6 of 88

Write now Article Tools

Page 6 of 6

a filtration system that adequately breaks the water, but does not splash too much on the plants. Many water plants do not like to have their leaves pounded by the water from a fountain.

ORNAMENTAL POND:

This type of pond is nice if you have a large enough area. Setting up a fountain in the middle with marginal water plants around the edge looks attractive, especially once the lilies and hyacinth start to flower. Other floating water plants can help to keep the algae in check. The sound of a rippling waterfall is very relaxing when a pond is set up close to where people like to congregate. Some ornamental ponds do have fish, while others do not.

Another positive side to have fountains and gurgling ponds is that most birds are attracted to the sound of running water. They bathe and drank in ponds and add an entertainment factor in watching them. To maintain safety for them it is very important to place some floating logs in the water. A couple of birds drowned in our pond when they fell in when we were always. When their wings are wet, they cannot make it to the side of the pond. The set-up for this pond is the same as the other two, but the advantage to this type of pond is that there is less responsibility. Keeping the algae down and giving the plants some fertilizer once a month or so is about all there is to it.

No fish to worry about and if you are really lucky you might just find that frogs and salamanders like what you have created. If you are fortunate enough to have them come, be thankful. Frogs and salamanders are environmentally friendly pest controls. They eat massive amounts of insects that normally ravage the garden. Some of our friends were squeamish when we proudly informed them of our guests. Just leave them alone, they will not bother anyone and they can do a lot for both the pond and the garden. If you want to go a little further adding subdued lighting or muted green or blue floodlights around the pond create ambiance and from there you can kick back, relax...and just enjoy your own little piece of paradise!

Learn more about this author, Coralie Darsey-Malloy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6

Add your voice

Know something about True gardening stories: What my garden taught me - the hard way?
We want to hear your view. Write now!