Backyard Pond

As a homeowner or renter you can transform your backyard into a relaxing outdoor retreat: your own personal backyard oasis. Imagine having an escape from work and every day stress just a few steps away. A place you look forward to spending time after work or a hectic day.

There are many ways to create a backyard oasis but one quick and relatively easy step is to add a backyard pond. Backyard ponds can expand the look your yard, give it a new feel and add to entertaining or leisure activities. Children also enjoy a pond, particularly if you add backyard goldfish or Koi and a nearby children’s play area.

The first decision in adding a pond will be its size and shape. Take into consideration your personal taste or family needs. And yes, this may include planning for pets and small children. You will also want to plan for aquatic plants and backyard fish, which add to the beauty and give it that garden oasis feeling. Plants and fish also help with your backyard pond maintenance. By planning for a delicate balance between nature and technology, you can naturally control algae and insects.

Certain types of backyard fish can minimize problems with algae. A perfect example would be goldfish. There are well over 100 varieties of goldfish to choose from with wonderful colors and markings. Their antics in a pond add a relaxing past time for friends and family. Japanese Koi are also popular in garden ponds. Koi fish require more room in a pond than other fish so you will have to plan for a larger pond if you select them.

Before you add fish into your pond you need to make sure all water garden plants are properly established and have adapted to their new garden oasis. The water in your pond must also be clean, free of chemicals and have the proper air levels for fish to thrive. A small water fountain will ensure your water is properly aerated for both fish and plants.

Aquatic plants add beauty and help maintain healthy fish and ponds. Although there are many varieties of plants to choose from they all fall into two important categories. Water plants such as floaters, marsh plants and marginals add color and give fish places to hide and relax. Oxygenators absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as they grow and are essential to keeping the water properly balanced for fish and plant life.

As with any garden accessories or features you add to your backyard they do add work and have certain problems you watch for. Backyard ponds are no exception. Care must be taken if you have small children. Neighborhood cats may decide to dine on your fish. Pets will use the area for drinking. And nature animals like toads and frogs may decide to enjoy your water pond too.

But if you plan carefully any problems that arise can be easy managed and the enjoyment that your backyard pond will add to your garden oasis will make up for a little additional maintenance. Stop by the Backyard Oasis on a regular basis for more information on water plants, backyard ponds and pools.