Landscapes don’t always have to be full of greenery. By adding water features like

garden ponds and fountains, homeowners can create a focal point that’ll give life to the

entire backyard. From the sound of running water to colorful fish, garden ponds can

lighten up the mood and make the backyard a good place to spend quality time. Here’s

a short guide on building garden ponds:

Choosing Fish for the Pond

The number of fish will depend on the water capacity of

the pond. According to Better Homes and Gardens, the

rule-of-thumb is that every 10 gallons of water can

accommodate 1 inch of a fish; so if you want a five-inch

long fish swimming in your pond, there should be at

least 50 gallons. The logic then follows. The most

common types of fish for garden ponds are the Japanese

koi and goldfish, like comets and fantails.

Deciding on the Pond Aesthetics

Add floating elements to the pond like lotus plants,

water pods, and lilies. Placing small rocks where the fish

can hide is also a good idea. Installing a water filtration

system will make sure that the water stays clean and

clear. Garden requires regular maintenance, so make

sure that everything is well maintained.

Garden Ponds: Using Water as a Landscape

Focal Point

Keeping the Pond Safe for Children and Pets

Have a stepped or staircase design at the corner of the

pond. In case somebody falls, they can simply swim to

the side and climb up. Avoid steep, slippery pond liners

because it’ll be difficult for anyone to hold and keep their

grip. They might not be able to pull themselves up as

well. Choose a flat, rough pond liner like concrete or

flexible waterproof sheeting instead.

Create a peaceful environment right in the comfort of

your own backyard and add value to the property. Look

for a landscape artist and contractor to help draft a

remarkable garden pond that’ll go with the area.

Sources:

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/know-your-pond-fish/

http://www.gardenguides.com/70299-landscape-ideas-small-fish-ponds.html

http://oakleighmanor.com/services/landscaping