This must be how a plant system matures. I've noticed that every year (from the beginning), the pond has appeared more uniformly lush, but never understood that our efforts were the cause until I started watching it come to life under Cashmere's care. I have a new view from my back door.
The bird in the last picture is a Bullock's oriole. Today he took over the salvia plant at the southeast corner of the pond, but he spent most of his time fighting off the hummingbirds.