Garden Ponds
Garden ponds create a pleasant garden atmosphere for both people and wildlife. Ponds designed with a proper ecological balance have algae and other biological organisms forming beneficial films that break down the organic debris as the first link in the food web for fish as well as wild amphibians that will be attracted to the water. Between these creatures and some moving water the mosquito population, contrary to expectations, should be less than what an equal area of lawn would harbor.
Some of the necessary ingredients for an ecologically balanced pond is lots of solid surface area for the biological organisms that are the basis of a food web and aquatic plants to provide shade to keep algal blooms in check. The solid surface area is provided by rocks and organic debris such as a log, sticks, and/or leaves that are being consumed by the microbes. Ecological experiments excluding all organic debris from
natural streams resulted in the loss of virtually all fauna biodiversity. The shade is provided by emergent, floating, and to a lesser extent immersed aquatic plants all of which use nutrients that would have otherwise fueled excessive algae growth.
The creation of seemingly insignificant, but very important niches and/or sanctuaries in and around a garden pond enhances the attraction to various species of wildlife. A range of depths is important to give a more stable temperature gradient for fish on both hot and cold days as well as means to avoid any predators. A very shallow area could be used by metamorphosing amphibians, basking aquatic reptiles, and bathing birds. Grit near this area could then be used by the birds since it acts as a digestive aid while an area with wet soil and/or organic materiel just above the water level could be used by puddling insects, especially butterflies and even bees. Some sticks or logs placed in the water and extending onto the bank would allow a way of escape for any small creatures that may accidentally fall in to the garden pond, and this would be enhanced with a slight current that helps carry them closer to an escape route.
With simple steps such as these and a tolerance of the natural processes, starting with the initial algae bloom in a new pond, involved in creating an ecological balance a garden pond can become an enjoyable focal point rather than a maintenance nightmare.
Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens are idea when there are run off problems that could make a pond impractical. Rain gardens consist of a basin that collects the excess water, which then evaporates and or soaks into the ground. The plants selected for a rain garden can tolerate periods of inundation as well as dry conditions.
Bog Gardens
Bog gardens are intermediate between garden ponds and rain gardens where it has constant moisture and can be a basin unlike garden ponds that are typically slightly above grade to avoid runoff that can adversely alter water quality. A garden pond can easily be converted to a bog garden since both require an impermeable membrane to ensure water retention. This conversion makes sense when pond maintenance becomes undesirable or unfeasible. Numerous reasons include safety concern, maintenance cost, and/or problems due to poor design that may result in stagnate water.
