Backyard Ponds
There's nothing like the splash of a fountain or the sight of fish darting among water lilies in full bloom. If this backyard setting sounds idyllic to you, then you're in luck. It's actually easy to create relaxing ponds, even in a small backyard, with a bit of planning and some professional guidance.
Get pumped
Regardless of your pond size, you need a pump and filter. The pump aerates the water and keeps it circulating. This is crucial to prevent stagnation, which attracts mosquitoes and their larvae. The filter is necessary to keep the water free of decomposing plants and fish waste.
Be climate conscious
Your local climate and your yard's sun exposure are two key factors in planning your pond. A pond with a lot of sun exposure requires extra measures to discourage algae growth.
If your area experiences hard freezes in the winter, you'll need to consider how to manage fish and aquatic plants. If your area is prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters, you'll need to plan for how to keep the pond water aerated during a prolonged power outage.
Keep it green
Your selection of plants in and around the pond will depend on the local climate, soil, and sun exposure. It's a good idea to have a non-invasive, oxygenating aquatic plant like hornwort in your pond. It's attractive and provides food and cover for fish.
Many professional landscapers can handle pond design and planting. Cary Landscaping Services has been serving the Triangle area of North Carolina for over 22 years and offers a broad range of landscaping services.
Be kind to animals
If you want fish in your pond, make sure to get the right size and number. Simple pet store goldfish are inexpensive and hardy. Fancy breeds don't fare as well, and koi need powerful water filters.
The rule of thumb is to have one gallon of water per inch of fish. Pumps and filters are critical for their survival. But beware -- fish make a tasty target for raccoons, possums, and even large birds. Careful planning and landscaping can reduce this risk.
Your pond may also attract frogs and toads. They help with insect control, and the presence of tadpoles in your pond doesn't harm fish or plants. You can also add some non-invasive aquatic snails to your pond to help eat fish and vegetable waste.
Once your pond has been constructed and stocked with plants and fish, you'll want to spend more time near it and maybe take on more outdoor projects. Whether you want to DIY or leave the heavy lifting to the pros, Homewood Nursery of Raleigh has what you need to turn your backyard into a paradise.
Are you ready to get started? Reach out to a landscaping professional for some solid direction on your project. For more ideas on how to style your pond and backyard, follow TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram.
