The Perfect Pond
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Solitude, our Pond Management Company from Delaware, and their maintenance specialist, remarked that our sediment control pond is the best he services. We’ve had many opportunities to dialogue about the pond’s health because they contact me when a pond visit is scheduled. One lovely day we discussed the buffer around the pond and how it filters sediments that are not beneficial to the water. The breezes were blowing across the pond, creating ripples that disappeared in the brush. It has become a perfect habitat for turtles, frogs, different fish, harmless snakes, and a myriad of birds that are the good, bad, and the ugly. We know the category for the geese!
The pond boasts many native plants that attract pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and even bats. These plants include Baptisia, Joe Pye and Iron Weed, Beautyberry, Black Eyed Susans, Goldenrod, Coneflower, Prickly Pear Cactus, and White and Purple Asters. The large beds have become a haven for wildlife, especially the Monarch Butterfly that seeks out the Milkweed plant on which to lay its eggs. The caterpillar feasts only on the tall Milkweed or shorter butterfly weed (orange in color), not to be confused with the butterfly bush (purple, pink, or white in color) that is now on the invasive plant list. After the caterpillar emerges from its chrysalis it flits to many plants, such as asters, zinnias, and coneflower to tank up for the long journey happening in October. For the young and old who like to fish, it is a desirable place to catch the hearty population of bluegills, bass, and catfish.
Yes, the pond in Harvest Farms is the perfect place for critters and plants or flora and fauna because it is good for the environment, Bay Wise friendly, and a place to enjoy the scene of calmness and beauty. When was the last time you took that walk? There are treasures to see each and every time you visit “the perfect pond.” As Thoreau wrote about Walden Pond “heaven is under our feet as well as over our head.” It is at our pond, too.
Andrea Kowaleski
October 2019
The pond boasts many native plants that attract pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and even bats. These plants include Baptisia, Joe Pye and Iron Weed, Beautyberry, Black Eyed Susans, Goldenrod, Coneflower, Prickly Pear Cactus, and White and Purple Asters. The large beds have become a haven for wildlife, especially the Monarch Butterfly that seeks out the Milkweed plant on which to lay its eggs. The caterpillar feasts only on the tall Milkweed or shorter butterfly weed (orange in color), not to be confused with the butterfly bush (purple, pink, or white in color) that is now on the invasive plant list. After the caterpillar emerges from its chrysalis it flits to many plants, such as asters, zinnias, and coneflower to tank up for the long journey happening in October. For the young and old who like to fish, it is a desirable place to catch the hearty population of bluegills, bass, and catfish.
Yes, the pond in Harvest Farms is the perfect place for critters and plants or flora and fauna because it is good for the environment, Bay Wise friendly, and a place to enjoy the scene of calmness and beauty. When was the last time you took that walk? There are treasures to see each and every time you visit “the perfect pond.” As Thoreau wrote about Walden Pond “heaven is under our feet as well as over our head.” It is at our pond, too.
Andrea Kowaleski
October 2019
2020 Neighborhood Garden Club
Michael Sparks said, "A well-kept garden reflects the skill of the gardener who tends it. A joy-filled garden reflects the gifts a gardener receives."
The pond garden is a perfect spot to enjoy the bounty and beauty of a garden - gifts for all of us. We invite interested gardeners to join us at the gazebo to plan, weed, and propagate the many perennials that are on the site. This is also a chance to get some new perennials that need homes for your own gardens. If you are interested in our garden club and would like a chance to exchange good gardening practices, please call or email Andrea Kowaleski: (410) 606-2120; [email protected].
The garden club will have its first meeting on Sunday, May 19, at 2:00pm, at the pond.
Michael Sparks said, "A well-kept garden reflects the skill of the gardener who tends it. A joy-filled garden reflects the gifts a gardener receives."
The pond garden is a perfect spot to enjoy the bounty and beauty of a garden - gifts for all of us. We invite interested gardeners to join us at the gazebo to plan, weed, and propagate the many perennials that are on the site. This is also a chance to get some new perennials that need homes for your own gardens. If you are interested in our garden club and would like a chance to exchange good gardening practices, please call or email Andrea Kowaleski: (410) 606-2120; [email protected].
The garden club will have its first meeting on Sunday, May 19, at 2:00pm, at the pond.
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04/2017 : Pond Stocking
On the morning of April 12th the pond was stocked with 2 bags of minnows and one bag of blue gills. 
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Your pond, gazebo, and overlook deck
03/2017 : It’s Time for Outside Spring Cleaning
The recent snow storm following periods of warm weather have delayed homeowners from the necessary task of preparing their yards for spring cleaning chores. But the reality of clean-up will soon be upon us. It is hoped that the following checklist will aide those who are eager to get their homes ready for spring and to enjoy being outside in warmer weather.
Learn what you can do to help minimize stormwater runoff and prevent stormwater pollution. Drop in an learn about the topics of your choice. Talk to our experts, ask your individual questions, and pick up some helpful materials.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
10 AM to 12 PM Great Hall @ Carroll Community College.
This is a perfect opportunity to utilize the water that normally flows into the storm drains and carries with it pollutants, soil, yard debris, fertilizers, and pesticides. Rain barrels, rain gardens, grassy swales, and vegetated filter strips can aid the homeowners in conserving water. Those rivers of water that flow into our storm drains can be better utilized. Come and join us on March 18, 2017.
10/2016
In 2011 Carroll County retro fitted all the pipes for our stormwater management pond and ours was transferred to a very large mud puddle. The county agreed to fund the replacement of some of the mature trees that were lost and all of them are doing nicely. So now we fast forward to 2016 to our pond area that has become an attractive area to fish, walk, and enjoy the lovely views around the water area. The large gardening areas contain native plants as well as shrubs that will provide color and vegetation throughout the year. The main bed has been bor-dered with large rocks to hold back the soil and prevent further runoff and erosion. Many of these plants were donations from Carroll county Master Gardeners and other gardening sources. But there is still much to be done to create the kind of environment that will keep our pond healthy and attractive to homeowners and wildlife.
Solitude is our pond management resource and they have provided us with valuable information regarding the health of our pond.
What You Can Do:
The Geese:
The DNR has been contacted about the geese problem which as of this past summer totaled 64 and we know they will return with greater numbers this spring. They are beautiful but in large numbers they can destroy an environment like our pond area. Temporary fencing has been installed in specific areas to make it more difficult for the geese to access the water. Also, the aerators will be turned off for the winter so the pond can freeze over, which is not as attractive for wintering geese as is open water. We will contact the DNR in late spring so they can conduct a humane roundup of the geese.
The Future:
Our pond is only 5 years old and still very young. It is in a state of flux with each rainfall and passing season but we have a positive direction because of Solitude's expertise and people who are interested in having Blue Herons, Green Herons, Kingfisher bird, and now the Red-Winged Blackbirds in our neighborhood. The gardens as well as the wildlife are flourishing and add to the beauty of The Comeback Pond.
- Andrea Kowaleski
The recent snow storm following periods of warm weather have delayed homeowners from the necessary task of preparing their yards for spring cleaning chores. But the reality of clean-up will soon be upon us. It is hoped that the following checklist will aide those who are eager to get their homes ready for spring and to enjoy being outside in warmer weather.
- Pick up all fallen tree branches and yard debris and prune trees that have dead, damaged or crossing branches or limbs.
- Cut back all ornamental grasses as well as liriope.
- Rake lawn to remove dead grass and debris. Apply lawn fertilizer with pre-emergent crabgrass control. Do not apply if you plan to reseed your lawn.
- Prepare flower and shrub beds. Remove dead plant material including some compacted old mulch. Add compost to keep beds healthy and spread a layer of mulch.
- Divide perennials such as hostas, day-lilies, and irises.
- Prune spring flowering shrubs after blooming: forsythia, azaleas, lilacs, and rhododendrons.
- Consider planting native shrubs and perennials as soon as the ground is warm enough to dig. The Eldersburg Library garden is all native and a binder inside explains each and every plant. They are tried and true and perform like stars in the garden.
I will be providing frequent gardening tips and info to help you with the delights and difficulties that abound when one enters the garden.
Andrea Kowaleski
Master Gardener
He who plants a garden, plants happiness. Chinese proverb
Learn what you can do to help minimize stormwater runoff and prevent stormwater pollution. Drop in an learn about the topics of your choice. Talk to our experts, ask your individual questions, and pick up some helpful materials.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
10 AM to 12 PM Great Hall @ Carroll Community College.
This is a perfect opportunity to utilize the water that normally flows into the storm drains and carries with it pollutants, soil, yard debris, fertilizers, and pesticides. Rain barrels, rain gardens, grassy swales, and vegetated filter strips can aid the homeowners in conserving water. Those rivers of water that flow into our storm drains can be better utilized. Come and join us on March 18, 2017.
10/2016
In 2011 Carroll County retro fitted all the pipes for our stormwater management pond and ours was transferred to a very large mud puddle. The county agreed to fund the replacement of some of the mature trees that were lost and all of them are doing nicely. So now we fast forward to 2016 to our pond area that has become an attractive area to fish, walk, and enjoy the lovely views around the water area. The large gardening areas contain native plants as well as shrubs that will provide color and vegetation throughout the year. The main bed has been bor-dered with large rocks to hold back the soil and prevent further runoff and erosion. Many of these plants were donations from Carroll county Master Gardeners and other gardening sources. But there is still much to be done to create the kind of environment that will keep our pond healthy and attractive to homeowners and wildlife.
Solitude is our pond management resource and they have provided us with valuable information regarding the health of our pond.
- Increase the vegetation areas around the pond to decrease runoff and erosion by planting a meadow with wildflowers that will be cut 2-3 times a year.
- Continue maintenance of a vegetative buffer along the shoreline and the sloped areas adjacent to the pond.
What You Can Do:
- Keep all vegetation and other materials from washing into the pond. Grass clippings, leaves, sticks, etc. can accumulate around the storm drains and eventually break down and go into the pond. This raises the sediment levels and makes the pond less shallow and more likely to promote algae growth.
- Limit use of pesticides and herbicides because they too wash into the pond.
- Please remove all food wrappers, bottles, and materials when fishing at the pier. We are unable to provide a large garbage can because it becomes a repository that is subject to vandalism.
The Geese:
The DNR has been contacted about the geese problem which as of this past summer totaled 64 and we know they will return with greater numbers this spring. They are beautiful but in large numbers they can destroy an environment like our pond area. Temporary fencing has been installed in specific areas to make it more difficult for the geese to access the water. Also, the aerators will be turned off for the winter so the pond can freeze over, which is not as attractive for wintering geese as is open water. We will contact the DNR in late spring so they can conduct a humane roundup of the geese.
The Future:
Our pond is only 5 years old and still very young. It is in a state of flux with each rainfall and passing season but we have a positive direction because of Solitude's expertise and people who are interested in having Blue Herons, Green Herons, Kingfisher bird, and now the Red-Winged Blackbirds in our neighborhood. The gardens as well as the wildlife are flourishing and add to the beauty of The Comeback Pond.
- Andrea Kowaleski
Great Blue Heron
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Red Winged Blackbird
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11/11/2014
The pond aeration system has been shutdown for the winter season. The pond was extremely healthy for this entire season, as confirmed by a third party pond service company. Several plants have been planted in the area over the last few months for beautification and to provide a healthy buffer for the pond.
The pond aeration system has been shutdown for the winter season. The pond was extremely healthy for this entire season, as confirmed by a third party pond service company. Several plants have been planted in the area over the last few months for beautification and to provide a healthy buffer for the pond.
| pond_aeration_system_faqs.pdf |
4/15/2014
The pond was stocked with 400 bluegill and 30 large mouth bass. The pond is in good health with no weed or algae problems at this time.
4/7/2014
The aeration system has been restarted after being off for the winter. Fish stocking has been ordered for this Spring.
7/16/2013
The aeration system has been up and running for a few weeks. No problems have been reported with the system. The pond will be stocked with more fish when we are able to have fish delivered.
4/15/2013
The service inspection was approved and will be sent to BGE. The electrical contractor will call BGE tomorrow to get a site inspection scheduled, then BGE will conduct its work.
4/4/2013
The electrical work has not been completed, but the aeration system itself has been installed. The aeration system installer will return to hook it up to the electric service once it is ready. Once the system is working, we plan on stocking the pond with game fish.
3/16/2013
The electrical work for the pond aeration system has begun and the system itself will be installed on March 20th.
1/13/2013
A pond aeration system will be installed in the Spring. BGE and an electrical contractor will be doing work near the pond to supply power for the system.
10/3/2012
The Board has been researching putting an aeration system at the pond to improve its health and appearance. This would require adding electrical service at the pond. BGE would charge a one-time fee of $8,803 to add this service, with an electrical contractor needed to place the meter and run the service down to the aeration system at a cost of $3,858. An aeration system itself will cost at least $3800. Future expenses would be monthly electrical billing and approximately $250/year in aeration system maintenance. Please email [email protected] with any questions/comments -- a final decision will be made on this matter shortly.
4/28/2012
The pond is almost complete!
Recent rains have refilled the pond bottom, but it has another three feet or so to fill up, which will likely happen over the summer. Meanwhile, most of the redevelopment is done. The new pond features easier sloping surrounds, a walkway at water level completely around the pond, and even a “safety” ledge around the perimeter under the new water level.
The new drainage at the back corner under the wire cage is designed to overflow only when the water in the pond rises up an outflow pipe buried under the berm. The water level is likely to be about 6 inches above the reddish-colored soil line. This water line covers a three-foot “shelf” that extends from the water’s edge. If someone loses their footing, they will step on this “safety” ledge instead of sliding down the embankment. It is a great safety feature. Plus, the pond will likely be only about 4-5 feet deep when filled.
The walkway is a new feature. In the past, you could really only walk around the pond at the top of the embankment, or risk sliding into the water if you wanted to go down to the water line. This new pond has a great walkway right around the water edge, so you can get right up close to nature. The gazebo is back in place, grass is laid down to grow under the straw, and it will be a nice park-like environment.
Several of the large carp survived and are now thriving in the refilled pond. Birds are back, including the great blue heron that uses the pond for catching frogs and small fish. Don’t know if any other fish survived, but there are frogs, turtles, and tadpoles. Of course, the Canadian geese and wood ducks are back, with plenty of red wing blackbirds and the occasional scavenging vulture. There are certain to be a fox or two back along the shore as well. One or two red-shouldered hawks have been seen hunting at the pond too!We are in the process of restocking the pond with fish, with minnows being the first addition. We are also going to add trees and additional plants as needed. We are looking into adding an aerator to keep the pond healthy, which would require running electricity to the pond area.
Thanks to our county designers and planners for a really well done rebuild of our community pond. For now, keep hoping for rain (weeknights only!) to fill it up! Come on down and visit the new pond!
1/30/2012
The work has begun! Please contact a Board member if you have any questions or concerns.
1/3/2012
Due to the excessive rainfall in the area this fall, Carroll County was forced to reschedule the beginning of construction to late January/early February. The contractor may be delayed if we receive heavy snowfall this winter, but if the weather cooperates, the site should be fully stabilized and growing grass by early June.
10/4/2011
On October 4th Ron and Andrea Kowaleski met with John Bowman, Forest Conservation Specialist, Tim Hunter of Landscaping , Inc. and Janet O’Meara, Watershed Management Specialist all of Carroll County to discuss the scheduled retro fitting of the pond.
1. The bids have been submitted to the Carroll County Bureau of Resource Management and a contractor was selected. The decision will be submitted to the commissioners on October 12th for their approval. Once approval is obtained, the Bureau of Resource Management can proceed with the contract to retrofit our community pond.
2. Upon review it was determined that it was not cost effective to remove mature trees and attempt to replant them after the project is completed. Carroll County will contract with Tim Hunter to replace some of the trees that were removed. A submitted cost of $2,810 was suggested. He seemed very supportive in working with us to offset the loss of vegetation to this area. The good news is that we will be allowed to plant on the street facing side of the pond. Thus we can get this area to look somewhat like it does now with landscaping that will be pleasing to homeowners.
3. We also discussed the possibility of saving some of the larger trees. They are willing to establish barriers around the trees so that they will not be damaged during the work. Because the county needs access to the pond, some of these larger trees will have to be removed.
4. If all goes according to plan, work could begin sometime in November. Completion of this project will be sometime in the spring.
5/19/2011
Gale Engles and Janet Omeara from Pond Management of Carroll County met with Harvest Farms CA residents on April 26 at the pond. At the meeting they presented construction plans for the retrofit of the pond at Harvest Farms.
The main points of the plan are:
The surface area of the pond will remain the same after the retrofit, but it will be cleaned out and made deeper.
The slopes will be graded to be less steep.
The three inlet pipes off of Cable Drive will be connected underground and one outlet will empty into the pond. The manhole covers for these inlets will be at ground level.
The inlet and outlet structures will be concrete with black metal rails.
During retrofit the pond will be emptied and the fish removed for relocation to another pond. Community residents may volunteer to assist with the fish removal.
The work for the retrofit will be bid to a contractor, and the project should be done this fall.
Carroll County will move some of the smaller trees before the retrofit begins. The pond committee will mark the trees that we wish to try to save.
The pond was stocked with 400 bluegill and 30 large mouth bass. The pond is in good health with no weed or algae problems at this time.
4/7/2014
The aeration system has been restarted after being off for the winter. Fish stocking has been ordered for this Spring.
7/16/2013
The aeration system has been up and running for a few weeks. No problems have been reported with the system. The pond will be stocked with more fish when we are able to have fish delivered.
4/15/2013
The service inspection was approved and will be sent to BGE. The electrical contractor will call BGE tomorrow to get a site inspection scheduled, then BGE will conduct its work.
4/4/2013
The electrical work has not been completed, but the aeration system itself has been installed. The aeration system installer will return to hook it up to the electric service once it is ready. Once the system is working, we plan on stocking the pond with game fish.
3/16/2013
The electrical work for the pond aeration system has begun and the system itself will be installed on March 20th.
1/13/2013
A pond aeration system will be installed in the Spring. BGE and an electrical contractor will be doing work near the pond to supply power for the system.
10/3/2012
The Board has been researching putting an aeration system at the pond to improve its health and appearance. This would require adding electrical service at the pond. BGE would charge a one-time fee of $8,803 to add this service, with an electrical contractor needed to place the meter and run the service down to the aeration system at a cost of $3,858. An aeration system itself will cost at least $3800. Future expenses would be monthly electrical billing and approximately $250/year in aeration system maintenance. Please email [email protected] with any questions/comments -- a final decision will be made on this matter shortly.
4/28/2012
The pond is almost complete!
Recent rains have refilled the pond bottom, but it has another three feet or so to fill up, which will likely happen over the summer. Meanwhile, most of the redevelopment is done. The new pond features easier sloping surrounds, a walkway at water level completely around the pond, and even a “safety” ledge around the perimeter under the new water level.
The new drainage at the back corner under the wire cage is designed to overflow only when the water in the pond rises up an outflow pipe buried under the berm. The water level is likely to be about 6 inches above the reddish-colored soil line. This water line covers a three-foot “shelf” that extends from the water’s edge. If someone loses their footing, they will step on this “safety” ledge instead of sliding down the embankment. It is a great safety feature. Plus, the pond will likely be only about 4-5 feet deep when filled.
The walkway is a new feature. In the past, you could really only walk around the pond at the top of the embankment, or risk sliding into the water if you wanted to go down to the water line. This new pond has a great walkway right around the water edge, so you can get right up close to nature. The gazebo is back in place, grass is laid down to grow under the straw, and it will be a nice park-like environment.
Several of the large carp survived and are now thriving in the refilled pond. Birds are back, including the great blue heron that uses the pond for catching frogs and small fish. Don’t know if any other fish survived, but there are frogs, turtles, and tadpoles. Of course, the Canadian geese and wood ducks are back, with plenty of red wing blackbirds and the occasional scavenging vulture. There are certain to be a fox or two back along the shore as well. One or two red-shouldered hawks have been seen hunting at the pond too!We are in the process of restocking the pond with fish, with minnows being the first addition. We are also going to add trees and additional plants as needed. We are looking into adding an aerator to keep the pond healthy, which would require running electricity to the pond area.
Thanks to our county designers and planners for a really well done rebuild of our community pond. For now, keep hoping for rain (weeknights only!) to fill it up! Come on down and visit the new pond!
1/30/2012
The work has begun! Please contact a Board member if you have any questions or concerns.
1/3/2012
Due to the excessive rainfall in the area this fall, Carroll County was forced to reschedule the beginning of construction to late January/early February. The contractor may be delayed if we receive heavy snowfall this winter, but if the weather cooperates, the site should be fully stabilized and growing grass by early June.
10/4/2011
On October 4th Ron and Andrea Kowaleski met with John Bowman, Forest Conservation Specialist, Tim Hunter of Landscaping , Inc. and Janet O’Meara, Watershed Management Specialist all of Carroll County to discuss the scheduled retro fitting of the pond.
1. The bids have been submitted to the Carroll County Bureau of Resource Management and a contractor was selected. The decision will be submitted to the commissioners on October 12th for their approval. Once approval is obtained, the Bureau of Resource Management can proceed with the contract to retrofit our community pond.
2. Upon review it was determined that it was not cost effective to remove mature trees and attempt to replant them after the project is completed. Carroll County will contract with Tim Hunter to replace some of the trees that were removed. A submitted cost of $2,810 was suggested. He seemed very supportive in working with us to offset the loss of vegetation to this area. The good news is that we will be allowed to plant on the street facing side of the pond. Thus we can get this area to look somewhat like it does now with landscaping that will be pleasing to homeowners.
3. We also discussed the possibility of saving some of the larger trees. They are willing to establish barriers around the trees so that they will not be damaged during the work. Because the county needs access to the pond, some of these larger trees will have to be removed.
4. If all goes according to plan, work could begin sometime in November. Completion of this project will be sometime in the spring.
5/19/2011
Gale Engles and Janet Omeara from Pond Management of Carroll County met with Harvest Farms CA residents on April 26 at the pond. At the meeting they presented construction plans for the retrofit of the pond at Harvest Farms.
The main points of the plan are:
The surface area of the pond will remain the same after the retrofit, but it will be cleaned out and made deeper.
The slopes will be graded to be less steep.
The three inlet pipes off of Cable Drive will be connected underground and one outlet will empty into the pond. The manhole covers for these inlets will be at ground level.
The inlet and outlet structures will be concrete with black metal rails.
During retrofit the pond will be emptied and the fish removed for relocation to another pond. Community residents may volunteer to assist with the fish removal.
The work for the retrofit will be bid to a contractor, and the project should be done this fall.
Carroll County will move some of the smaller trees before the retrofit begins. The pond committee will mark the trees that we wish to try to save.