We dreamed of living near water, and since we had no such feature we decided to bring the water to us! Do you have the same dream?

Creating outdoor living environments centered around a water feature or pond is a wonderful way of maximizing the enjoyment of your home and creating a personal retreat. These outdoor havens provide an ideal setting for entertaining and pure relaxation.

Picture the tranquil scene of a water feature or pond in your minds eye. Just imagine, it’s enough to transform the stress of the day into an afterthought. The hypnotic sound of a waterfall and the dancing reflections of a clear blue sky enhance the meditative setting. These surroundings have a powerful effect on our psyche, bringing that peaceful sense that all is right in the world.

While dreaming about your water feature or pond, envision the area incorporating this new element as an integrated part of the landscape. Consider the location and design of your water feature from every vantage point, and especially from the interior of your home. Capitalizing on views and access allows you to get the most from every dollar invested.

POND TYPES

A simple pond may be created with the use of a prefabricated shell. Manufactured pond forms do have limitations, vary in quality, and may require more upkeep. Alternatively, a rubber liner, called EDPM, is used for creating a pond of almost any configuration and design.

The layout, size, and particulars of your pond will be the criteria for choosing filters, skimmer systems, and potentially ultraviolet sterilizers. The type of setup has a major impact on maintenance, so research is essential to good design. For example, a bio-filter may be a passive design, under gravel, or a structure through which the water passes perhaps in a series of falls, sometimes called “biofalls.”

Ideally, the ecosystem created in any pond environment is a self-contained, well-balanced microcosm. Water, plants, fish, and the filtration system all work in tandem to keep the system clean and trouble-free. Movement of water is important functionally because it provides aeration and prevents mosquitos and other insects from taking up residence. The babbling sound of a waterfall for running stream create a wonderful ambiance and tranquility.

FISHY BUSINESS

Koi or gold fish add a fun element and liveliness to your pond that just can’t be achieved any other way. Each have very specific needs for maintaining good health. For instance, koi grow up to 10” a year and require a larger, deeper pond. Large birds can be powerful predators, so it’s important to incorporate areas of protection for the fish no matter what size your pond is. We’ve discovered some very effective tricks for dissuading those clever and opportunistic critters.

Next, our pond story, and getting it done!

ONeal pond the first summer after installation.

Related posts:

Water, Earth, and Sky – our pond story