The Pond is Out of Control...

[@siobhanmacleod7957]

I don’t even know what to say about that opening other than...... Masterpiece!! 👌❤️

[@epichomesteading]

😂😂😂

[@GLG_YT]

Lol

[@into_a_fantasy_]

100% agree

[@lukaslambs5780]

I’d love to see a compilation of all the Epic Intros in one video. I’d watch it daily.

[@desireesitherland4871]

I am 399 like 1 away from 400.😢

[@shadowlair8261]

10 years ago my father packed up his camper and was ready to go on vacation when he decided to first clean out his overgrown pond. He died of electrocution that day, accidentally cutting through the electric line of the pump with his pruners, thinking it was a plant stalk. He was a year away from retirement. I know that couldn’t happen with your setup but just in case anyone watching could be in the same situation please be aware of the danger. If this helps save even one person reading this, it’s worth dampening the awesome mood in here:) Take care guys and keep up the good work.

[@mochamommyATX]

So sorry.

[@wildtame3823]

I'm so sorry for your family's tragedy.

[@simonem.3092]

Tragic story on many levels. So sorry. Worthwhile cautionary tale though.

[@lisanetgark415]

Very sorry for your father’s death. He would be proud of you sharing what happened. Reminding us pond people to beware of wires. RIP Sir.

[@celticlass8573]

I come for the gardening, I stay for the unabashed dorkiness. 💚

[@georgecarlin2656]

I'm glad I'm not alone in this.

[@BigboiiTone]

I know lol this had me smile several times and I watch these with my folks. We enjoy watching videos as family and they like the humour in these also. Very well done

[@jennhoff03]

Oh my gosh that intro!!! ;'D ;'D The fact that you've made like 200 videos and still find new ways too pop out of the garden never ceases to make me happy!

[@wanderingghost24]

Love this comment. I agree ❤️

[@HotdodoubleG]

Plant around the pond: Iris (pacific coast native/Douglas) Swamp & narrow-leaf milkweed Blanket flower Hibiscus Seep monkey flower Firecracker plant Red hot poker Full-Sun suited orchids Fig tree Dwarf weeping willow Passion flower vine on a trellis (yellow or passiflora incarnata)

[@nattzart6601]

I think the fire cracker plant is considered poisonous to cats and dogs? So maybe watch out for bobca?

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

Great ideas! How about banana trees too?

[@deidrecalabro5725]

Swampy milkweed for the Monarchs.

[@trishdavi7049]

Whatever you set up around the pond maybe keep in designer containers or grow bags to easily relocate until you achieve the desired look and feel. Epic magic visual beginning there K&J. First thought was hibiscus. Then pampas and other grasses. Lemon grass or lemon verbena may repel mosquitos. Any weeping trees might highlight the waterfall and any trees strategically placed to add desired shade to your oasis will help keep it and the fish cool in the pool. Although anything flowering will look spectacular reflecting off the water you don't want the spent blooms dropping into the water potentially clogging filter or pump when they are done. Same goes with deciduous tree leaves. Avoid planting willow into the ground where you have water or even septic pipes. They seek a lot of water and have broken pipes to get it. Although a weeping willow may look nice and there are dwarf varieties, their roots are not dwarfed. You have such a Montage of grow bags that around your pond could be ideal to showcase them. Avoid use of porcelain or clay pots that could too easily break against those rocks. Great work guys

[@Nikki-mx5my]

Wow I didn’t know there were dwarf varieties of weeping willows. They are my favorite trees.

[@austinebert710]

A treehouse for the cat would be something fun next to the pond!

[@JoeBlack14]

You need some elephant ear for your pond, maybe at the top of the waterfall. They get huge in the summer, provide good shade, and have amazing looking leaves. In my koi pond I have them at the bottom of the waterfall because they can grow in air with water flowing over the roots. Mine are in full sun during the summer and do just fine incase you were worried about leaf burn. -edit - They do fine in the soil too which is why I mentioned the top there were it is blank.

[@StuffedAvocado]

If he gets the Colocasia esculenta, then Kevin can eventually harvest them as “taro”.

[@paganlark7037]

Hey, just a tip from the aquascaping world -- you might consider putting some Siamese Algae Eater fish in your pond (you will need large full grown ones so your koi don't eat them). Other critters that can help control algae are Mystery snails and fresh water shrimp. There's a whole world of underwater gardening and ecosystem balancing that you guys might be into: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXK9f6V9iNWKarc

[@whocares4583]

That’s what I was thinking

[@julianspetsplants0309]

I love all your videos, the homestead, main channel, and Jacque's as well. I have been watching for a few years, and you were my inspiration to start my own gardening channel.

[@IVOrganic]

Love that into! Keep up the great content Kevin & Jacques! 🌱👍

[@jweezy101491]

My thought that I'd be interested to see you try is this: water the epic garden with the epic pondwater, then refill the pond with whatever freshwater you otherwise would have used to water the garden. More nutrients to the garden, and cleaner water for the epic pond.

[@thatsalt1560]

I know nothing about ponds, but in fish tanks it's not good for the fish with such drastic changes in water quality. There's a balance that involves bacteria keeping the water healthy.

[@southerncharmed4118]

@@thatsalt1560 you’re exactly right! The pond is a whole ecosystem in it’s self. Sudden changes like that would more than likely be fatal to the fish. It’s a good idea if there were no aquatic life in the pond.

[@cutiedudie2002]

That's what we do with our 100 gallon stock pond. It has small fish in it, a ton of plants, and fish do really well with frequent water changes. The water is taken out to water, and I refill with rain water if it is getting too low, and the outlet from our rain barrel goes into the filter so when it rains it probably gets a 50% change in a few hours. I do take the outlet out if it is raining too hard.

[@WinsomeWinslet]

Purslane would be really pretty around the pond plus it has succulent properties so it retains water well. Lots of little colorful flowers and edible too!

[@timothywong1419]

You should grow sarracenia pitcher plants! They would be a lovely addition to the pond ecosystem and a cool plant to feature in your channel!

[@gasmoney13]

A carnivorous plant selection would be cool and help keep the mosquito population down. Lots of great options.

[@grey.the.ranger]

Never leave the homestead.....nevvvvver! I remember my grandparents pond growing up had a Japanese Maple towards the top section and tiger lilies around the perimeter. Keep being dorks my dudes, it is wonderful!!

[@bonnieechmalian2158]

Watching Monty Don I learned when you remove plants from a pond to let them sit at the edge for a bit so any creatures can return to the water. Some tall colorful planting around the pond would look nice and provide shade. Does the cat ever try to go fishing?

[@bethheerten1132]

My neighbor's cat used to come sit on the warm rocks around our pond and watch the fish, but he never tried to catch one. I can't say the same for the raccoons.😒

[@laurabrown7912]

I think that planting trees/shrubs and flowers that are natives to your state would be a great way to attract the pollinators, and would look stunning. You have some really beautiful plants there. Buckwheat, gooseberry, lilac, sagebrush, Catalina currant, chaparral mallow, coffeeberry, lemon aid berry. Just to name a few.

[@neirishsmiles8005]

Maybe try some birch trees blood good Japanese maples or something similar maybe trellis some David Austin climbing roses or clematis over the front of water unit Ornamental perennial grasses Possibilities are endless Can’t wait too see what is next !

[@stephencarraway3906]

Cardinal flower and local milkweeds are excellent bog/pondside plants. Some irises would look at home as well

[@davidcheever8175]

That was an "EPIC" opening for your pond clean up. Kevin you have some good lungs there holding you breath that long. Great recording!!! The first thing would be to get some of that roll up bamboo fencing and stake it up around your monster water tank to soften the look. Some of those giant sunflowers 🌻 in growbags and different types of bananas in growbags would work until you decide on a long term 😎 shade cover tree for the area. Keep em coming. We love them.♥️🎏

[@VaultDwellerGal]

Fire intro! Absolutely epic! I knew y’all were doing amazing things, but had no idea y’all got Francis Ford Coppola to direct some videos. 👏👏👏👏 👏

[@DangerB0ne]

I would add some native marginals as well as an array of mosses. A riparian environment inspired by the ones in California would be great, maybe include a native sycamore as a shade tree. The algae problem can be alleviated if you introduce some algae eaters in your pond. I'm not sure that oto cats or amano shrimp would do well but nerite snails should adapt well and avoid getting eaten by the koi, plecos would work too.

[@juliehorney995]

How about a few hardy banana plants and a flowering oleander in the mix around the back of the pond? Tropical vibe!

[@GregWittstockThePondGuy]

Glad to see you are enjoying the pond!

[@boigeorge1149]

I don't know if your climate would allow for this, but I've been really into wild flower plots. It could protect the soil you have, and bring in more pollinators.

[@mochamommyATX]

I love how wildflowers look on the former bald spots of my lawn. It gives a LANDSCAPED look for low maintenece.

[@wh4t0n34rth]

Jersey Lillies will do great! Pink/purple/white Ismelia(to match the water Lillies) , yellow/gold/white Sunflowers or Rudbeckias(to match the canna), Some ferns here and there, Cosmos, Lemongrass, Calendula, Daylillies, Nigella, Zinnias, Butterfly Pea maybe, caladiums, Tulips, carnivorous plants, and yeah, a couple of trees, so it feels like a forest.

[@safehavens77]

that was great 🤣love it , i need more unhinged garden peeps in my life lol

[@stephenluna7932]

I would do an assortment of native flowers and grasses around the pond to really help bring in the pollinators. the grasses and flower combo combined with the pond would create a perfect ecosystem for them to breed and raise their young. especially if you make a brush pile somewhere on the epic homestead as well.

[@aussiecountry9320]

..... So does this mean all we have to do is throw a rock into a pond to summon a Kevin?

[@jacksondone3795]

wildflowers growing around the pond, would bring incredible amount of life to the garden

[@jdfutura]

These intro’s are getting wilder by the video and I love it!

[@Doxribo]

This is becoming one of my favorite channels on KZbin, keep it up guys👍

[@FishyFritz]

Jelly eggs are snail eggs. The water highesen that float will take over a pond fast. Also be careful with the water Lilly roots growing out of the pots and making a mess.

[@thesilentone4024]

You should get some fruit trees to help shade this pool during the hot part of the day. Also grow some waterweel plants.

[@yeshuaisthewaythetruthandt515]

HOW ABOUT AN ARCH TYPE STRUCTURE FOR A PURPLE WISTERIA OR VINE EDIBLES

[@mason-ou2xv]

Good idea

[@gcc2313]

@@yeshuaisthewaythetruthandt515 if they're worried about plants taking over wisteria is not the best choice at all, extremely aggressive.

[@jwilli7434]

You guys! I love these openings! You don't know how much it makes me laugh watching you guys kid around. 🤣

[@joellynshort3949]

Love your intros. 😍 Fellow San Diegan here, super algae bloom here in Lake Murray too - they’re actually not running water through the treatment plant for a while. Water level is rising as they’re still letting water in from the next reservoir up the line. 😂

[@majoyap3403]

That intro was... EPIC! Your KZbin videos keeps getting better and better.. It's like a TV show. Love it! I suggest put flowering plants around, or citronella and other plants that ward off flies.

[@111hellkat]

Plant a row of tall aquatic or semi-aquatic sedges or something behind the pond to block the view of the water tank. Short, small-headed flowers up front. The whole pond will look like a giant diorama.

[@A-sui]

I feel like a big tree to one part of the pond would look really nice. The birds can relax there and as well as drink water. Like a big flower tree and some flower petals may also fall into the pond. And around there could be grass or something else. But a big tree next to a pond looks so calming. Like people leaning against the tree and next to a pond reading a book XD. The weeping willow would look amazing

[@KatBiscuits]

Lol the flinch at 0:12. Jacques knew what was coming, but Kevins dedication to the bit still got him. 😂😂😂

[@katteare2931]

Wonderful show. I would highly recommend that you remove the water hyacinth before it covers the whole pond. It has covered entire lakes and clogs other waterways. Do not toss it in a native creek. Compost. The other water plants will all spread quite a bit. A good selection. For surrounding plants I'd suggest some wetland native wildflowers. Monkey flower.

[@chrishobsonwhalen5238]

I live in the northeast so am partial to you and Jacque designing a cool, woodsy feel around the pond. Perhaps deep green bushes, willows, tall grasses, cool soft ground cover. Whatever you come up with will be awesome I'm sure.

[@JoeBlack14]

My koi get fed 3 times a day in the summer, they are 1.5 to 2 feet long. They are more active in the summer due to the heat so they eat more food. During the winter I feed them once a day. In the spring I feed them 1 to 2 times depending on how active they are at that time. Mine also gets cleaned once a month because that algae will take over and make it nasty. Also use a product that helps reduce the algae growth. Had my pond for almost 20 years.

[@adrianneporta8032]

Creeping Jenny or pariwinkle always looks amazing around ponds. Definitely some kind of fruit tree up on the berm behind the waterfalls. And these intros just keep getting better and better 😂

[@lenam2114]

The openings are getting better and better and I’m here for it!

[@maia2387]

hahahah love the intros, I too struggle with keeping a straight face in these situations Jacques

[@PlantGuild]

The hook got us on that introduction. Please keep creating introductions like that! Too funny! I have consistently felt that wildflowers would be best around the pond from when you first showed it off during the construction process. Wildflowers and any other perennial that is native to San Diego. Make the pond a place of more relaxation and less maintenance. I'm late to the comment party, but just my two cents.

[@robertcotrell9810]

Lots of greenery that can produce flowers

[@wdj8991]

Plants for around the pond: sea lavender, lantana, succulents, banana, more cannas, bromeliads, hibiscus, bird of paradise, iris, plumeria, Jasmine, coneflowers, pineapple, ornamental grasses, palms, Russian Sage, agave, croton, weigela, sword ferns.

[@whipbirdenvironmental]

Would love to see some San Diego local native plants around the pond. I think in the world of gardening we often forget how great our local plants can be and how much positive environmental impacts local plants can have, I know it is certainly the case here in Aus. It'd be interesting to see what sort of things occur naturally in your area. I imagine it'd make for osme good habitat for your local fauna too.

[@belindaroadley]

Carry on some continuity with the cannas, and get some big leafed plants around there! Elephant ears, tetrapanax, etc 😊😊😊

[@Carmen-ok]

You guys are getting better at acting, I choked on my coffee when Kevin jumped out of the pond 🤣🤣 the pond looks amazing 💯😊

[@amys3168]

I’m glad you came back a few days later to prove you survived the sting!

[@janzebuski3559]

Jacques, thanks for good info and explanation about the pond and overgrowth.

[@johnmiguel7666]

Hi guys...great job with the pond..a few observations...your water lily collection needs feeding on a regular basis..there are "pond tabs" you can push into the pots designed to keep them well-fed and blooming for all season...they should be growing like mad right now...they look like "tropical" varieties which should do well in your area, but need constant feeding. Be careful planting around the edges of the pond, as anything you put there will eventually find the water and grow, maybe too well...but a papyrus or two would look wonderful...the tall Egyptian kind..and they would block the view of your huge water tank..plant them a bit away from the edge, as they will tolerate growing in only soil. Keep a watch on your water chemistry..the "string" algae are usually found where the water is high in nitrogen from the fish "fertilizer" but may be an indication of an unbalanced chemistry...a visit from a pond guy might be in order just to be sure. Loved the video...Kevin, you are a true "fish"!!

[@brenthauser]

The floating water hyacinth does great for water clarity, but will take over. Luckily it is great for composting.

[@mochamommyATX]

7:06. I feel you pain. I love fresh cut flowers💐 from the garden, but bee🐝 stings are the cost of a beautiful centerpiece.

[@kristiryan740]

Lol. Love the opening. I'd have a bench and some trees. Someone else said a Japanese maple...that would be pretty. Somewhere to just sit and appreciate all you have done.

[@OBuBu-p8y]

a lot of pretty shade trees and couple seating areas under them would be amazing, yay cover the whole pool with trees

[@ym10up]

I don't know if it grows in your area but Hedychium coronarium is truly lovely with delicate fragrant white flowers. It loves living in or near water if I remember correctly.

[@otakelblanchemanor0659]

Epic opening! 😆 🤣 😂 Given that your area is prone to drought, it be interesting to see what y'all would come up with using drought resistance plants...with a tropical twist and don't forget to throw in some fruit!!

[@ryanr.719]

Definitely a miniature golf course around the pond 😂

[@Idontwantachannel67]

Nice Intro… 😝 Honestly I might put in some hibiscus and dwarf canna’s if you want to fill in the surrounding area. Maybe some Pygmy date palms? Or ponytail palm? Would make a good screen for your spa too. Or those corten planters with some kind of bamboo.

[@denisesc21]

Wow, that was an opening. Hilarious. Gorgeous pond!

[@julipolito7761]

Put cannas around the outside, too? There are the chocolate colored variety. Gardenias take more sun then you’d think, they’d be nice. Hibiscus would love the moisture around the pond. Clivia? Bird of paradise? Sweet potato vine… there is a lime green variety and a dark chocolate color that would add a nice texture and color. Asparagus fern is hardy. Love epic pond, man! You guys did an amazing job! Sedum, or succulents for texture and low growing?

[@heathermiddleton4958]

You two are hilarious. I love it. You guys are so much fun.

[@blakemunsey]

You could put Gunnera manicata (Brazilian giant-rhubarb) at the back of the pont towards the back fence this would look amazing, and give it a prehistoric feel!

[@gogokate17]

that opening..... brings you to a new level

[@william_rc]

Love the Epic Pond! Can't wait to see how it evolves.

[@teresadelgado1372]

I never know what to expect from you guys. You keep your lessons fun and exciting. This is what it makes me watch you videos. Besides I have learned a lot and still learning. Thank you for the joy!!!

[@girlmeetsmeeple5415]

I would get some shade for it. Maybe a Willow on one side. Also, if you plant duckweed in the pond, you can harvest it regularly to supplement your chickens.

[@k9spot1]

I think around the pond could use something tall and more structured. Maybe a topiary, some geometric flower layers, a rock garden, or some statues from a local sculpture artist (¿Porque no los todos?). A pergola with some wisteria flowers or something with that vibe could work. Some color, structure, and some shade are what I’d recommend.

[@rodneymccrea7214]

How about some tall elephant grass or something similar in the back to screen the water tank? Also think some low-lying ground cover like some soft evergreen cover that lays on the ground would look beautiful.

[@kittiew260]

The Koi are looking awesome. Great update

[@MrsVisShe]

❤ I love this channel as well as Epic Gardening ❤❤ very therapeutic for me

[@dannyboii9117]

Maybe some dwarf conifers ☺️🌲? Then maybe some other shrubs, azaleas could be nice. Maybe black mondo grass towards the front. Idk just lots of color/texture and variety :3. Oh and maybe some cycads or palms 🌴😱.

[@jamieflint2550]

All right, you took it up a notch with that opening!!! I laughed so hard 😂 That'll be difficult to top!!

[@connorphillips7191]

Irises, super vigorous but super pretty plants, awesome to blend in with the rush and add some color or to be in another spot

[@carolleimbach6407]

Just keeps getting better! 🤣 Around the pond: something tall-ish that doesn't deposit too many leaves in the water and provides more shade. Keep them in pots so you can move them around and decide where looks best. What about some evergreens that do well in your area?

[@CraigCrossley]

You called it blue two different times...but that flower is thoroughly PURPLE.

[@evanthompson3727]

I love Joe Pye weed around the ponds on my property. It grows tall and flowers beautifully!

[@GreenMachine1365]

I'd sure love to have that red plant in my own pond!. Most of the standard marginals and submerged plants we've tried have hardly grown at all. Gets cold here (NY Adirondacks) at night, 50s are not uncommon in midsummer, and the water lettuce and water hyacinth barely live while the water lilies do grow but only very slowly. Really struggling to get surface coverage and the rocks and bottom are covered in heavy algae as a result. Taro slowly dies back here, same for corkscrew rush. Plants like iris and pickerel that grow great in area lakes and ponds barely live here even when potted in Aquascape media. Attempts to fertilize the mesh pots just got us heavier algae (clump stuff, not string at least).

[@sierrareed11]

I think orange and red wildflowers would look BEAUTIFUL around the pond

[@sallygiles132]

That opening was hilarious, I was not expecting that 😂😂😂

[@staceymoniz]

Thank you for the outtakes at the end!! Now that I know that Kevin is colorblind, it's fun to watch when he does stuff like call the purple lily blue... you guys are the best and I'm always excited to see you've got new content up. Thanks for your hard work!!

[@fluxilla]

Would be great to see some greenery cover up that water tank, maybe you could blend that into the area around the pond? The first thing that comes to mind is star jasmine to give you a big boost in bees, scent, and coverage, but it is a chore to keep controlled. Nicotiana Alata is also an option, but I think you'd do better visually with some kind of evergreen instead of something that dies back in the winter.

[@wdsjrmd1]

i love the water hyacinths. they will clean out the nitrates quickly and help cut down on the algae. they will multiply like a weed and i love the blue flowers they have

[@wdsjrmd1]

the chickens will love to eat the water hyacinths as they multiply and spread

[@pascalxus]

lolz funny intro. Kev would never leave the homestead. all those pond plants seem so exotic to me. i've never grown any of that before.

[@stephadoodledoo]

The mislabeled "water lettuce" with the floating bulbs looks like water hyacinth! They're really pretty but definitely be careful with those because they run the risk of growing invasive.

[@cbvickers4044]

Plants around the pond-- Exotic striped elephant ear Coffee Cup elephant ear Iris Forsythia And.....definitely a bank of large hibiscus or Rose of Sharon to HIDE THAT HIDEOUS TANK! 😊

[@narissachristensen8292]

I think the hill going up on the right side of the pond would look beautiful with some purple creeping thyme, it's a great ground cover and only grows like 2 inches tall so you won't ever have to mow it and the pollinaters love it!

[@Jenoveryonder]

That’s gonna be a very happy compost pile!

[@tomcrocker]

I hate to say grass but it seems like you'll probably want a walk way around the outskirts your pond? The area around the pond seems like a great place for a raised path to observe the pond from a different angle. I think you should make a green pathway (doesn't need to be grass, perhaps clover or even some kind of creeping ground cover?). Something you can happily walk on bare foot and then behind the path plant tall plants to disguise the big water tank. The main issue right now is the bare dirt makes it look half finished like a construction site.

[@carolpbarbalho]

For around the pond, I really love the tropical look of strelitzias and monsteras. Along with something short and grassy.

[@Sabrina-oj3of]

Love your energy when you get together!! ❤️

[@mariokristina]

The video we’ve been waiting for!! Thank you so much! You two are too funny. Ps. I wish your videos were longer!

[@ilikerainydays1500]

This was already one of my favorite channels to watch in my spare time, and now it's golden with all the comedy 🤣🤣🤣

[@chattyotter3300]

Omg that intro was AMAZING🤣🔥🔥🔥

[@StubbsMillingCo.]

Herbs- basil and rosemary “bushes” and some lavender. Mix in some Lilly’s, they love water as well🤷🏼‍♂️👍🏻💯 looks good

[@kibaakamaru1997]

Definetly plant some swamp milkweed around the pond, it will attract the monarchs!

[@adairsulhoff5405]

Something tall iand evergreen n the back to block the cistern.. Cleyera or bottlebrush, or bougainvillea on a trellis? Be sure to put at least one mid sized plant closer in to provide protection and a flight path for birds. It looks fantastic!