Preparing to Add a Backyard Pond

Note: This blog post is a sponsored conversation written by Lynn Smythe, the Founder and Chief Blogger for The Creative Cottage lifestyle blog. The opinions, thoughts, ideas and text are all mine.

Having a garden is a joy but have you ever thought about a backyard pond? A tranquil space where you can step outside and forget everything even for a moment as you tend to flowers, plant, prune and weed. Relaxing outside with friends and family around a BBQ or fire pit is what long summer evenings were invented for.

If you’re thinking about adding a little bit more interest to your garden then a water feature might be the perfect option. Here we take a look at how to create a pond in your green space and what you need to get started.

Add colorful koi fish to your garden pond. Image courtesy Pexels.

Pick the Perfect Spot

If you’re hoping to have fish or amphibians in your pond then you’ll need to plan somewhere where your pond can achieve even partial shade. Your frogs won’t enjoy being exposed to the strong sun all day. If that’s not possible you may be able to create some shady spaces using overhanging plants and rocks.

Take a look online at some gardening websites to see what kind of size and shape is viable for your particular needs and plan the perfect spot for your new feature.

Choose Your Backyard Pond Style

Many people prefer a more formal feature complete with a tinkling waterfall and some carefully planted ornamental plants. You may also like the idea of a more natural looking pond, with overhanging plants and rocks that create a twisty, turning waterfall from several points.

Having a pond is a perfect opportunity to create a beautiful surround so sculpture a rock or herb garden around the site or plant up some new beds to complement your new feature.

Get The Right Equipment

While fairly low maintenance, in order for wildlife and pond plants to survive you will need some basic equipment. If you have fish consider getting hold of a feeding ring that keeps the food flakes in one place in the pond, stopping food drifting on the surface and clogging up equipment.

To keep the water oxygenated and pumping around your waterfalls you’ll need a good quality, long lasting pump, something like the Tsurumi pond pumps are ideal.

Backyard ponds are a great way to add a water feature to your home. Image courtesy of Pixabay

Introduce Wildlife

Your local pet shop will no doubt have koi and other freshwater fish to choose from that you can add to your backyard pond. Make sure you find out exactly what type of water conditions and pond plants they need to thrive and survive. If you have pets of your own or want to protect your fish from predatory birds you might consider placing some netting over your pond, great protection for fish and a visible deterrent for small children.

Relax in the evening to the gentle sound of water trickling down a waterfall and watch as frogs, newts and fish enjoy the aquatic environment you have created for them. Creating a pond is the perfect way to add an extra dimension to your garden.

Get a suitable shape and just the right spot and your pond will change and grow with the seasons, providing year round interest and intrigue. Talk to your local garden centre today about what you need to create your pond and get digging.