Build Natural Ponds In Your Garden

By:


Wild ponds are full of high activity. All types of species are drawn to them from dragonflies and pond skaters, to frogs, turtles and sometimes even the occasional fox. Natural ponds are some of the most important aspects of the conservation of our wildlife, both animal and plant. Wild ponds are disappearing at a truly alarming rate and as they disappear forever they are taking the animals and plants that depend on them for their survival with them. Animals are having to turn to other man made watering holes but unfortunately, these watering holes are just not safe for the animals.

These watering holes may be sewage ditches or chemical dumps. The animals drink from these contaminated sources and end up poisoned. There are also 1000's of pond life killed instantly when their pond is filled in to make way for a new road or building because its "uneconomical" to go round the pond or build a bridge over it.

Because of this shortage of natural ponds many pond keepers are now trying to build a style of ponds that is specifically aimed at wildlife. These man made ponds offer a sanctuary for wildlife and can bring their own kind of special interest, appeal and tranquility to any garden.

Design And Maintenance

Any sized natural pond is a bonus for the wildlife in your area but try and build yours as big as possible. It wants to be in a sunny area but should have some shade cover as well, perhaps from a tree. When you dig out for your pond make the edges with a gentle slope so there are depth variations. Remember, you are trying to create something that looks natural so make it an irregular shape. Hopefully in a few months it will look like it was there before you! Lay your pond liner on sand and put a layer on the top as well. When its prepared you can fill with tap water and leave to settle. Aquatic plants will probably soon start to appear as mother nature starts her work. Try not to let the plants take over which can happen until your mini eco system finds its balance. Keeping plants down to about 30% of your pond area is a good idea.

You wil have to clean the pond occasionally by removing weeds, unwanted plants and any leaves that have found there way in. Don't do any weeding in the first few months of the year as this is breeding time for invertebrates and amphibians and there eggs will be on the weeds. Its good practice when removing plants and leaves to leave them by the pond for a while so that any small pond life that you have inadvertently plucked from home can make their way back to sanctuary.

The plants you use in natural ponds should be local to your habitat. This will ensure new growth and eliminate your frustration if everything you plant is dying. The important thing is to try and make your pond look and act as natural as possible. Don't add fountains, ornamental statuary or other man made objects to your pond or the naturalness will be removed. Many animals would be frightened off by these small structures sticking up in the middle of a pond. Being eco-friendly and environmentally responsible will help you maintain a beautiful and wonderful natural pond that will attract wildlife to your garden in abundance.

About the Author:
Kipp Flynn has been designing ponds for ever. He was using terms like environmental way before they were popular. Click to learn more about natural ponds or here for general build a pond advice
Don't reprint the same version as everyone else. Get your own unique content ponds article here.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , , , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Landscaping-Gardening Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.