Payoffs of Ponds
With global warming looming large in the world’s ecology, causing a rise in the number of heat waves, intense storms and droughts and the rise in ocean levels, it’s time we embraced a serious commitment to environmental stewardship. And what wiser way to regain our affinity to Mother Nature than installing a water garden - any pool of water that is home to plants and potentially a haven to wildlife - right in our backyard.
It comes as no surprise then that in this ecologically correct age, the water garden is not only scaling the popularity charts in landscaping trends but is also celebrated as an outdoor paradise. Beyond its aesthetic appeal and its feel-good factor, the environmental payoffs cannot be played down.
Less is More As less space is dedicated to lawns, less energy and water is used to keep the garden turf spruced. And with less mowing, noise pollution is kept down in the neighbourhood.
Lessons in Life Ponds get us up-close and personal with the environment as they serve as a micro-ecosystem that supports life, providing precious lessons in water quality and by extension, the environmental issues impacting the world today.
Cutting back carbon emissions Water gardens are contributing to thw nesting phenomenon where urbanites are living it up by relaxing and entertaining at home, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a miniature wilderness. With fewer trips out of the city, less carbon dioxide is released into the environment.
Reducing hazards & runoff A properly located and maintained pond can help combat issues such as fire protection and flood prevention by reducing gully erosion, and improving water quality.
Ponds that Pack Punch
A garden need not be big to accommodate a pond which can in vary in shape and size. Ponds are generally designed as raised, sunk into the ground or are a combination of both.
Above-Ground Pond
It is the simplest kind of pond to build since it involves no digging. In fact, it usually takes much longer to fill this pond with water than it does to build it. The above-ground pond provides opportunities for structural sophistication and extra seating space.
Although it generally requires less maintenance, it tends to get easily heated in the afternoon sun. If space is a premium, above-ground ponds will feel right a home sited near a deck or a patio, serving as an ideal backdrop for potted plants.
In-Ground Pond
An in-ground pond requires excavation and has a more natural look. It is also insulated from both the heat by the surrounding soil. The advantage of an in-ground pond is the flexibility of depth for larger fish, and more room for plants.
Koi Pond
The main function of the koi pond should be to provide a healthy environment for the koi fish, and not designed simply for aesthetic reason alone. A koi pond is best sited close to the house not only for viewing pleasure but also for security reasons. If possible, a koi pond should ideally have a wall alongside an entire side of it and which not only acts as a base for a cascade or as structural support but can help camourflage the filtering system. The koi pond can be raised or sunk into the ground with a minimum depth of 3 feet, or deeper as the koi can grow to quite a large size. It is recommended that a koi pond be at least 500 gallons or more in volume. A well-shaded pond will not only help maintain a cool water temperature for the fish but will also inhibit excess algae growth.
Pond Pointers
Even if you are not much of a DIYer, it still pays to get a lowdown on what works before a pond is installed.
Site it right Choose a spot with 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight as aquatic plants and fish thrive in plenty of sun. Locate it away from tall shrubs and trees to minimize the amount of leave debris. Ensure that the pond can be easily viewed from indoors and out, such as from a window or from a patio.
State of equilibrium Allow time for the pond to settle after filling with water and after the introduction of plants and fish; it will reach a natural balance without having to rely on chemicals.
Keep it to scale The size of the outdoor space will determine the size of the pond: small ponds are best for small gardens.
Plant Population Plants should cover no more than 60% of the water surface. Choice of plants will depend on the size of the pond and the statement you want to make. Opt for plants that are tall and thin rather than those that are low and flat. Plants are useful to the health of the pond as they provide oxygen and take up excess nutrients that would otherwise promote growth of algae.
Well-managed drainage The site on which the pond is built should be well-drained as settling or shifting can potentially crack or beak the pond liner. Locate the pond in a higher area so as to avoid water runoff containing chemicals that can destroy aquatic life. Low areas can become difficult to dig in as they collect the most rain.
Steer clear of cables Plan a pond away from buried cables or utility lines.
Refresh with running water Keep ponds healthy by aerating with the use of recirculation pump or with the addition of a cascading waterfall or fountain.
Accessibility to power and water sources As ponds usually require a pump to power a fountain, waterfall or filter, a circuit plug should be within reach. A garden hose should be accessible for the periodic replenishing of water in the pond.
Legitimate installation Check with the municipal authority if there are any restrictions and if a permit is required.
Regular maintenance It’s best to have a periodic removal of debris and murky water, and plant care rather than a major clean-up once every six months.
Stepping it up
If the budget allows, waterfalls and water courses can be combined with the pond to make it a miniature wilderness that is as naturalistic as possible. Visitors will surely be drawn into the outdoors to explore the source of water, making it a decidedly interactive water garden.
Waterfalls
Even without a sloped landscape or a sprawling space, homeowners can still enjoy the drama of captivating cascades and the crashing white noise that is sure to drown out sounds of distractions.
The two main elements in designing a waterfall are the pool in which the water tumble into and the cascading structure of the waterfall. The size of the waterfall should always be in scale with the pond into which the water spills into while the stone or precast concrete that mimic stones over which the water flows should be smooth and curved with a downward-sloping face.
A garden waterfall should be a collection of stones of various shapes and sizes, preferably weathered on all sides and covered with a patina of moss or lichen to give a less contrived look. While the easiest waterfall style is the falling sheet of water effect, the multi-tiered design possibly ranks as the most enjoyable waterfall, where the water falls from stone to stone and eventually culminates into a pond.
No matter what the size of your garden waterfall, planning it well can mean reaping years of outdoor pleasure.
Streams
Streams form the link between waterfalls and the pond and are hugely popular as they not only introduce visual interest but encourage interaction. Streams can be designed such that they can mimic nature’s music as they twist and turn along a watercourse with changing gradients. A well-designed stream is one with elevation changes facing the viewing area.
A naturalistic stream should narrow in some areas, widen in others and finally slow down as it makes it way towards the pond. A good mix of stone and gravel would add to a more natural appearance, and filling the streambed with aquatic plants can significantly aid in the filtering system. The water depth of the stream should be determined by the height of the berm or artificial slope in the nearest downstream waterfall. High water flow rates would mean a wider stream with higher edges.
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