Water gardens are one of the fastest growing trends in outdoor living. It’s easy to understand why this is true when you think that we are always using water to clean, refresh and rejuvenate ourselves. We have now also discovered that there are some other added benefits like stress relief and relaxation realized just from hearing the sound of running water. Water gardens also create a great natural focal point in your garden and the sight and sound of running water brings a magical, refreshing feel to your landscape.

So now, you have been thinking about it and have decided to build a pond. Let’s think about a few things before you start putting your shovel in the ground. We need to think about your budget, the pond’s location, size, style, shape and maybe you can think of some more things you want to know first. Whether it is small or large, ambitious or modest, you will find it will be fun, I promise.

To begin water gardening all you need is a container that will hold water. Your budget and the size of your yard will determine the size of your pond. The smaller it is, the less time it will take for you to take care of it, but it will have limitations in what you can plant and how many fish you can have. The larger your water garden is, the greater the variety of plants and fish you will be able to have. The cost of a pond can add up though: container or liner, pump, filter, fountain, stones etc. so the smaller ones are often where people begin as the cost of a larger pond can be significant. Your local nursery or water garden store can help you figure out what all you need and the costs for the size of pond you are thinking of.

The next step is the site location. The pond should be in a location where you can get the most enjoyment out of it. It could be near the patio or deck or by that bench that you love to sit on and let the cares of the day drift away. There are other aspects as well like having access to hydro so you can have a pump, or if it is near trees you know you’re going to have some extra work keeping the leaves out of the pond. Sunlight can also be important. The plants in your pond will give the best show if it has full sun but the more sun you have the more potential problems you will have with algae. I think it is more important to put it where you will enjoy it as the other factors can be worked around.

Now it’s time to consider the style and shape of your pond. A natural pond blends better with your existing landscape. On the other hand a formal pond goes well with a more formal garden but often it is partially above ground which can create some additional considerations. One style is trying to recreate nature and the other has a wonderful classic look of its own. By using an ordinary garden hose and laying out the shape and size of the pond you’re thinking of may help you in your considerations of the size shape and style of your pond. Most people begin with a smaller pond or have their first water garden in a container, such as a half-barrel or other decorative pots which offer all the same opportunities only in smaller ways and they are perfect for the patio or condo gardener.

There is a lot more I could talk about like plants and pumps and fountains, how to keep the water clean etc. and I will do so in the future but for this time let me say that it doesn’t matter where you live, you too can have the pleasure of an oasis in your own outdoor space by installing a water garden.

In the mean time I know you will enjoy getting started on your water gardening adventure!

Continually developing “ideas for outdoor living”