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Situated closer to the
house, you will have the
relaxing sound of the water,
and a constant view of the
flowers, fish, insects, and
small creatures that are
attracted to the pond. Larger
mammals are more cautious
and will be more likely to visit
a water source that is farther
from human activity, although
it can certainly still be in easy
view.
Unless you are fortunate
enough to have a large “farm
pond" which is spring-fed or
can rely on rainfall, your pond
needs to be in reach of a hose
for filling and cleaning.
The surrounding area can get
very moist and soggy when
rainfall is heavy, so providing
for paths or stepping stones
will add to your enjoyment.
To appreciate the peace and
serenity that your pond will
bring to your yard, include
some kind of seating
arrangement where you can
relax and contemplate the
beauty around you.
If you take a photo of your
yard and get inexpensive paper
photocopies made, you can
draw many variations of your
ideas until you’re happy with
the results.
Simple or Elaborate.
The style of your pond is a
very personal choice, and it can
be simple or elaborate, casual
or formal. Safety, however, is
critical. Some localities have
specific zoning ordinances
relating to water features, and
anything deeper than 2 ft. may
be designated a “pool," so be
sure that you are meeting any
requirements such as fencing.
Also check for any
restrictions in your
homeowner’s insurance policy.
Utility companies will usually
come to your home at no
charge to mark the location of
underground pipes and wires.
If you have children in the
family, or even in neighboring
houses, water depth is an
important factor. Although it
is possible to drown in just a
couple of inches of water,
shallower is certainly safer
than deeper.
Try to visit a number of
different ponds in private yards,
public places or botanic gardens
to get a feel for the style and
features that you’d like to
incorporate.
When it comes to ponds,
larger is generally better.
Professionals say that they are
often called in to enlarge a
pond, but never to make one
smaller! Larger ponds tend to
stay cleaner and the water
temperature fluctuates less,
placing less stress on the fish
and plants.
Although any water in your
yard is better than none, if you
have sufficient space try for a
pond that is at least 6 by 8 ft.
Lay out your design with a
piece of rope or hose so that
you can easily experiment with
shape and dimension before you
actually start digging. Unless
you need a geometric shape for
a specific formal plan, use
curving lines and avoid sharp
Wildlife Pond
– The Rock and Water Garden Expert
Dr. D. G. Hessayon
Paved area
for birds
and people
Shallow pebble
beach to allow
small animals
access to the
water without
drowning
Add a bucketful
of water from an
established pond
to introduce
aquatic life
Deep-water
aquatics
grown in
baskets
Deepest part
of the pond
should be at
least 2 ft. so as
to protect pond
life in winter
Bog plants –
choose native
species
Butyl liner
2 in. layer of
sand above and
below the liner
2-3 in. layer of
heavy soil on top
of the sand layer
Oxygenators
planted into the
soil layer
Marginal plants
grown in baskets
and placed on a
shelf
Bog garden
Old logs
and tall
grass to
encourage
insects and
animals
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