About Garden Ponds
Garden ponds are fast becoming one of the most popular garden features in the country. Thanks in part to prefabricated molded pond forms, it's easy for just about anyone to install a garden pond with just some simple handyman skills. Whether you opt for a professional installation or decide to do it yourself, here's what you should know about garden ponds if you're considering adding one to your outdoor landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Benefits
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The most obvious benefit having a garden pond in your back yard is the added relaxation factor of being around water. Even the ancients understood the soothing nature of water. The sound of running and splashing water is a natural stress reliever, which is one of the reasons that so many major cities are built around squares with fountains and reflecting ponds. Beyond the aesthetics, though, a well-maintained garden pond will increase the value of your property more than nearly any other garden feature. And while educational benefits aren't likely to be a major deciding factor in whether you build a backyard pond, building and maintaining a backyard garden pond offers many excellent lessons in ecosystems and the environment for your entire family.
Function
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Some additional benefits of garden ponds stem from their function in the environment. Moving water is part of Mother Nature's way of purifying the air. The water in your garden pond constantly releases negative ions into the atmosphere. Those ions attract toxins and impurities that are suspended in the air, removing them from the air that you breathe. In addition, garden ponds reduce the amount of water that you'll use to maintain your lawn and the other plants in the garden. In fact, since the garden pond takes up part of the space that would be given over to lawn or other plants, you're decreasing your water usage overall. Finally, water gardens will provide a refuge and sanctuary for your local wildlife including birds, beneficial insects and small animals.
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Types
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There are a number of different types of garden ponds, usually defined by the materials that are used as a floor or liner for the pond. Each of them have advantages and disadvantages.
Earthen pools are relatively inexpensive, but require a great deal of upkeep. A garden pond without a liner of some sort may seep into the ground water, and will allow native plants to creep into your landscaping.
"Flexible liner ponds" are simply earthen ponds lined with a plastic or rubber liner. Like earthen ponds, those made with flexible liners are inexpensive, but easier to maintain. The biggest issue with a plastic sheet-lined pond is the possibility of a puncture in the liner.
Garden ponds with rigid plastic or fiberglass liners are among the easiest to build and maintain. Though they are a bit more expensive than the first two options, they are still relatively inexpensive to build and to maintain. The main drawback to ponds with a rigid liner is that the plastic may crack in subfreezing temperatures. You can avoid this by draining the pond and removing it for the winter.
Cement-lined garden ponds are the most expensive option, but they are the most durable of all the choices. A cement garden pond will last for years with minimal maintenance.
Considerations
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If you're considering a garden pond for your back yard, there are a number of things that you should consider when making your choice. First, check with your local code and inspection office to find out about any special requirements for building in your area. You should also check with local utility companies before digging so that you can avoid any underground cables and pipes.
A pond with a fountain or waterfall will require a pump to keep the water moving. Choose a location where you can easily run a line for electricity from the house. Generally, you'll also want to choose a site for your garden pond that's protected from the worst of the midday sun.
If there are small children in the family, be certain to consider their safety in building your pond. Your local ordinances may require that any pond or pool be fenced to protect children in your neighborhood as well.
When choosing plants for your garden pond, be sure to consider the sun and shade requirements of the plants that you want to include. Also consider whether you want to stock your pond with fish or keep it strictly for plants. If you intend to add koi or other fish, you'll need to consider their requirements when building your pond.
Time Frame
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A larger pond built of cement could take several days or longer, and may be best left to professionals. If you have reasonable do-it-yourself skills and a few good helpers, it's possible to build a small garden pond with a flexible or rigid liner in a weekend. If the pond will require a pump and running an electrical line from the house, be sure to factor in the time to dig a trench for the line, or hire a licensed electrician to do it for you.
In addition to the time that it takes to build, you should also consider the amount of time that you're willing to put into maintenance on your garden pond. Depending on the plant and animal life that you choose, your pond may require regular treatment to keep the pH balance in the right range. You'll also need to allot time for doing basic cleaning and maintenance, as well as seasonal maintenance. With proper care a garden pond can bring you years of pleasure for just a few hours of routine care a month.
Features
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A garden pond can be as simple or as complex as your fancy desires. The most basic pond requires nothing more than a hole, a liner of some sort and fresh water. There are, however, many more features that you can add to make your garden pond more enjoyable.
Plants are one of the most important parts of a garden pond ecosystem. If you choose potted water plants, they can often be placed in the pond in their pots, making maintenance much simpler.
Fountains are one way to keep water in motion in your pond, as well as providing additional visual interest. There are many pond kits on the market that make it easy to add a modular fountain to your garden pond.
Lighting is another consideration for your pond. Some kits include underwater lighting that can be added to your pond to give it an extra touch of beauty after dark. Lighting around the edges of your pond can make it a pleasant place to entertain or enjoy a quiet evening.
Fish are yet another feature that you might add t o your garden pond. Koi are very popular in garden ponds. The hardy Japanese goldfish can even survive a winter if the pond in which they live is deep enough.
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Resources
- Photo Credit BeverlyLR@stock.xchang
