No percentages in going legal. And they didn't break any laws, civil or criminal. I was just stupid and easily agreeable. I could list dozens of questions (and answers) that should have been posed before construction. Heck, before even looking for a contractor. There are other ponders here from whom I have learned the questions and variety of answers. Just as our gardens differ due to local and environment and personal preferences, ponds differ is what you CAN do and what you would like to do. I also believe that we could have 'done it ourselves' as several people here have. Bonnie is the pond builder par excellance! Just put her in a Kubota and she is off and digging.
Thanks for all the great responses (even one acorn!! wahoooo, from a generous gardener. If no one has written a more formal article on preparing for a pond, then it would be a great article. Maybe a composite of many of our experiences that reflect, not just the cookie cutter articles online but the real life issues that each faced. It would include the decision to have pond plants and/or gold fish or koi.
