Landscaping Ideas for Around a Large Pond

Remember large ponds when planning landscape designs. Landscaping around the pond increases its enjoyability for homeowners. Whether using the pond for fishing or simply to collect water runoff, a pond is the place to meditate with nature. A blend of hardscape and softscape features, in addition to regular lawn maintenance, increases a pond's appeal.

Dock

Adding a dock has many benefits for the landscape. Docks are a place to sit and fish or just watch the water. Built-in benches provide a more comfortable place to sit. Some ponds are large enough for swimming, in which case a ladder built onto the dock makes it easy to get in and out of the water. Tie a boat to the dock. Use water-resistant lumber for a long-lasting dock. Pressure-treated wood is safe for use in the water.

Shed

A shed is useful around a large pond, especially for ponds well stocked with fish. Storing fishing poles, nets and other equipment in a shed next to the pond provides easy access. Homeowners may wish to build the shed themselves, but purchasing a manufactured shed is the quickest and easiest way to add a shed to the landscape. Sheds are commonly made from metal, wood or may feature vinyl siding. The shed needs a level ground surface and beams underneath to keep the floor off the ground. Choose from simple box-shaped sheds or ornate sheds to match your home’s details.

Rocks

Rocks are natural hardscaping features that make a big impact on your large pond landscape. Place large boulders at the pond's edge to make clever, natural seating. Medium, flat rocks in the muck along the pond’s edge provide a walking area without the hazards of slippery mud. If the large pond sits along the edge of the property, build a rock wall defining the property line. Use a rock wall as a retaining wall or for preventing erosion around the pond.

Plants

Plants help to set the relaxing tone of a pond atmosphere, making them essential to a pond landscape. The types of plants used depend on the geographic region. Choosing plants native to your environment ensures that they thrive in the landscape and avoid the risk of introducing invasive species. Select plants that thrive in wet areas, particularly if the landscape around the pond is boggy. Common pond plants include cattails, hawthorns, pond lilies and ferns thrive in and around ponds and are ideal for a natural-looking pond landscape. Willow trees make a statement around a large pond. The long, sweeping branches of weeping willow provide shade while framing the water's edge. Willow species, including golden willow, black willow, weeping willow and laurel willow, thrive in wet ground, such as around ponds and riverbanks.