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water pond and maintaining it properly was more challenging than we originally thought. However, we were already far too invested in the idea of having water features to to turn back. Then later that were in Minot, North Dakota for a few days and found a steal of a deal on a 185-gallon pond, and proceeded to bring it back to expand our pond horizons. The realization of that plan involved more backbreaking ground breaking. Dig, dig, dig and dig some more. When we bought it were were told the ground had to be level, with no rocks to pierce the plastic. Then place it..fill it up and bingo we were thrilled to have another chance to get it right.

We soon learned that the easiest part of water gardening is the filling of the pond. Afterwards there numerous considerations. We stood there looking at a semi-completed stage...our mind was buzzing with more questions. Once the water level is established...then what? What to you put in it? Did we want an eco-pond, fishpond, or ornamental one? Since we were learning by doing we did not have any idea about any of it and had to learn things the hard way. After a lot of setbacks there are a number of things that I can now offer to anyone wanting to add a water garden to their landscape. Let me assure you the pleasure you gain from your efforts will far outweigh the work to create it. So here is some information and a few dos and don't that I sincerely hope will make it easier for you to decide what type of pond will best suit your needs.

THE ECO-POND:

This type of pond is the closest to the way Mother Nature sets up her water systems, and hold appeal for those who want to go "au natural." The environments within these ponds are maintained through plants and whatever amphibians, snails or reptiles you might be fortunate enough to attract. If things are set up properly- they will come. I recall how excited we felt when David found salamanders gobbling up insects one warm summer night. We did not have to advertise we had a water space for rent, they knew. We were all happy with their residency. Suggestions for this type of pond are:

(a) As mentioned earlier, place all ponds as far away from deciduous trees as possible. The spring pollination and falling leaves can be a real problem. A small pond full of debris from nearby trees decomposes quickly and that leads to an algae problem.

(b) Refrain from putting anything in the water for at least 48 hours after the first fill. Chlorine and fluoride can be toxic to delicate amphibians

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