From Pen and Paper to Dirt and Water
Planning Garden Ponds
Professional landscape architects use a great deal of training when planning a pond. Entry level jobs require a bachelors’ degree. In addition to designing specific water features for a given site they use consultations with various specialists in other fields to determine the best course of action.
So just keep in mind that if the addition of a water feature and the overall landscape plan are a do-it-yourself-project then it will be a very demanding one. Do a lot of research before going any further. Ask questions of anyone who will listen and has a lot of free information to share. There are water gardening associations which can probably lend as much local insight as anyone.
Take a lot of care deciding which elements are desirable and affordable in the site to be developed. Consider if benches will be decorative and useful. How much manmade ornamentation is desirable, how much would be too much. Is the pond going to be large enough for the use of a bridge over top or would it look out of scale. Think carefully whether a formal garden will suit the appearance of the houses nearby or whether a more natural or wild look is better. Visit gardening centers or public gardens when planning to help decide if the garden ponds are something that would be worth the investment of time and money.
Once these kinds of decisions are made start choosing the various materials, plants and animals that will make the best use of the site under development. Make sketches of the proposed placement of these elements. Be sure to give thought to the seasonal changes in the region and select varieties which make the best use of the landscaping. Include color for spring, summer and fall otherwise there will be one or two beautiful months in the backyard while the rest of the year is lackluster and uninspired.
Plan for elements which appeal to and sooth all five senses. Appearance of color, movement, reflections, texture and balance are only the start. Sounds of nature are a big draw of ponds. Crickets, birds and frogs as well as water trickling along, falling, or gushing all serve to instantly remove traffic noise or other distractions. Smells from fragrant plants or even cedar mulch can add another valuable dimension. Tactile stimulation can be from things that are actually touched like plants or from prevalent breezes, morning sunshine or gentle rains. The sense of taste can be served by picnics by the pond edge so good places to sit on decking on benches or around a table will facilitate those garden meals.
Then measure everything to make sure it will fit after it matures and make appropriate choices. Transfer the final plans to scale on graphing paper or find simple software to use.
The natural appearance of a water garden belies the extensive research and planning not to mention the cost and shear brute labor required to create these relaxing gardens. Careful planning is essential.