Ponds and Water Features

Bringing water into the garden can change it dramatically. As well as the soothing sound of running water, a pond helps to cool the area and provides water for hundreds of birds, butterflies and animals.

Peter Ross - October 2009

For many people a landscaped garden is not complete without a water feature. Whether it is as small as one of the decorative running water statues available at the garden centers, or is a more ambitious waterscape, the benefits are the same: the pleasure of listening to the water peacefully running over rocks or stones and watching the birds and insects gracefully dipping down to the surface to drink.

When planning to add water to your garden, there are two main points to think about:

1. Location
2. Type of feature

Location

The best place to put your pond is obviously where you can easily see it - preferably from the house so that you can enjoy it all the year around. And is you are planning to keep fish and plants in it to add life to the pond, you should pick an area that is away from trees that will shed leaves into it, but try to find somewhere that is also sheltered. You don’t want it to be completely open so that the wind is whipping across it, disturbing birds and wildlife.

You also need to be aware of the drainage pattern in your garden. Although it might seem like a good idea to put the pond in a low-lying area to catch the run-off water, that is also likely to cause it to flood and overflow. Situate it in an area that is well-drained, and make sure that it has an overflow to get rid of excess water rather than just flowing over the edges.

Type of feature

One of the simplest types of water feature is the small decorative cascading ornaments that are suitable for a patio as well as the more usual garden location. This can provide a cooling atmosphere as well as helping to mask any noise from traffic or neighbors.

Stepping up a grade, there are hundreds of pre-formed pond liners available in any do-it-yourself store and these can easily by dug in over a weekend. The addition of a waterfall or fountain to provide moving water, will also help to ensure a healthy supply of oxygen to the water-essential if you are going to have plants or fish in it.

The ultimate choice is a fully developed waterscape. This can be as grand as your imagination and pocket allow! An arrangement often seen is a rocky waterfall running into a stream or runnel, that in turn feeds a pond. The water is then recirculated underground back to the waterfall to begin its journey again. This type of feature, as well as being beautiful to see, provide three different environments: the rocky waterfall area, the running stream, and the calmer waters of the pond.

Whatever water feature you choose, it will be sure to enhance your garden and the larger ones will also add value to your property.

Blue Ridge Landscape & Design is a professional landscaping company based in Winchester, VA. With a staff of designers, horticulturists and outside crews, they undertake all types of landscaping from design and build to commercial landscape maintenance. They also have extensive experience in all areas of residential landscaping, from small plantings for garden patios to complete outdoor kitchen design and installation.