Backyard Water Features
Water Features and Garden Ponds: an easy backyard project
A water feature is probably the most popular landscaping feature to install in the back yard. Generally they are what most people think of when they think of a fish pond. They are designed first and foremost to provide a friendly habitat for aquatic plants.
Even with fish and other wildlife in and near the water, a small do-it-your-self fish pond or a water fountain is still considered a water feature and forms part of the overall garden landscape. If you want to attract birds or other animals to your yard, this is the pond for you.
Water features can fit any budget and any sized yard. A small plastic washtub set on a porch or balcony and filled with small, floating plants can beautify the tiniest space.
For larger landscapes and pocketbooks, you can have almost anything as a water feature, even a re-circulating trout stream with live trout. If you’re worried about children falling in, build the pond with no open water. Make it shallow, filled with small stones and run by a small pump and fountain, perhaps with a waterfall, or fit a rigid plastic grate just below the water surface.
Water gardens are a must for the birder, because the water and plants attract and benefit a great number of birds. You can create distinct pools, birdbaths with rocks at different depths to attract different species.
This isn’t advisable in a fishpond or a fountain, because diseases from the birds infect the fish, and bird feathers can clog a fountainhead. Add streams to attract small birds and small animals such as salamanders and newts.
What should you be featuring
Fountain ponds are the simplest water feature to install, containing only the fountain and water, with no plant or animal life. Installed above ground or in the ground, they often feature a large, central fountain that can shoot water high into the air. Fountainheads are designed to produce a variety of spray patterns from a simple, single jet to twisting jets darting in and out of the water.
You will find there is a wide variety of statues and ornamental fountains to select from. You need to determine a few things first. Is it a submersible fountain you are looking for that will spray? Or is it a much smaller version you have in mind that may sit on the side of the garden pond fountain or on a rock or post of some sort and is in the shape of an animal or statue?
There is quite a bit of difference between the two. The first application requires a fair amount of work and you will need to have the electrical part done by a professional to ensure it is up to code. The second option for installing a pond fountain costs less but may not have all the advantages like having the spray of the fountain shoot to the height of your preference.
Either way, you will create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The smaller water fountains are available in themes like children, which captures the wonderful innocence of kids, or fish and animals. Like frogs and turtles, goose, seal, bullfrog, alligator and more. No matter what kind of scene you are trying to create, these are a great addition and they are inexpensive.
Buying Fountain Pump and Accessories
All pond fountain pumps should have biological filtration to provide good water quality for healthy fish and good appearance. Generally better pond filters mean higher cost, less maintenance, and better water quality. Ultraviolet Sterilizers are recommended for most ponds to insure the clearest water.
Once you have determined the approximate size you are looking for, you can then decide on what type of material you would like it to be made of.
Do you want it to blend into the greenery you already have around your pond area? Or do you want to make a bit of a more dramatic statement and have color contrast like with a copper or bronze statue?
Some will have the water pump and any other accessories or hardware you may need to get it going already included in with the product, and others may sell the pump separately, so we would recommend that you read the product description carefully so that you know what is included. As soon as it gets to your door, you will want to get it set up so that you can begin to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere it creates.
Installed above ground or in ground, they often feature a large ventral fountain that can shoot water high into the air. Fountain heads are designed to produce a variety of spray pattern from a single jet to twisting jet sprays darting in and out of the water. Add an colored spot light to this and it can be very striking.
