It is important to understand that when we design and build a pond, we are creating an environment to support life.  More life than we often realize.  Many of us just think about the fish or plants that we may be planning to put into our ponds, but there is so much more.   

     There are a wide variety of different fish that we can purchase for our backyard ponds.  Fish can add so much interest and color.  They are fun to observe and feed, sometimes they can even be trained to eat out of your hands!  We may want to build a Koi pond, featuring large beautiful fish and no plants, or maybe a water garden that is more about the plants, with just a few goldfish.  Many of us will enjoy a combination of the two, with lots of plants and fish together. 

     The plants in and around our ponds can add beauty as well.  With a wide variety of colors and textures, plants can “soften” the ponds appearance and make it look more “natural”.   There are so many to choose from.   Waterlilies, bog or marginal plants, floating plants, and underwater Oxygenators, all are available for us to include into our ponds.  

     These plants can also provide a habitat, food, or even a place to hide for many creatures that will be attracted to the pond.  For example, flowers will attract insects and pollinators, and we all enjoy seeing a frog sitting on a lily pad.  

     A large proportion of the life that your pond will support, will be something other than the plants and fish that you plan to purchase.  This life will come naturally.  Creatures such as frogs, squirrels, turtles, dragonflies, birds, bees, and other mammals like deer, raccoons, and chipmunks may visit your pond regularly.  Some of these creatures may be welcomed visitors, but others may be predators looking to eat your fish.  We need to be aware of all the life in and around our ponds, and provide a clean, healthy environment for all.