i added plants but they haven't filled in yet. so far it has only been in for a couple weeks so i haven't noticed much evaporation. we are finally getting rain today through tomorrow. i'm hoping this is enough of a drench that it will help the ground.
i'll see about getting some pics but it isn't fully done. i need to put the boards around the edge for the seats. i made a raised pond since the ground is tough to get further down than about 2', lots of big stones hiding in the yard made it difficult.
i'm thinking of making an arbor over it for some annual vines to grow up. most of the sun i've noticed is from 9am to about 3pm, so that is about enough sun to keep the plants happy. the fish have submerged plants they can take shelter from the sun. when the lilies get established they will also give some shade to the fish.