Thursday, September 22, 2011

Small Ponds Pack a Punch

If you're under the mistaken impression that a pond simply won't fit in your yard ... think again! Ponds come in a variety of shapes and sizes and their versatility is what makes them such a great addition to your landscape ... in addition to the music of the waterfalls and the birds and butterflies they attract.


You might not think to use big rocks for a smaller pond, but a few boulders create focal points, softened by aquatic plants. The flat rock on the left is a perfect spot to sit and dangle tired tootsies in the water.





The waterfall is in proportion to this smaller pond, nestled snug against the corner of a patio. This used to be a boring patch of grass, but now the homeowner loves sitting outside to drink in this view.



An unexpected surprise awaits visitors to this deck. A magical water garden is tucked smack dab into the middle of the deck, carved out specifically for this tiny pond. A stately tree and beautiful mural create an enchanting backdrop.



Would you rather mow grass, or spend time relishing the serenity of this backyard oasis? A water garden requires less maintenance than the same expanse of grass ... and it's much easier on the eyes, too!



This newer pond looks like it's been there for years. Strategic use of the surrounding landscape was considered when designing this pond and waterfall.



A waterfall and winding stream spill gently into this small pond. A mix of aquatic and terrestial plants mingle with the rocks and water.



Not sure what to do with that empty space beneath an outdoor staircase? Add a waterfall and pond! This one tucks nicely into this once unused area next to a lower level patio.



Japanese gardens are typically void of color and emphasize the texture and and shape of green foliage. A simple bench beckons you to sit and meditate on the water garden's simple beauty. Whether you choose a small 4'x6' pond or something much larger, you won't regret sprinkling your landscape with a little water.

Linking up to ...

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Potpourri Friday at 2805
Inspiration Friday at At the Picket Fence

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of small ponds. Ponds are wonderful no matter what size! Love my pond..I just wish the warm weather would stay around longer in Kansas so I could continue to enjoy my plants and fish.

Honey at 2805 said...

Your pond is just beautiful! The serenity must be lovely!

Thanks for linking to Potpourri Friday and helping to make it a success! I appreciate you, sweet friend!

Heaven's Walk said...

I believe that no backyard is complete without a watergarden! The sound of a waterfall, the sparkling water, the frog that take up residence there......simple and total bliss! I used to work for a landscape company specializing in water gardens, and loved working there! Thanks for sharing your great photos! :)

xoxo laurie

Ellen said...

What beautiful landscaping. I don't have a formal water garden but I have a pond across the street that cascades over the road and makes a waterfall in my sideyard. In the spring when the rains are heavy you can hear the rushing of water and as the wter goes up over the rocks is so soothing. I also have ducks and ducklings.
Hugs,
Ellen

Anonymous said...

we have a small pond made from one of the black plastic pond forms. We have lived in our home 28 yrs. and most of that time we have had our pond. We used a whiskey barrel and a waterfall plastic form that fits inside to make the waterfall down to the pond. we used a pond pump and made our own filter. We bought two plastic baskets used to plant water lilies inside put the pump inside the basket, lined it with dollar store plastic kitchen scrubbers and closed it with wire so I can clean it out with a hose. We have gold fish 4 inches in size . We had to get plastic black garden mesh to cover to keep the cranes and racoons out. In the background of the pond I have quite a few flowers of various varities. What lovely pictures of ponds. Gives me ideas for the front part thatkeeps getting weeds and grass through the rocks. Thank you

Anonymous said...

My husband and I are way too old to do one of these things. Approximately how much is the cost of a small pond/waterfall?

Landscaping_Katy said...

Oh yes, those small ponds do make big statements. I especially loved that small one tucked in the middle of a patio deck. Mini water garden no less! Also loved that patio umbrella. They're always such flexible patio covers.

Anonymous said...

note to anonymous 9/26. if having to dig a hole and place a plastic pond liner/ and / or lay rubber liner and make a pond is too much. As too much cost/ labor etc. get a large plastic pot with no holes in the bottom of the pot.I have one with designs on the sides to make for a more decorative pot. drill two holes at the top edge. Get copper pipes at your local hardware store and make a pipe metal fountain. You take wire at the side of the pipe and thread it through the holes of the pot to hold it in place.You purchase a small amount of plastic tubing the size of your pipe at the bottom and it goes inside the capped copper T 3/4 inch with a reducer 3/8 inch for the plastic tube to fit in and then you get a garden size (tiny) pump and the hole in that is where the plastic tubing goes in. Then you fill pot with water and turn on your pump. You now would have a water garden! I have one plugged in by the front door garden and one on our patio. For the copper water fountain. (1) 2 foot copper pipe cut top at an angle (2) 12inch copper pipe is welded to that but you put a hole in the 12 in. pipe were it will be welded to the angle so water will flow out.(3) at the top of the 12 inch pipe put a copper cap welded on. At the end of the copper 12 in. pipe where the water will flow out but the tip at an angle.(4) now the 2 foot copper pipe the bottom part that will be at the bottom of the pot and in water. put a copper "T" 3/4 inches and attach a 3/8 in reducer to it. This will require welding for each piece. at the end of the reducer is where you slip a plastice tube an then at the other end of the tube it fits into the hole of the small garden pump. (5) at the bottom of the 2 foot copper pipe a cap will be welded onto it . It sounds complicating but if you take this to a welder and get a quote it should not cost much. Try a local votech school and see if they would have a student do it for a grade project. This fountain pattern may be used by our permission.

soper1979@gmail.com said...

Anonymous on 9/26, The great thing about water features is that you can have your own water feature to fit your lifestyle & budget. Lets say you have a professional install a 4x6 pond with a waterfall and 6 foot stream. With the cost of materials, rocks, plants & craftsmanship of putting it together right, you're probably looking at anywhere from 6-8 G. You won't regret it. If that's a little rich for your blood, look into a pondless water fall or another water feature type such as a bubbling urn. These water features are easy to maintain, smaller, and generally cost less while still giving you the sound of running water. Hope this helps.

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Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing pictures of different pond and guiding us to build pond. Pond can be built in small space. Plants and fish add more beauty in pond. read more

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