Published September 8, 2005

Imagine a tranquil, stone-edged oasis in your garden, where water as smooth as glass reflects sky and plants, and where frogs frolic and dragonflies dance. A backyard pond can be a magical focal point for a garden, a special habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and fish, drawing wildlife into your garden and you to its refreshing, reedy edge.
“We’re attracted to the peaceful and soothing qualities of outdoor ponds,” says Bob Hagy, owner of Sonoma-based Hagy Landscaping. “If the pond has a waterfall or fountain the sound can be very inviting.”

A backyard pond should be situated in a visible spot where it can blend in with its natural surroundings. It also needs to be a good size if it’s in a sunny location, so that the water temperature doesn’t get too high for any aquatic life.

Experts say the pond should be at least 12 to 14-inches deep, since a greater diversity of plants and fish will be able to live in a pond that isn’t too shallow. Some recommend having part of the pond be between 24 and 36 inches deep. The in-ground pond itself can be between from 8 by 10 feet to 10 by 20 feet.

“It takes a fair amount of water to have a stable environment,” says Hagy.
The biggest challenge to pond owners is maintenance, particularly removing the debris that invariably ends up in the water. For this reason, there will be less maintenance if your pond is not placed under trees.

Hagy says the pond should be equipped with a pump and a filter. The filter needs to be maintained and there needs to be easy access to it. Pond owners should also make sure the filter and pump are adequate for the volume of water in their pond.
Rather than using concrete fillers or plastic tubs, the modern backyard pond is dug directly into the ground and covered with a specially designed sheet-rubber liner to contain the water. Rocks are placed over the liner to give a natural effect. The advantages to this method, says Hagy, are that the liner is very durable, lasting between 25 and 30 years, and that the pond can be created in any shape.

Water specific plants for the pond include water lilies, rushes and reeds. A combination of emergent, submergent, and floating species of plants can be used to good effect. Emergent plants, such as cattails, arrowhead and water lilies, have their roots in the water but their shoots above water. Submergent species, such as elodea, remain under water and add oxygen, which helps keep the water clear. Floating species, such as duckweed, water lettuce and water hyacinth ,float on the surface and limit sunlight.

Koi are probably the most popular pond fish, but Hagy says goldfish also do just fine.
“The frogs will show up on their own,” he adds with a laugh. The pond will also attract birds and raccoons.

“It’s good particularly for nocturnal animals that will come to drink out of it, especially during the summer when there aren’t a lot of natural water sources,” Hagy explains.
Dave Fazzio, owner of Sonoma Mission Gardens in Sonoma, says water is currently trendy in landscape gardening and that ponds don’t have to be big, expensive endeavors.

“Water features in general are very popular, whether it’s an in-ground pond, or galvanized water trough, or half a wine barrel,” he says. “You can have something small-scale for patios or something more expensive. They run the gamut from somewhat sculptural obelisks with water running down onto river-washed stones, to a simple barrel with a few goldfish.”

The biggest pond enemy is unsightly green algae. Algaecides can be toxic to other plants and aquatic life. Fazzio recommends making sure the pond is half-shaded during the spring and summer months by either an arbor or tall trees far enough away not to drop debris, or by using floating plants, or those with wide leaves to cover a large percentage of the water surface.

“This cuts down algae between 80 and 90 percent,” he says. Scavengers, such as aquatic snails and tadpoles, can also help control algae.

Another problem, now more than ever, is threat of mosquitoes.
“A lot of people get nervous about mosquitoes, but having goldfish or koi will help,” says Fazzio. “Also the mosquito abatement district has made mosquito fish, which eat the larvae, available free of charge in most nurseries.”

Another issue worth mentioning is safety since ponds are deep enough to be dangerous. They are not recommended for families with toddlers or small children, and should be located where they are unlikely to attract unattended kids.

Fazzio’s final advice to would-be pond owners is to remember to give the pond a thorough cleaning once or twice a year, and to have a hose nearby to replace water once every ten days or so during the heat of summer.

“I would also refer people to a pond installer to evaluate their particular situation,” he concludes.