Backyard Pond

Ponds are a beautiful, relaxing part of any landscape.

Sitting by the edge of a pond can reduce stress through its meditative gestures: the sound of gently flowing water, the delicate hues and scents of a lotus or lily blossom, the sight of a school of golden fish, the evensong of the bullfrog and the serene rhythm of a lily pad quietly bobbing in a small ripple.

A healthy body of water brings countless types of life to an otherwise uninteresting plot of land.

Ponds create an oasis for birds, fish, frogs, turtles, snails, plants, dragonflies and other aquatic insects and microorganisms. It is a wondrous thing to be still and observe these myriad creatures with lives as fascinating and complex as our own. In order for a pond to be a pleasure instead of a pain, certain aspects must be addressed prior to installation. The design must take into account such things as site selection, size, type of pond, type of life to be supported, future maintenance concerns and, of course, budget.

When thinking of where to put your pond, ask yourself these questions: Do I want to put the pond in a place close to the other outdoor living areas or off on its own in a private little nook? Will I want to see it from the windows of the home so it can be appreciated in the winter? How much room do I need to leave around the pond for plants and seating? Here are some standard recommendations from our experience: It is almost always beneficial to have the waterfall, if there is one, flowing towards the home or seating area, regardless of the grade. Bring in more dirt if you have to. Make the pond as big as you can. The most frequent regret after a pond is built is that it could've been bigger. Don't try to have too many water features in one pond; choose either a fountain or a waterfall. Too much activity is tacky and conflicting. Keep it simple. Design the shape open and not too complex; the stonework and plants hide a lot of these of details anyway. Plan on using minimal equipment and make sure the equipment is of high quality, easily maintained and hidden from view. Concentrate on one feature that is the central focus of the pond like a waterfall, an island, a bridge, a statue or one big, beautiful lotus plant. The singularity of the feature will give the whole pond an artistic flow and be easier to take in visually. Think of the Monet series. You can picture the bridge at Giverny without even trying, can't you?

When you know where you want the pond, decide what kind of pond you want to have. Will it be formal, in a symmetrical shape and made of cement or dressed with cut stones? Will it be natural, in an irregular shape and dressed with rough-hewn stones and lots of plants? Maybe it will be something in-between. Savor the options. Then: Do you want to keep Koi or goldfish (or both)? If Koi are your goal, research their needs in detail so you build them the proper home. Do you want to focus on a specific kind of plant or plant scheme? Some people like all the different color blooms they can get. Some like to use only native plants or tropical plants. Some people just love water lilies. Do you want to have a theme to the pond? Some of the more popular motifs are Asian, Cool Mountain Stream, and Avian/Wildlife Focused.

Once you have your pond all mapped out, make sure you consult several sources for information about proper equipment selection. Our theory is, "Do it once, do it right. Pay now, not later." Choose equipment that is at or beyond what you think you need. Have a full picture of what kind of maintenance you will be expected to perform on a weekly or seasonal basis so you have no surprises. A good pump and biological filter are key, but additional products may save you time in spite of their initial expense. Skimmers sit on the edge of a pond in the ground and collect debris as it falls just like on a swimming pool. UV sterilizers will help keep harmful bacteria and parasites out of the pond, and will help kill single-celled algae. Netting stretched over the pond in the fall is essential to keep the leaves from accumulating. It is important to use equipment that was designed specifically for pond use. There are important details that have been engineered into pond products which will save time and money later. Leave yourself shelves in the pond for placing potted aquatic plants on. Even though it sacrifices some volume, it is much easier than having to build a platform for them. Keep the edges of the pond slightly raised from the surrounding area by two to three inches so any runoff from the yard will go around the pond instead of into it. Dig the pond as deep as you reasonably can within your local legal boundaries. The more volume a pond has the more stable it is. Maintain an appropriate balance of fish and plants for water clarity. Lastly, do be sure to cover up all of the liner and equipment with stone or plants. The whole mystique can be ruined by an ugly strip of black rubber or tubing crawling out of the pond like a sea monster.

When the pond is complete, remember there are romantic and relaxing extras available to enhance your oasis experience. Almost everyone is aware how lighting can affect mood. Underwater lighting is no exception. Even a small light shining up at a sheet of falling water can mimic a glistening, flickering flame. It dances and casts reflections on the area around it. This is especially valuable for those who work long days and can only enjoy the pond at night. Along the same lines, night-blooming tropical water lilies open in the evening when all other blooms fold and release an intoxicating scent so they can be found and pollinated. Consider a seating area around the pond that is similar to other watery respites: a hammock (maybe for two?), a glider or a swing, Adirondack chairs or maybe a soft, flat area for yoga or meditation. The sounds emanating from the pond will provide a natural mantra that is sure to give inner harmony to anyone looking to find it.

By Jennifer Taylor

- 4 - Edition 14, August 2003