'll never know what to amend until you've gone through one winter anyhow

[@ekstervogel9949]

Its amazing for the time! Biodiversity and overgrowth cost time. I live in a tiny city apartment so i really enjoy video’s of land transformation like this, a pond, a few trees and a pollinator garden is an amazing start! I would recommend that somewhere in the field you dig a 2x2 meter hole, have a big wood fire in it (carcoal) put some gravel for watering, and nice soil mix with some composting, (like a terrarium) when you fill up the hole and put a fence around it (no walking) and just leave the square totally untouched, maybe some watering. Just a wierd experiment

[@ekstervogel9949]

Can plant a small tree, but just nice to see the plants run wild in a few years

[@ghmratliff]

Be proud of everything you've created. It's beautiful! Take time to enjoy it also. Home ownership is long, life is long. None of these creations have a deadline. Thank you for sharing!

[@casesandcapitals]

I adored this series and I hope you continue it next year! I will say I prefer separate videos rather than a single long one, but if you think long-form suits it better, I'll check it out! And I'm glad you addressed the Cowbird. Sometimes its easy to forget that we can't just protect the species we like or have grown attached to. Creating a habitat like you did means accepting that nature will take its course there, regardless of which critters we arbitrarily root for lol

[@dirtywhitellama]

Pond looks fantastic, it's so satisfying seeing things start to mature. Makes anxious to get property of my own all over again. Best luck with your plans for it in the coming years and thank you for sharing!

[@Echosinfireify]

Looking forward to seeing the trees grow around the pond.

[@EmJay05-oq5bn]

Would you consider adding moss (and even lichens) to rocks to make the colonization process go a lot faster?

[@thegreatreceitatingplatypu5529]

Love that you share your struggles as well as your wins, keeps it real and so inspiring!

[@FortyCoast581]

I’m glad you have us multiple update videos

[@Shortbread1008]

You did an absolutely amazing job! I loved the documentary style of this series as well as seeing such a huge project come together so beautifully. I would love to see an update next year! ❤

[@thedorkycider]

I really loved seeing your journey with this oasis and I'm so excited to see next years progress. 🤷Mildly annoying that people comment things like that without full context and as if they're the authority. I appreciated the journey with its highs and lows and seeing nature unravel before our eyes.