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REFLECTIONS OF HOME
Pondering a Pond?
A Splash of Advice Before you Take the Plunge
Ponds are today’s hottest trend in landscaping.
Also called water gardens, they add beauty, individuality
and serenity to any back yard. Whether you hire a professional
installer or tackle the project yourself, consider the wide
array of options available and decide how to integrate your
pond into your overall landscaping design. Here are some of
the basics to think about:
Location. First and foremost, a pond should
be located where it will provide the most pleasure. Typically,
this is near a deck or patio and visible from within the home
through a large window, either in the kitchen or family room.
If the pond will include blooming aquatic plants like lilies,
it should receive approximately 6 hours of sunlight. Finally,
ponds should have easy access to water and electricity and
be slightly above the level of the rest of the yard so they
don’t collect runoff from surrounding areas.
Size. It’s been estimated that up
to 90% of the original water gardens sold are later replaced
with larger ones. An 11' x 16' pond is a fairly standard size
water feature. Laying a garden hose on the ground can help
you picture how large a prospective pond will be.
High or Low Tech. With the proper balance
of fish and plants, it’s possible to establish an ecosystem
that virtually maintains itself without chemicals or filters.
However, you may want to consider a water pump to create the
sound of water movement, even if it is not necessary for purifying.
Ponds with koi fish must be filtered because koi fish will
eat all vegetation, but goldfish are low maintenance if they
are forced to survive on existing vegetation (rather than
fed). About 2/3 of the water surface should be covered or
shaded by plants to reduce algae and offer shelter for your
fish.
Like traditional landscaping, water
gardens mature with age and evolve as new ideas and plants
are incorporated, increasing in beauty and adding value
to your home. Addtional information on ponds is available
on the Internet, at your library and from local landscaping
firms.
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