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Pin the Pond on the Garden

Paul165Paul165 Posts: 97
in Garden design
Hi guys

I would really, really like to incorporate a small wildlife pond into our garden, but my brain isn't made for designing things and I can't picture where it might "fit".  Our garden is very square, and fenced in, but is a half-decent size and I don't moving things around a bit.

How would you incorporate it, looking at the attached picture, if at all?  Fence on right is south facing one.  

Any guidance, tips or warnings much appreciated!


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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @Paul165. I'd put it right where that bird table is.
    Others may disagree, but - it will get the best light. You can incorporate low planting round it for cover - necessary for wildlife. You can see it from your house during colder, wetter months. Easy to net it in autumn to catch any falling leaves. 
    If you have hedgehogs around, you can make a little access hole in that fence too - assuming it's yours.
    You will also find that, over time, you'll see wildlife using it even when you sit at your table  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Paul165Paul165 Posts: 97
    Funnily enough that was where I’d previously thought to do it, but wasn’t sure if centre of lawn was a good idea or not....! Thank you

    Hedgehog hole on my list!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I second that location. Another plus is that you'll be able to watch it from the seating area
    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Keep up @Hostafan1..... ;)

    "You will also find that, over time, you'll see wildlife using it even when you sit at your table"   
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Paul165Paul165 Posts: 97
    Don’t suppose you have any pics of examples which might fit the brief in the middle of the lawn?

    or I could just google I suppose!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    There are lots of pond threads on the forum @Paul165
    Mine is more like what you'll have rather than @Hostafan1's  ;)
    I'm in the process of enlarging mine a little more, but this was from 2018


    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Digging-itDigging-it Posts: 117
    I installed a pond some years ago and now regret putting it in full sun, I think it’s advisable to provide about a third to half in shade. It is constantly inundated with algae which love the sun, also have fish which probably help raise the fertility of the water. I think it’s also a good idea for wildlife to have sloping edges on your pond. Good luck with your project having a pond certainly entices wildlife into the garden.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited April 2020
    You can address the algae by correct planting @Digging-it . If you have about a third of the surface shaded by plants, that helps. 
    A good addition is watercress as that feeds on the algae. Just a bag, or a few handfuls,  from the supermarket chucked in. There are other methods too - barley straw extract etc. Bale of straw if it's a big pond  ;)

    Fish do make a big difference to the water  :)
    Mine has a fairly large shallow area, and i'm currently increasing that too. Plenty of little spots for insects and birds to drink and bathe safely.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Digging-itDigging-it Posts: 117
    Hi Fairygirl, thanks for your advice I might try the watercress this year. I have water plants in the pond...a few water lilies, flag irises and some others but I can’t remember their names. They really help to shade the pond but at this time of the year the surface is pretty exposed to sunlight. We also have a problem with herons, our fish like to hide under the lily pads when they grow for protection.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I like a heron - couldn't eat a whole one.... ;)
    I've never had a problem with them here, as we have loads of suitable watery areas for them around here, so no need to come in gardens. There's loads of them about though.

    Yes - the watercress trick is effective for smaller ponds. It just attaches itself to any old bit of medium it can find, or multiplies on the surface. If it gets too big for it's boots, it's easy to pull out. It sometimes self seeds, but it doesn't always last over winter. Not here anyway  :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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