Ponds, waterfalls, containers provide serenity in yard WATER WORKS

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By Stephanie Hughes

OSU Ext. master gardener volunteer

Whether it is a colorful ceramic pot, or going all out by adding a waterfall to your pond, water features provide a soothing, enjoyable experience, and add so much to your summer. You really are limited only by your landscape and your imagination. With proper planning, some professional help, and good supplies, you can be on your way to a restful bit of nature.

Start with a plan. Do you want a pond? A waterfall? A container water garden? I have done many of them, including a pond, a pond with a waterfall, and even a bathtub as a feature. I am currently making a water trough garden out of landscape timbers my husband built, and it is lined with an old pool liner (recycling!). There are many sizes of liners available at pond supply stores and possibly your local garden center.

If you decide on a pond, dig down to make the hole, making shelves in the sides for water plants, or you can use inverted pots in your completed pond. Lay a bed of sand or old carpeting (no tacks) in the bottom to protect the liner. After pressing the liner into place, anchor the lip with rocks, pavers, or patio stones. Always remember that water levels itself, so use a level to make sure one side is not higher than the other, unless that is the look you want. Fill with water (do not use softened water) and let it settle a few days. You may need to add more water as the nooks and crannies fill in.

Now it is time to choose some plants. Here’s a list of types:

Surface: Water lilies, lotus. Leaves and flowers float on or just above the water.

Free-floating: Duckweed, water hyacinth, water lettuce float on the surface, with dangling roots.

Submerged oxygenators: Elodea, hornwort live underwater and perform the two vital function of making oxygen for fish and utilizing nutrients that would feed algae.

Marginal or emergent: Arrowhead, sweet flag, papyrus like to have their “toes wet,” so their pots sit on the shelves, high in the water.

The water stays warm in the sunny location, and once plants are established, you may introduce fauna – beautiful goldfish or legendary koi. Tadpoles, snails and even frogs will come to visit.

There are numerous publications available to guide you as you maintain your water feature for long-term enjoyment. I can tell you that an established water feature in your yard will be one of the best investments you can make. The pleasure and tranquility you experience can only be matched by a job well done.

For more information: http://go.osu.edu/watergarden.