Should You Add a Raised Pond to Your Outdoor Space?
What could be more peaceful than the sound of rippling water and a pond full of lush plants right in your own backyard? Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginning gardener who wants to start an exciting new hobby, water gardening will pay off in great benefits. Not only will it be good for your well being, but it will also add natural beauty to your outdoor space.
Benefits of raised ponds
A raised pond adds a lovely element of architecture to your backyard or garden. You can choose a specific type of stone or brick to create your own designer theme, such as Tuscany, Asian, or an English cottage. A raised pond will attract songbirds, dragonflies, and butterflies for you to enjoy.
Getting started
Set up an appointment with a contractor who specializes in hardscaping to determine what size pond would work best for you and to discuss construction materials if you have a specific theme in mind. Ask to see other ponds the contractor has installed to get ideas. If you find a raised pond you love online or in a magazine, be sure to print out a picture to show your hardscaping specialist.
Make sure you ask to have a waterfall feature installed in your pond to create the soothing sound of trickling water. These can be constructed directly in the wall of the pond or as a separate unit outside the pond. Ask your contractor which type will be easier for you to maintain.
Select plants for your pond
No pond is complete without water lilies and lily pads. Canna lilies are old-fashioned flowers with a tropical feel. They can be submerged or planted around the outside of the pond. Canna lilies look lovely with any design theme but look especially nice as part of an English cottage style theme.
Papyrus is a plant that is billowy as well as hardy. The purple-leaf variety of the Taro plant, better known as elephant's ears, is great for adding color to your pond. Cattails are fast spreading plants and may grow up to six feet high. They are best planted sparingly, as they can take over a pond rather quick.
Add some fish
Fish are fun to watch but will also help to keep the mosquitoes under control in your pond, as they eat the larvae the insects lay in the water. Goldfish work well as do Koi. Beware of adding too many fish. Ask your fish supplier for recommendations regarding how may work best for your size pond.
Beware of Algae
Algae can ruin any pond if left uncontrolled. Algae dyes can be useful for shading the pond. Cleaners are also available to dissolve algae. These substances are safe for fish and plants. Controlling algae growth in your pond is a vital part of pond maintenance that cannot be ignored.
There's no good reason not to install a raised pond in your outdoor space if you love plants, wildlife, and the soothing sound of a waterfall. Services such as White Oak Land Management can work with you to design a pond that will enhance the look of your outdoor space and give you hours of water gardening enjoyment for years to come.
