By Homegirl
Somerset,
United Kingdom 
Thank you Steragram. I forgot to say that they moved in a year ago. The pond is in the middle of an established lawn and very exposed. Not a windy garden as it is well sheltered. I will pass on the advice about the composting. A good idea. I agree with you on the Acer but we shall have to see. I think it will be too exposed to the hot sun.
15 Aug, 2013
Previous question
« I have successfully made some comfrey fertilizer following Monty's instructions...
Next question
Just realised I didn't address the shade question. A water lily is a good solution for shading the pond itself and there are varieties to suit all depths and sizes of pond. Its hard to suggest something to replace the conifers without a picture. Was it the shade from the trees you were thinkng of or shade for the water in the pond?
15 Aug, 2013