Garden ponds offer tremendous value to homeowner and environment for a variety of reasons, both tangible and intangible. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Aesthetic and Landscaping Value

Garden ponds can significantly enhance the beauty and appeal of a property. They add a natural, serene element to outdoor spaces, often serving as focal points in garden design. The visual and auditory elements of water, such as reflections and gentle sounds, can create a calming atmosphere.

Ecological and Environmental Benefits

Garden ponds contribute positively to local ecosystems. They can:

• Support Wildlife: Ponds provide habitat for various species, including frogs, birds, insects, and aquatic plants. This can help promote biodiversity.
• Microclimate Regulation: Water bodies can moderate temperatures in their immediate vicinity, creating a cooler microclimate during hot periods.

Personal Enjoyment and Wellbeing

For many, garden ponds are a source of relaxation and enjoyment. They offer a space for quiet reflection, watching wildlife, and even recreational activities like koi keeping. The presence of water features has been linked to reduced stress and increased mental well-being.

Property Value

A well-maintained garden pond can increase the marketability and value of a property. Prospective buyers often see them as a desirable feature, especially if the pond is aesthetically pleasing and adds to the overall landscaping.

Educational Opportunities

Garden ponds offer a hands-on learning environment for understanding ecosystems, water cycles, and wildlife. They can be particularly beneficial for children, providing a practical way to engage with nature and science.

Water Management

While primarily for aesthetic and ecological purposes, garden ponds can also play a role in water management. They can help collect rainwater, potentially reduce runoff, and support water conservation efforts, especially in xeriscaping practices.

Considerations and Maintenance

The value of a garden pond also depends on proper planning and maintenance. Poorly designed or neglected ponds can become breeding grounds for pests, such as mosquitoes, or may suffer from water quality issues like algae blooms. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, managing plant and animal life, and ensuring water quality, is crucial to preserving the pond’s benefits.

In summary, garden ponds are of great value for their aesthetic appeal, environmental contributions, and personal enjoyment. However, their actual value can vary based on design, maintenance, and individual preferences.

Maintaining a garden pond involves several key steps to ensure it remains healthy and attractive. Here are some essential tips:

1. Regular Cleaning: Remove debris, fallen leaves, and any dead plant material to prevent water contamination.
2. Manage Nearby Plants: Trim back overhanging branches and plants to reduce the amount of organic matter falling into the pond.
3. Grow Water Plants: Introduce oxygenating plants to help maintain water quality and control algae growth.
4. Control Ice in Winter: Use a pond heater or floating de-icer to prevent the pond from freezing completely. This will ensure fish and plants survive.
5. Algae Control: Shade the pond with floating plants and avoid overfeeding fish to reduce nutrient levels that promote algae growth.
6. Maintain Equipment: Regularly check and clean the pump, filter, and any fountains to ensure they are functioning properly.
7. Water Level: Keep the water level consistent. Topping up with rainwater if possible to avoid adding excess nutrients from tap water.
8. Monitor Water Quality: Test the water regularly for pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels. This will help to ensure a healthy environment for fish and plants.

Maintaining water quality in your garden pond

This is important for the health of your fish and plants. Here are some key tips to help you keep your pond water clean and balanced:

1. Regular Cleaning: Remove debris such as leaves, twigs, and dead plants from the pond regularly to prevent decay and water contamination.
2. Proper Filtration: Install a good quality filter system to remove impurities and maintain clear water. Regularly check and clean the filter to ensure it functions effectively.
3. Aeration: Use a pump or fountain to keep the water well-aerated. This helps maintain oxygen levels, which is essential for fish and beneficial bacteria.
4. Monitor Water Parameters: Regularly test the water for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Aim for a neutral pH around 7, and keep ammonia and nitrite levels as close to zero as possible.
5. Control Algae Growth: Introduce barley straw or use pond-safe algaecides to control algae growth. Adding oxygenating plants like hornwort and elodea can also help keep algae in check.
6. Avoid Overfeeding Fish: Overfeeding can lead to excess waste, which can degrade water quality. Feed your fish only the amount they can consume in a few minutes.
7. Water Changes: Perform partial water changes regularly to dilute accumulated toxins. Every few weeks, replace approximately 10-20% of the pond water, and use a water conditioner to neutralize chlorine if tap water is used.
8. Maintain Plant Balance: Ensure a good balance of submerged, floating, and marginal plants. Plants aid in absorbing surplus nutrients and offer shade, which helps in reducing the growth of algae.

Keep mosquitoes away!

Preventing mosquitoes in your garden pond is crucial to maintaining a pleasant and healthy environment. Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, so installing a fountain, waterfall, or aerator. This can help keep the water circulating and deter mosquitoes. Attracting natural predators such as dragonflies, damselflies, frogs and birds will also help keep the mosquito numbers down. Fish such as guppies and goldish eat mosquito larvae so will also help prevent mosquitoes from ruining your summer evenings.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving garden pond throughout the year.

Gardening is well documented to have positive effects to both our physical and mental health. Ideally the work gardeners do in their gardens should also have a positive outcome for wildlife and the environment. However, too often the need for the ‘perfect’ outdoor space results in out-striping these positive outcomes. The growing trend to lay artificial turf and paving means the hard slog at the hands of a lawn mower reduces health benefits and natural foods for birds and insects. So, lets look at how we can ‘buck’ modern trends and go back to focusing on our fragile environment.

You many well ask what difference your garden would make if you committed fully to supporting wildlife and the environment. Sustainability reduces carbo emissions.

According to ZSL.org, gardeners have created 2 – 3 million ponds across the country. These bodies of water are enjoyed by frogs, newts, water beetles, dragon flies, pond skaters and many other wildlife species. Ponds are an important source of drinking water for mammals and birds too.

Don’t bin – mulch and compost instead

Gardeners need to aim to pledge only to purchase peat-free compost or potting soil and recycle the bag it was sold in. Many garden nurseries take empty bags of compost to have them recycled as well as plastic plant pots.

Create a ‘wild’ corner in your garden

Dedicate a ‘no-mow’ area in your garden to grow nectar and pollen rich indigenous plants such as cornflower, poppies and sunflowers. Sow seeds and let nature take over. An overgrown protected area will provide a perfect place for hedgehogs to hibernate.

Include a log pile for insects to make their homes in and offer a haven in the cooler months. Leaves left lying in flower beds will provide shelter to insects and small creatures that hibernated during the winter months.

Grow for pollinators

Plant nectar-rich plants that flower at different times of the year to support bees, butterflies and moths. These insects, which are in decline play a critical part in our ecosystem. Nectar-rich plants include foxgloves, wallflowers, Verbena bonariensis & heleniums (Sneezeweed) as well as herbs such as Rosemary.

Gardeners are encouraged to follow sustainable practices

Avoid the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers as these affect wildlife and the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

Plant a hedge

Hedges offer shelter, food and nesting areas for birds, insects or small animals.

Build a pond

Wildlife will always be attracted to water. If the intention of your garden pond is for wildlife versus to home Koi or goldfish, be sure to include a beached area. The slopping edge will allow ease of entry and exit to your pond.

Feed birds

Feed birds only types of foods bought from reputable suppliers. Cheap fat-balls often have harmful fillers added to the suet which is harmful to birds.

What we eat and reducing the amount of food waste will also have an effect on our environment. Plan meals and the ingredients needed to reduce waste. Try buying foods from sustainable sources and from fair trade suppliers. We should also aim to cook as many of your meals as possible from scratch. Doing this is likely to also reduce the amount of packing materials destined to landfill. We need to ditch the notion that filling our blue recycle bins vs green bins is helping the environment – waste is waste and energy is needed to send to landfill or recycle into new products.

According to a BBC report published in September 2023, plants and animals that have been monitored in the U.K. since 1970 have declined by 19%. This trend paints a bleak picture for our countries wildlife. Doing everything we can for wildlife as suggested in this article and more can help slow the rate of decline. The Chief Executive of the RSPB, Becoy Speight suggested that restoring nature would also help tackle the climate crisis. A further decline in nature will have damaging consequences to our own lives.

Gardeners can really help boost biodiversity and help tackle climate change so lets get out there and do our bit!

Spring or autumn are considered the best months to build a pond. These two seasons allow for moderate temperatures and rainfall, which can help withy the initial filling of the pond and establishment of aquatic plants. It is best to avoid building a pond during extreme weather conditions such as freezing or heat. These conditions can make construction more challenging and may impact the success of a ponds ecosystem.

Choosing your pond liner

When choosing a pond liner consider facts such as size, shape budget and the specific needs of your pond.

In the UK, one of the most popular pond liners is EPDM rubber liners. EPDM brands such as Epalyn as sold by Liners Online are commonly used due to their durability, flexibility and resistance to UV radiation. Epalyn rubber liners are known for their longevity and ability to conform to various shapes and sizes of ponds. They are also considered environmentally friendly and safe for aquatic life.

Taking care of your Epalyn pond liner

Protecting your pond liner is essential for ensuring its longevity and preventing damage. Here are some tips to help you protect your pond liner:

• Install a protective underlayer: Before laying down the pond liner, consider using a protective underlay material such as geotextile to provide an additional layer of cushioning and protection against sharp stones, rocks or other objects.
• Remove sharp objects: Clear the area where you plan to install the pond of any sharp rocks, roots, or debris that could puncture or damage the liner. This will help prevent tears or leaks over time.
• Avoid walking on the liner: Once the pond is constructed and filled with water, avoid walking directly on the pond liner to minimize the risk of punctures or tears. Use stepping stones or a board to distribute weight if access to the pond is necessary.
• Monitor wildlife: Keep an eye on any wildlife that may visit your pond, such as herons, as they can potentially damage the liner while hunting for fish or other prey. Consider using deterrents or protective measures to keep wildlife away from the pond.
• Check for leaks regularly: Periodically inspect the pond liner for any signs of damage or leaks, such as water loss or tears. Promptly repair any issues you find to prevent further damage.
• Water level: Protect your pond liner by ensuring the water level remains consistent and in areas where winter temperatures drop below freezing, use a pond heater to prevent the surface from freezing solid, which could damage the liner.

By following these tips, you can help protect your pond liner and maintain a healthy and thriving pond ecosystem for years to come.

There are a number of factors that determine whether or not a garden pond will add value to your property. One consideration is how aesthetically appealing a pond is. But, what does an aesthetically appealing garden pond look like?

A pond that needs little maintenance is a strong factor to an appealing pond that is likely to add value. So too is one that blends in with the surrounding landscape and has good quality finishing touches.

Creating a low-maintenance garden pond involves thoughtful design and proper planning. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose the Right Location:

• Build your pond where it receives the right amount of sunlight and shade.
• Avoid areas with excessive leaf fall to reduce debris in the pond.
• Locate in best view from every angle of garden and house

Select Low-Maintenance Plants:

• Opt for native and hardy aquatic plants that require minimal care.
• Consider adding plants like water lilies and submerged oxygenators.

Install a good quality pond liner

• Install a rubber Butyl or Epalyn pond liner to prevent water leakage and reduce maintenance tasks.

Install an Efficient Filtration System:

• Invest in a good filtration system to keep the water clean and reduce the need for manual cleaning.
• Consider biological filters and skimmers.

Balance the Ecosystem:

• Introduce beneficial bacteria to maintain a balanced ecosystem and control algae growth.
• Include appropriate numbers of fish to help control insects and larvae.

Avoid Overcrowding:

• Don’t overcrowd the pond with too many plants or fish, as this can lead to imbalances and increased maintenance.

Use Gravel or Rocks:

• Cover the pond bottom with gravel or rocks to discourage the growth of unwanted algae and make cleaning easier.

Regular Debris Removal:

• Install a net or pond skimmer to catch leaves and debris before they sink to the bottom.
• Regularly remove debris from the water surface.

Mulch Garden Beds:

• Mulch the garden beds surrounding the pond to reduce weed growth and make maintenance tasks easier.

Consider a Water Feature:

• Adding a fountain or waterfall can help aerate the water and reduce stagnation.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a beautiful, aesthetically appealing garden pond that requires less maintenance, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without constant upkeep.

The leaves are slowly starting to take on orange hues and fall to the ground creating carpets of yellow, orange and browns. Autumn has its own special beauty as it draws the growing season to an end- a time to relax after a busy growing season! Before winter arrives, however there are a few essential pond maintenance tasks that need doing to both your garden and pond as discussed here. Investing time to maintain your garden pond will benefit its inhabitants.

Autumn garden tasks

1. Tidy the edges to borders of flower beds – trim the grass, dead-head flowering plants (especially roses), remove weeds and cut back dead branches or stems. For those who love a tidy looking garden, the neat edges to flowerbeds and paving will distract from the grass being a little longer than it would be in spring and summer
2. Plant bulbs for a vibrant display of colour in spring. Plant daffodils between September and October, tulips in November
3. Give your lawn it’s last mow and spread an autumn fertiliser to add nutrients while also stopping the growth of weeds and moss. This is also a good time to lay new lawn while ground warm but not too wet
4. Dig compost or well rotted manure into your flowerbeds to keep plant roots warm over winter
5. Plant or transplant evergreens, shrubs, roses or hedging while the soil is still warm and is moist enough for easy digging. September to November is considered ideal for tree planting because roots can become established before the ground freezes over
6. Move frost sensitive potted plants and tender perennials indoors or store in a greenhouse, garage or conservatory – it only takes one night of frost to damage more sensitive types of garden plants. If you don’t have a sheltered place to keep vulnerable plants over the winter months, make sure you cover them with garden fleece or bubble wrap to protect from frost and freezing temperatures. Water less to bring on a state of semi dormancy. Digging in an ample amount of compost mulch or leaf mould should protect other more hardy plants which stay outdoors over winter
7. Clean garden equipment by removing all traces of rust. Store in a dry place to avoid corrosion
8. Prune back deciduous hedges
9. Rake-up leaves as often as you can. Leaves left on the lawn will block sunlight reaching the blades of grass, which may result in brown patches and moss growth. Make leaf mould from the fallen leaves. This will make a soil improver or nutrient rich mulch in which to grow seedlings. Leaf mould can be make by creating a separate leaf heap. The fibrous leaf mould retains moisture and enhances soil drainage. A leaf heap can be constructed using chicken wire and log posts allowing air to circulate. A leaf heap should take a year to rot down
10. Clean and cover or store garden furniture. Leaving it uncovered could encourage a green mould growing on it which then means having to do a tougher cleaning job before using the furniture again when the weather warms

Pond maintenance tasks

• Neaten overhanging plants by pruning back to reduce foliage falling into your pond
• Use a skimmer to remove debris before sinking to bottom of pond
• Reduce amount of food you feed you fish as they become less active as temperature drops
• Remove any sludge build-up from the bottom of your pond – without disturbing hibernating pond inhabitants

Autumn is also the perfect time of the year to build a garden pond in your garden. Wildlife will love you for this addition to your outdoor space.

And, with every job having the right tools to hand helps get things done more effectively and efficiently from keeping flowerbeds weed free to skimming off the leaves from your pond and adding them to your composter. Autumn garden and pond maintenance are essential to the health of both plants and inhabitants of a garden pond.

June 2023 has gone down in history as the warmest on record. For those who were lucky enough to spend those sunny, dry days on the beach will cherish the fun memories the month provided. But for garden enthusiasts and wildlife, the heat and lack of rain had devastating effects. The changes in climate are also having a distinct impact on our ponds, lakes and reservoirs (greatly affecting farmers too!). We need to be mindful of these long dry periods and steps we can take to help our ponds continue to thrive. It is also intense periods of rain that can also have profound effects.

We always advocate lining man-made water features with rubber pond liners because they are resistant to UV rays and don’t go brittle nor crack during adverse weather conditions. The superior quality of Epalyn and Butyl pond liners are guaranteed to keep your pond water-tight provided they are installed above a geotextile liner to prevent sharp stones tearing the liner.

Let’s look at other steps we need to consider to protect ponds and wildlife during periods of extreme weather.

Garden ponds help combat climate change

According to Mike Jeffries, Associate Professor in Ecology at Northumbria University, garden ponds are more than just an attractive feature, they also play an important role in helping combat climate change. We already know that ponds increase garden biodiversity and help prevent flooding by slowing down the flow of water in heavy rains. But did you know that ponds also store carbon? A recent study suggests that in the sediment accumulated at the bottom of ponds, there’s potential to hold more carbon per square metre per year, than equivalent areas of grassland and woodland. Ponds are the most common and widespread habitat for all plants and animals.

We have lost over 50% of our ponds in the last century, in favour of neat lawns and paving. Ponds matter and are one of the most important things you can do for wildlife. They are easy to create and their value is now firmly understood. No longer overlooked, the importance of ponds in the carbon cycle and in fighting climate change is becoming apparent.

Steps to help pond during hot weather conditions

Hot, dry conditions can bring many challenges to ponds particularly to those home to Koi or goldfish. However, there are things we can do to minimise any negative impact.

• Monitor the temperature of the water and take action if it goes above 27 degrees Celsius (15 to 25 degrees C is optimal).
• Warmer the water becomes, the lower the oxygen levels. Watch out for fish swimming to the surface and gasping for breath leading to stress.
• Shade blocks UV rays from warming the water. Planting broad leaved plants such as water lilies and, or installing a temporary shade cover over your pond will help maintain a healthy temperature.
• Aquatic plants release oxygen during photosynthesis. This process offers an eco-friendly way to aerate the water. Plants not only take-up carbon-dioxide and release oxygen but also absorb excess nutrients that would otherwise increase risk of algae growth thereby improving water quality.
• Add a water feature to keep water moving and to create bubbles allowing a natural diffusion of oxygen into the water.
• Don’t over feed fish to reduce waste. Uneaten food will start to decompose over time and affect natural nutrient balance in the water. The result could lead to algae blooms.
• Remove debris before it decomposes.
• Make sure pond is deep enough to retain a bottom layer of cold water.

Your pond during periods of heavy rainfall

Reduce rainwater run-off into your pond by minimising man-made impervious surfaces. Plants absorb water so grow sufficient to cover your flower-beds including native plants which have extensive root systems to absorb rainwater before it becomes ‘run-off. Reduce the slope of your garden and add a gravel area around the edge of your pond to drain excess water. If your pond is at risk of flooding, scoop out excess water.

According to the RHS, managing our garden and ponds will help offer a buffer for wildlife in a changing climate. Ponds provide a life line to wildlife such as dragonflies, damselflies and amphibians.