Large Pond? No Problem! Beautify it With Our Clever Landscaping Tips
Is your large backyard pond looking a little lackluster? Don't despair - with some creative landscaping ideas, you can transform that watery eyesore into a gorgeous garden focal point. We've got plenty of clever tips and tricks to help you beautify your pond and make it a stunning feature of your landscape.
Read on for ingenious ways to choose complementary plants, build functional docks, incorporate natural hardscaping, add playful decor, and select a cohesive pond style. With a bit of imagination and our expert advice, you'll give your pond a major makeover that both you and your guests will adore.
Choose the Right Plants to Enhance Your Pond
Strategically selecting pond-friendly plants is key for improving water quality and adding visual interest. Here are some of our top recommendations for beautifying your large pond with lush greenery.
Oxygenating Plants
Submerged oxygenators like hornwort and anacharis are essential for keeping your pond water healthy. They absorb nutrients from the water that would otherwise feed algae blooms. Their long trailing stems also provide shelter for fish and tadpoles.
Floating Plants
Floaters like water lilies and water hyacinth make a gorgeous addition to any pond. Their flowers and foliage help shade and cool the water, reducing evaporation. Their intricate root systems give habitat for insects that fish and frogs love to eat.
Marginal Plants
Planting rushes, cattails, iris, and other marginal plants around the edges helps control erosion and naturally filters runoff. Their long leaves provide cover for wildlife. Select varieties with heights that complement your pond's shape and size.
Build a Dock for Function and Fun
A dock is both practical for pond access and a great spot for relaxation. Follow our tips to design the perfect dock for your needs.
Dock Design Tips
Consider the size, shape, and materials for your dock. A simple wooden platform is budget-friendly, while more elaborate options have built-in benches, lighting, and railings. Make sure to size it appropriately for your intended activities.
Ideal Dock Locations
Locate your dock to maximize sunlight, views, and wind protection. Consider accessibility from your house when choosing a spot. You may need to incorporate a path or steps leading to the dock.
Dock Uses
A well-placed dock invites fun activities like fishing, swimming, or launching toy boats. It also provides an ideal birdwatching perch and space to dangle your feet while soaking in the peaceful pond views. Get creative with how you enjoy your new dock!
Incorporate Hardscaping With Stone and Rock
Natural stone and rock elements make stunning additions to ponds of all styles. Use hardscaping to complement your pond's shape and texture.
Types of Hardscaping
Options like boulders, pebbles, gravel, and flagstone come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Larger rocks make impressive retaining walls while crushed gravel is great for pathways. Visit local landscape supply centers to view your choices.
Hardscape Projects
Use hardscape materials to create pathways, walls, and decorative rock gardens surrounding your pond. Opt for irregular flagstone for an informal stepping stone path or clean-lined rectangular pavers for a more modern look.
Tips for Placement
Arrange hardscape features to complement interesting aspects of your pond rather than disguising them. Allow adequate space between rocks and the water's edge for easy maintenance. Extend pathways to connect focal areas around the pond.
Add Whimsical Touches for Personality
Injecting a bit of whimsy and humor into your pond garden keeps it lively. Pick playful accent pieces that make you smile.
Fun Decor Ideas
Garden gnomes peeking out from plants or colorful butterfly houses attract the eye. Sculptures like frogs, turtles, and fish make fun references to pond life. For a interactive touch, install a sundial or weathervane.
Tips for Incorporating Whimsy
Use decor judiciously to avoid cluttering the landscape. Opt for just one or two statement pieces in materials that complement your overall style. Play with incorporating oversized elements to catch people off guard.
Choose a Complementary Pond Style
When planning your pond design, select elements that enhance your garden's existing look. Here are two popular style options.
Formal Ponds
For a contemporary or cottage garden, consider a pond with clean lines and geometric shapes. Decorative tiles, fountains, and structured plantings give these ponds an orderly, manicured look.
Informal Ponds
Incorporate organic shapes and materials like rocks and boulders to blend the pond into a natural landscape. Keep plantings around the edges informal and attract wildlife with waterfalls or shallow shelves.
Hopefully these clever tips have inspired you to give your large pond a makeover! Incorporate docks, pathways, plants and decorative accents to completely transform this water feature into an enchanting garden focal point. Get started on your pond facelift today and enjoy the beautiful results.