Creating Picturesque, Natural-Like Backyard Water Features: Wildlife Ponds

This large pond is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings and act as a bio filter for a larger pond downstream. The water is recirculated via a low-pressure turbine pump. Photo courtesy Anthony Archer-Wills

By Anthony Archer-Wills

If the client wants to attract butterflies and water-loving creatures to their property, a wildlife pond may be in store. This type of water feature requires a varied water depth, including large shallow areas devoted to aquatic and moisture-loving plants.

There is also need for some loose rocks nearby to create a hibernacula (hibernation site) where amphibians (i.e. frogs, toads, salamanders, etc.) can be cozy for the winter. Creating a link from the pond to nearby woodland will also help create a safe corridor for creatures to travel to and from without becoming prey to birds flying overhead. This route can easily be created with judicious shrub planting.

There should also be an area where the lawn meets the water’s edge, as the client should also be able to reach the pond. An obvious manmade structure ((i.e. a crisp lawn edge, timber deck, dock, or stone patio) will contrast with the pond and further its natural appearance, making it seem as though the water had always been present and the client needed to make it more approachable.

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