Hi Rubline, good to hear from you - it's been a while and we need to hear from you more often! Hoping all is well in beautiful NY.

I am not a plant expert, but that grass is aesthetically pleasing, and looks as though it will remain on the margins of your BOW. Marginal vegetation never has caused me any problems - I have abundant arrowroot [?] and it always remains in 12" or less and I really enjoy it's presence. Also, apparently the deer love it, too - it's often kept in check by them.

Remember, rooted vegetation at this early stage in your pond's life is your friend. It will help utilize nutrients being used by your FA problem. The more BENEFICIAL rooted vegetation around the margins and submerged will keep your FA at bay. Consider thoughtfully application of any kind of herbicide on your FA - year 2 often sees a significant introduction of rooted vegetation. Unless it gets to be a huge problem [FA covering 25% of your pond] give mother nature a shot at cleaning it up. Also, remember FA likes certain water temps - once it heats up it won't flourish nearly as much.

Keep us in the loop and especially on whatever type of rush that is, how it spreads, how deeply it grows, etc. I personally think it looks attractive, easy to fish through, will provide great cover for PK Shrimp, aquatic invertabrates, YOY fish, etc. and will help control your FA given time.

Beautiful photo of your little slice of heaven - thanks for sharing! What type of fishery did you end up establishing in your pond? How are your fish doing?

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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