What You Want To Know About Garden Ponds

Creating and caring for ponds is a wonderful relaxing activity that many people find very fulfilling.  The area wildlife will also appreciate any size body of fresh water you place in your yard.  Garden ponds will increase the value of your property, as well.  But you shouldn't decide to build a backyard pond on a whim.  You need to be certain you are committed to the maintenance. 

How Much Space Do You Have?

Take an serious look at the size of your yard.  You will need a level area away from trees of bushes that will drop a lot of leaves and flowers. A filtering system is necessary to prevent the pond from becoming a mosquito breeding ground and a pump will keep the water circulating so it doesn't become stagnant.  You must be willing to test the water and treatment it to balance the ph level.  Generally, the larger the pond, the more effort you will put in to keep it healthy and thriving.

What Do You Want In The Pond?

You don't have to have either fish or plants in your pond for it to be considered a garden pond.  If you only have a small area and little time, but still want the beauty and tranquility a pond can provide, consider one of the many plastic or fiberglass  pre-formed ponds available in garden and home improvement stores.

They come with a ready-made place for you to install a filter.  They are, in effect, a beautiful moving birdbath.  This type  garden pond without fish or plants can still delight their owners. They are a welcome sight to birds and wildlife. Even butterflies will benefit, normally sipping from any mud puddles created by splashing water.

If you are installing a landscape pond to create a focal point, consider adding walkways around the pond or seating enjoy the scene. Adding aquatic plants and some well placed large stones can make your garden pond even more attractive.

You need to decide the purpose of the backyard pond when you make your plans. If it is merely decorative, a shallow pool will be sufficient. If you plan to add Koi fish, there should be deeper areas where the fish can retreat on hot days and to provide habitat during the winter.

Aeration and Filtration are Important To the Health Of Garden Ponds

All yard ponds will require a pump and filter to maintain water purity.  And a pump is often used to operate a fountain or waterfall. Fountains help keep the water aerated, minimizing the chance of mosquito growth as well as providing air for fish and underwater plants.

Continuous filtering will be necessary for your pond even if you don't have fish. Leaves, dirt and other materials will get into the water and can quickly clog the filter. You will need to clean or change filters regularly, as determined by the amount of foreign material that gets into the pond.

Why Do You Want a Garden Pond?

Before you go shopping for your pond decide why you want a garden pond. Perhaps you just want the beauty and serenity a pond can provide. Or perhaps you want to connect more with the natural world.  Keeping a garden pond is an excellent way of enjoying nature.