Having a water feature is an excellent way to add depth and excitement to your garden. But before you start digging, here are a few tips to help you find the best location for your new garden pond.
Best garden pond location: A garden pond should be on a level surface so that rain water doesn’t drain into the area, which can cause a swampy situation. It should not be directly underneath large trees so leaves don’t fall into the water. A garden pond should also be exposed to some sunlight and if small children have access to the pond, a safety rail should be installed.
Where is the best place to build a garden pond?
When selecting a location for your garden pond, you should pick an area where you will get the most usage out of it. A garden pond is a delight so you don’t want it tucked away.
Pick a place that is on a flat surface and leave enough room around it so that you can set up chairs or a patio area near it. This way, you can sit and relax during the summer and unwind in a tranquil setting.
Things to consider when choosing a garden pond location
Falling leaves
A garden pond looks beautiful if the water is clear and clean. However, if it is full of fallen leaves, then it quickly becomes a dirty, mucky area.
Placement of your pond should always take into consideration what type of trees there are around it. Deciduous trees are varieties that lose their leaves every year and make the most mess.
If you can, don’t build your pond directly underneath trees. Instead, build it away from trees so even if there are fallen leaves, they will be a minimum amount.
Depending on the type of pond you build, you may want to consider skimming your pond. To do so, you need a net that has a long handle so you can reach out and collect all the leaves before they sink to the bottom of the pond and create a scummy layer.
Sunlight
One of the most important things to consider with a backyard pond is how much sunlight it gets. Generally, a sunny area is preferable to a shady area.
This is because garden ponds need plants that produce oxygen, which will help prevent the water from becoming stagnant. If the plants aren’t exposed to sunlight, they won’t stay alive, and thus can’t produce the needed oxygen.
Having your pond in full sunlight is not mandatory, however. It can be in partial shade or even dappled shade, which means some light can filter down through the trees.
The bottom line is that a garden pond should not be in a location that is full of shade.
Ground
Even though you want your pond to be full of water, you don’t want it to overflow. Instead, you want only the right amount of water that you have planned for.
If you create a garden pond in a hollow part of your yard that naturally collects rainwater, this will result in an overflowing pond. Water will escape the boundaries of the pond and create a giant puddle in your yard.
The best location for a garden pond is on flat, even ground that is not at the bottom of a hill. This way, the water can drain properly if it rains a lot.
If you want to add a waterfall feature to your pond, you can think about using a natural hill or slope for this feature. This can help with the pump and the pipes and make the pond look more natural.
Wind
Strong winds can cause a lot of havoc with ponds. While small breezes won’t do much, strong gusts of wind can ruin your perfect pond.
Strong wind can blow debris onto your pond, such as leaves and branches. You will then need to spend time cleaning this up.
Furthermore, wind can actually move the water out of the pond, which will create a soggy mess and the need to refill the pond once the weather calms.
Try to create a pond with some protection from wind, either near a structure or at the side of a hill. If there is a buffer between the wind and your pond, there won’t be as much destruction.
Water movement
Stagnant water attracts a lot of unwanted attention. Mosquitos and other pests will quickly congregate, turning your garden into an uncomfortable situation.
If you can, install a water fountain feature in your new garden pond. This can be a small fountain at one end or the middle. It just has to be able to circulate the water for a fresher environment.
Safety
Even if a pond doesn’t have a lot of water, safety should still be a top priority. It doesn’t take much water for a child to drown.
First, think about who has access to your yard and the area around your pond. If you don’t have children, or they are older, this isn’t as much of a concern.
However, if you have young children or your neighbors do, then you should create a fence around the pond. Furthermore, there should be a rule that no kids are allowed around the pond without adult supervision.
Should a Garden Pond Be In The Sun or Shade
A garden pond should be in the sun. Too much shade and the plants in and around your pond won’t grow, which means oxygen won’t circulate in the water.
As a result, the water won’t move which means it is stagnant. Mosquitos are attracted to stagnant water and a film of algae can also grow on the surface of stagnant water.
You don’t have to build your garden pond in full sunlight, however. The partial or dappled shade will still have the desired effects.
Conclusion
Having a pond in your garden is a great way to add some diversity to your landscaping. The calming sounds of a water feature, along with the diverse flora and fauna that surround it, will make your garden a unique feature in your yard.
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