I've made a start on digging out the ponds, the lower edge I'm building up slightly to reduce the digging, I've also laid a waterproof membrane punctured in places under this area to create a bog garden. Run off from the pond will probably help keep this area wet too. I've moved some of the top soil to the area behind the shed as this needed building up, some of the turf has been relaid there in an effort to level out the lawn area.
The second pond will have fish in, so I've been digging this a bit deeper than the big pond which will be a wildlife pond. I've hopefully enough plants to cover the surrounds of the pond, and will spend the next few months dividing plants from the existing bog garden. (When I've finished digging it out of course!)
We have another open day next week, so hopefully people will notice the progress and perhaps offer to help dig the pond out?
The arbour is coming along nicely now, we have covered it with pig netting, which I find very effective and reasonably cheap. I've planted numerous clematis all bargains under £3, and lots of roses, again mainly bargains that I have saved over the last year. The expanding trellis we're using to screen the wood store, has traveled around with us for 5 years now, so I'm sure it will be glad at last to find a permanent home. The bench is home made (of course), although m'spouse was very disappointed with it initially until I pointed out it would be brilliant in the arbour, and it would give a very nice view up the garden.