Julie Upmeyer: Possibilities of a Pond, an origin story

Summary

The web content describes Julie Upmeyer's narrative "Possibilities of a Pond, an origin story," detailing the planning, creation, and evolution of a pond feature on a property, reflecting on its impact and the life it supports.

Abstract

Julie Upmeyer's "Possibilities of a Pond, an origin story" is a reflective piece that chronicles the conception and development of a pond within a landscape. The narrative begins with the pond's potential as a relaxing and reflective space, hinting at the mysteries beneath its surface. It then delves into the practical aspects of its creation, including the suitability of the site's clay subsoil, the pond's design as a corner feature within a hedgerow, and the necessary planning consent from the local council. Detailed notes outline the technical considerations, such as drain diversion and tree planting. The story unfolds to reveal the pond's ecology, with its inhabitants and the decision not to interfere with them. The narrative touches on the pond's growth, the building of an island within it, and the seasonal changes it undergoes, particularly in winter when the water freezes. The pond's existence is shown to be a balance between human intervention and natural processes, as seen in the construction of a dam to manage water flow. The piece concludes with a note on the public nature of the representations made during the pond's development, reflecting the interplay between private and public spaces.

Opinions

The pond is seen as a novelty and a source of relaxation, offering a connection to nature and a reflective space for contemplation.
There is an appreciation for the pond's potential to support an unknown world beneath its surface, emphasizing its liminal and limitless qualities.
The planning process is approached with careful consideration, ensuring the pond complements the existing landscape and serves multiple purposes, such as providing amenity and fulfilling aspirations.
The council's approval and the subsequent conditions for the pond's construction highlight the importance of regulatory compliance in landscape modifications.
The decision to refrain from feeding the fish in the pond suggests a hands-off approach to wildlife management, allowing the ecosystem to thrive without human interference.
The building of an island within the pond and the planting of a tree showcase the potential for artistic expression and the creation of unique natural features.
The seasonal changes, particularly the freezing of the pond in winter, underscore the dynamic nature of the pond and its integration with the surrounding environment.
The construction of a dam to slow water flow demonstrates a proactive approach to managing natural resources and mitigating potential risks associated with water momentum.
The public inspection of the development representations hints at a broader social responsibility and transparency in private land projects.

Julie Upmeyer on ‘Possibilities of a Pond, an origin story’

> > intention A pleasant feature I suppose, a novelty. Relaxing. Reflection. Ripple. An unknown world beneath the surface. Liminal. Limitless. Live. Transparency echoing the sky. In the interests of amenity.

> > investigation “From a brief auger boring it would certainly appear that you have a reasonable clay subsoil at depth, and this should be sufficiently waterproof.”

> > planning A corner feature. Triangular, tucking neatly within the hedgerow. Visible from the house… obviously. A short walk down, bare at inception. For residents? For guests? For people to impress? Was it on somebody’s suggestion? Or seen in a dream? An aspiration.

> > consent “Your application has been considered by the Council in pursuance of its powers under the above-mentioned Act and Regulations and permission has been APPROVED subject to the following conditions…”

> > notes - Divert Drain - Clean Out Sink and Connect Overflow/Outfall - Use 4” Plastic Pipe for Drain or Dig Ditch and Leave Open - Approximately 500 Cubic Meters to be Excavated - Mixed group tree planting — Alder, Birch, Willow, Beech

> > after How long have you been there? Are you older than I? A typical peaceful omnivorous fish. So many. So big. Lurking. We were told not to feed them, they were better off ignored.

> > and then Build an island, plant a tree. Not that one, that’s a redwood, a giant sequoia! What great heights could you have reached? With more soil and less saturation? Yet very much alive. On a sliver of land untouched. An island, on an island, off an island.

> > now Winter. Liquid solidifies. Latticed crystalline structure renders masses less dense than water. Our block, just ten percent of it visible, the rest submerged. From pond you were made and to pond you shall return. Until you too escape to the field and into the ground. Slurry. We built a dam, you see. At the far end to slow the water’s path. So much rain. There was something to fear in the high-speed momentum of water. Logs, hastily positioned, accomplished the task. Slowing the water to a gentle trickle.

> > admonition “I must advise you that as a consequence of the provisions of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, any representations you make as a result of this consultation are liable to be made available for public inspection”