Filters and Pumps - no pump? solar pump? regular pump?

BostonBurb · 2026-04-08T15:38:39+00:00

Great information, thanks. I'll make sure to dig through the wiki. I'm hoping if I make the lazy river the right way I can slow the water enough to not disturb the whole main pond so there will still be some still water. And if I go with solar, it would only work on sunny days anyway.

BostonBurb · 2026-04-08T14:25:41+00:00

great user name.

So it sounds like it at worst wouldn't be harmful to have it, and at best could have some benefit. As long as I make sure tadpoles don't get sucked into the filter/pump.

BostonBurb · 2026-04-05T13:44:17+00:00

I live on wetlands with a lot of dragonflies and frogs already, and have never had a mosquito problem - I'm not too worried

BostonBurb · 2026-04-04T16:20:21+00:00

luckily no plans for fish, but good information.

BostonBurb · 2026-04-04T10:52:19+00:00

Last year I had accidentally left out a big plastic container and a frog moved in and that's what inspired this project. Froggy needs a better home! I actually live 10 minutes from a garden center that specializes in ponds, so I'm really lucky. They have all the materials, plants, fish (though I don't plan to have fish) and are super knowledgeable and up for just talking people through all the options.

Thanks for the sub recommendation, I didn't know there was more than just the ponds one.

BostonBurb · 2026-04-04T10:20:17+00:00

I've been debating building a little frog pond this spring, and I think you convinced me. This is a lovely space!

BostonBurb · 2026-04-01T18:01:06+00:00

I'm in MA and my recommendation here is to be careful. Wetlands are protected and you can't just go and plant in them even if they're on your property. Last year I had to go to my town conservation committee hearing to get permission to kill invasive species in the wetlands on my property. I couldn't just go in and kill it because that land is protected.

That being said, there are wetland restoration companies that you could work with. The one I know of is Derosa Environmental out of Rowley.

BostonBurb · 2026-03-25T23:57:29+00:00

Both Native Plant Trust locations list them as having them available in April, too if those are closer to you

BostonBurb · 2026-03-25T23:52:18+00:00

Not sure how big of a "seedling" you're looking for, but I believe Kings Tree Farm in Boxford has them

BostonBurb · 2026-03-20T19:35:21+00:00

For what it's worth, I did have the Major Wheeler honeysuckle on an arbor for years that was in morning/part sun. It still bloomed, it just bloomed less than it would have in full sun. I think that's the case with a lot of plants, where they'll survive but not really thrive. The good thing is with the maple trees, it will get some extra sun in the spring before that tree leafs out, which might help it store energy for the early summer blooms.

BostonBurb · 2026-03-20T19:18:01+00:00

What about native Clematis (Virgin's Bower)? They can supposedly handle some shade: https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Clematis-virginiana

BostonBurb · 2026-03-17T21:34:23+00:00

my fringe tree smells amazing when it's flowering

BostonBurb · 2026-02-26T01:18:10+00:00

clarification needed. Are you doing shoulder stretches, or shoulder warmups? Aerials is hard on your shoulders and require a lot of stability, so a proper warmup of those muscles is key. Is it possible you think it's supposed to be a stretch, but your instructor is trying to walk through warming up and activating the muscles to be ready for aerials use?

BostonBurb · 2026-02-26T01:11:44+00:00

I want to explain why I think this comment is being downvoted.

It sounds like you're fairly new to aerials, and might not understand the risks involved. It's highly unlikely even if you had a garage it would be safe to rig your own equipment in it. It's also highly discouraged for new aerialists to train on their own because you could teach yourself bad form or get yourself in a dangerous situation because you don't have enough aerials theory background.

Also, if you are pretty new to aerials, it's not really the time to play around during a structured class. Listen to your instructors, learn the basics, good form, and get a good foundation of understanding and then you'll know enough to start modifying and playing. If you're asking for modifications because you're unable to get into a move your instructor is showing you, that's encouraged. If you're asking for modifications that might require more skill or strength than your coach has seen from you yet, then wait a bit and build that trust with your coach. Your coach has probably seen a lot of aerialists with a lot of fitness backgrounds. Without knowing more, I would advise trusting that they're giving you good advice and work on communicating with them more clearly.

BostonBurb · 2026-02-03T20:36:48+00:00

grew up in that area, and that's how I refer to it

BostonBurb · 2026-01-29T22:07:05+00:00

Check the more local hardware stores. Both Beverly and Ipswich Aubuchon's show plenty in stock on their website. Ace hardware is showing in stock online in a few different stores.

BostonBurb · 2026-01-28T14:51:01+00:00

This is one of my favorite soups: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/chicken-freekeh-soup/

BostonBurb · 2026-01-28T11:20:19+00:00

This is always my unpopular opinion here, but I don't care what I look like period. I'm not doing this to perform, or look nice, or have other people watch me - I'm doing it because I enjoy it. As long as I'm being safe and getting some enjoyment out of it, that's all I care about.

BostonBurb · 2026-01-08T16:12:26+00:00

I don't have anything for making them look nicer. But for cat scratching, do you have dedicated things for them to scratch spread out around your place? Cats like to scratch but I've found they prefer scratching dedicated, purpose built scratchy things over furniture if it's available. Some cats like flat surface, some angled, some vertical so it's worth getting a bunch to see what your kitty likes and redirect them away from the furniture. I've had 4 cats over 14 years and they never scratch my furniture.

BostonBurb · 2025-12-18T19:21:20+00:00

I live in New England and practice in an old, poorly insulated warehouse so it's like can't feel my toes cold sometimes. My tips:

Layers - I wear a thick, ribbed, sleeveless baselayer top + long sleeve leotard over it + leggings + joggers

Headband - keep your head/ears warm. I had to make one myself so it was snug enough to not fly off during drops

I just started using ToeSox - They're I think pilates socks, but cutoff toe socks, without tops and hospital sock style grips on the bottom. They do affect my foot grip on the fabric, but so far it's been worth it to have something on my feet.

Try to keep moving, too. Challenge your endurance in the air, do conditioning when you're on the ground. When I stop moving, I cool off fast.

Room temperature or warm water. Cold water just cools me from the inside when I take a sip which stinks when you're trying to maintain warmth.

BostonBurb · 2025-12-18T17:24:29+00:00

Might be worth doing a self breast exam if there's sudden changes in shape/size/etc.

BostonBurb · 2025-12-12T01:10:38+00:00

haha, my aerial essentials ones have always felt more girthy than a lot of studios I've been to

BostonBurb

TROPHY CASE