Olavinlähde

In 2024, the remaining trees in the future pond area were cut down, and the topsoil was stripped away. Finally, in March 2025, it was time for excavation. Beneath the topsoil and sand layer, there was blue clay, which was used to seal the pond and shape its edges. The natural pond covers 85 square meters and has a maximum depth of two meters. What brings the pond to life is the continuously flowing water — water runs in from above the pond and exits into a ditch below it.

After the excavation, we allowed the vegetation and wildlife to take over their new habitats. Various water fleas and diving beetles, grasses and algae arrived immediately. Birds stopped to drink. A pair of mallards considered settling down, but Rosy the dog changed their minds. Dragonflies and bees were also drawn to the water, and tadpoles and grass snakes swam around like in a children’s song. We planted an apple tree, cattail, ostrich fern, and sowed watercress. We wanted to bring together edible aquatic plants. For landscaping, we used yellow and blue damson trees, red birch, rhododendrons, and white willow. Water lilies were planted in the spring, and a bridge was built across the outflow stream. The bridge was completed one day before the Olavin Day celebrations (29 July), during which emeritus vicar Henric Schmidt consecrated Olavinlähde.