Advanced Sustainable Garding Tip: Adding A Backyard Fishpond

You may not think of a fish pond as a part of the garden, but actually fishponds can be a great asset to your sustainable gardening endeavors. Not only do they make an attractive addition to the scenery, but they can be an amazing source of fertilizer for your garden - maybe the only one you need, if your garden is small! My sister called my attention to this fact. She is an avid gardener, and every time she cleans out her koi pond, she adds the contents to her garden or compost. She has one of the most beautiful, lush, and healthy organic gardens I've ever seen. All she does is use the natural waste from her fish to feed her garden, which then feeds her family - now that's what I call sustainable!

Here are some tips on building your own fish pond:

Remember that a small backyard pond isn't just for fish, but also for butterflies, frogs, birds, you, and the whole family. These ponds may be quite small, even as small as 3 to 4 feet in diameter, which should be quite easy to maintain. These will not only provide enjoyment and visual interest but also a natural and relaxing environment as well.

Where to Build a Backyard Pond

A pond in a residential garden. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For best ambiance, place your fish pond in a place where you can easily view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Integrate it into the natural surroundings, and do not place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle it in a mostly shaded place but not directly under trees, where you'll have problems with leaves in the fall, and it may be too shady for some aquatic plants.

Landscaping

It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding the pond so that excess water will not drain into it. This can cause it to overflow, and in cases where you may have neighboring lawns, chemicals could flow into the pond and kill your fish. Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that it drains the water away from your house - not towards it.

Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs that need water and land. Make sure that electricity is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a water re-circulating device.

Using Pond Liners

Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into the soil. This is almost always necessary for small ponds even if it they are situated in clay soils. Plastic pond liners come in different shapes and sizes. They even include built in waterfalls or any design based on your preferences. They are durable and convenient.

Pond liners come in different thicknesses as well. The thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to punctures. Cement may be considered as an optional pool liner. However, it requires more expertise to install and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond liner.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

However, considering that many ponds are quite small, plastics are often the best choice. However, keep in mind that some of the cheaper ones may break down easily under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, so they may need to be replaced every few years. Some plastics also may prove to be toxic to fish, so be sure to check before buying one, that it is safe for fish and wildlife. (Look for those marked "Nontoxic" or "Fish Safe".)

Pond Installation

Time your pond building when the ground is not overly wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump. Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week before placing the fish.

Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!


Resources to Help Build Your Fishpond:
   

Improving Your Garden by Adding a Fountain

A great way to spice up your garden is to add a water feature. These can be both soothing and aesthetically appealing. Many find that there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on a bench next to a garden and listening to a fountain while you read a good book or do some studying. Putting in a water feature is fairly easy and relatively inexpensive, and will add immensely to the pleasantness of your garden. Also, the maintenance level is minimal.

Image via WikipediaUsually, people install fountains for the benefit of the natural ambiance it provides. For some reason, being around a gorgeous scene of water gives you a positive energy. This is also good if you practice Tai Chi or some form of yoga or meditation. The constant drone of the water is exactly what most people need to concentrate on what they are doing. Even if you're not into that kind of stuff, just being in a garden with a fountain has a sort of meditative quality to it, whether you are actually trying to meditate or not.

When you first decide to put in a fountain, you need to put great care into picking out one that will go well with the rest of your garden. If you have any other decorations, you want to consider if it goes well with your motif. Does the fountain you're considering stand out in your garden like a sore thumb, or does it look like it was meant to be there? If you don't have a landscaper's eye, you may wish to consult a friend who does - they can be very helpful in this.

Another issue you might run into is supplying your fountain with power. This may especially be a problem if your garden isn't that close to your house. A solution that can work for this is to use an extension cord meant for being buried. All it will take is a few hours of digging a small trench to place the cord in, and you will have power to your fountain without an unsightly cord running across the yard. (Another option is to buy one of the newer solar-powered fountains, and then you won't have to mess with a cord at all.)

So if you're looking for a way to make your garden a more classy and beautiful place to be, you may want to consider installing a fountain. The whole process is surprisingly inexpensive, and I think that you will be very happy with the results. Having a fountain in your garden is not only soothing, but it also adds a lot of character to an otherwise bland garden. Remember, gardens are not just for giving us vegetables! A garden is a place to go when you want to retreat from the outside world and dwell in your own thoughts with no disturbances.