Cool Landscapes With Ponds

If you have taken all the summer heat you think you can bear, consider installing a pond on your property to cool your senses and your thoughts.

Many different kinds of ponds are available, and you can provide a soothing scene for the hot and bothered. You can select from four different types of pond construction, and each kind comes in a variety of styles.

Large natural shoreline ponds can be dug out of your property with large land moving equipment, and fed by either a natural stream, spring, watershed, or large recirculating pumps. Most are at least six feet deep and up to several hundred feet across.

Smaller ponds can be dug out and reinforced with concrete walls and bottom, or the same area can be covered with a fish-friendly rubber liner. Both the concrete and liner are installed so the surrounding soil does not absorb the pond's shallow water.

Small ponds are available pre-formed at many garden centers. They are a good way to start for many people. They are relatively easy to install and maintain, usually less expensive and meet most start-up needs.

To install a pre-formed pond, dig a hole the shape of the insert, but approximately four inches wider and deeper. Then place sand in the bottom of the hole to bring the lip of the insert three inches above the soil line, and then fill in the sides of the hole with sand. As the walls of the liner are sloped be sure to slope of the hole.

Slightly cloudy water is acceptable and won't hurt plant or animal life. If you aim for crystal clear, almost drinkable water, you will need to consider filtration equipment for this and all other sizes of ponds/water gardens.

I recommend each fall, after the leaves drop, and again in the spring that you clean out excess leaf debris. This should be about all the maintenance your pond should need.

Sometimes algae, which is a bright green clinging or floating nuisance, grows rampantly and detracts from the appearance of the pond. Although it is not harmful, you can plant a few grasses that can reduce algae growth, or use an algaecide.

Other plants that grow well in Ohio ponds include water lilies and water hyacinths. Water lilies need soil to take root, whereas the water hyacinth's roots dangle in the water as the blossom floats on the surface of the pond.

Lilies should be in still water since they probably won't flower in moving water. I recommend placing the water lilies' containers directly on the bottom of the pond. You should cover the soil in the container with about one half inch of sand to hold the soil in place.

The top of the potted root mass of lilies should be at least 24 inches below the water surface to prevent winter freeze kill.

You may also want to consider stocking small fish in your pond. Little gold carp and koi work well and are available through your garden center. Generally, one fish per 10 gallons of water works well.

Other features you may want to consider for your pond include fountains of all kinds, waterfalls, and lights. As you plan your pond, consider shore plants to make the pond appear even more natural.

Ponds are a fun way to add interest to your landscape and give your yard a cool, fresh appearance.