Jim’s Pond
March, 2022
Jim’s Pond is situated in the Andy Johnson Rest Area, below the Dam Wall.
It is the last of a chain of ponds that feeds from the Lake, cascades through several smaller ponds and on rainy days, overflows into the swamp. There is a reticulated water system providing regular flow, and it houses a small fountain which keeps the water aerated and perfect for the frogs that enjoy the pond.
This entire system came about when the 2019 Grose Valley fire burned through the swamp and into Andy Johnson. It took out an enormous Yucca shrub leaving a large space which looked ideal for the insertion of a pond. As the MonVols cleared out the dead foliage to clear the pathway from Lake to swamp, they uncovered smaller existing ponds that had over the years been overgrown by Yucca and other vegetation.
Why Jim?
Jim Moorhead was a staunch Society member who worked in the Gardens from 2011 until age caught up with him. He didn’t stop there. Jim moved from outside to inside where, during the Society’s Welcome Weeks, he assisted daily in the Lodge Tea Room. Jim’s task was to stack and unstack the dishwasher and to hand-wash items that needed it. He would be at his work station all day when required. Into his 90s, Jim’s tasks moved to a more seated role where he folded napkins and removed tea bag tags for composting. When Jim sadly passed aged 92 he left a bequest to the Society which the Committee decided must be used for something to do with water in honour of Jim’s years at the sink. The new pond was the really appropriate, perfect thing!
His daughter Val often laughs saying
“one day I’m going to sneakily put some detergent in it so he feels at home”.
Jim’s Pond in the Andy Johnson area
Jim Moorhead, with daughter Valerie
Fire damage in 2019 that created the opportunity to build Jim’s Pond