Water gardens are a popular addition to residential landscaping because of their aesthetic value and the therapeutic value of the sounds of running water. However, caring for the planet is only one more reason to keep a pond. How? Read on!
1. Conserving Water
A pond is a great way to save money, conserve water, and keep your garden looking great all at the same time. Plants in ponds don’t need to be watered because the water in the pond circulates and nourishes the plants. Ponds and pool areas are the best landscape design option for those concerned about water conservation. Shrubs, flowers, and other soil-based plants require regular watering, which can significantly increase a family’s water bill. On the other hand, water gardens and ponds are self-sustaining, relying only on rainwater to keep themselves hydrated. In addition, you can save water by not having to use the garden hose to water the rest of your garden plants because you can use water from the pond. To water the other plants and trees in the yard, fill up a watering can from the pond.
2. Using Fewer Fertilizers and Insecticides
Lawn pesticides and fertilizers can pollute our water source through runoff. According to the EPA, only 35% of fertilizer sprayed on lawns really reaches the grass plant. The rest evaporates into the atmosphere or leaches into the ground. Over 102 million pounds of harmful pesticides are used yearly in American neighborhoods to pursue a perfect lawn or garden. Runoff from lawns can introduce toxic chemicals into our water supply. You can save money on fertilizer for your plants, trees, and flowers by installing a pond or water garden in your yard. Moreover, you can use sludge from your pond filter as nutrient-rich manure around the base of a tree, plant, or shrub. It’s a completely organic method of fertilizing your garden with the nutrients found in fish poop, leftover fish food, and fallen leaves.
3. Maintain the Health of Native Animal Populations
Your local wildlife will thank you for providing a habitat by installing a pond or water garden in your yard. Beautiful fish, dragonflies, frogs, and birds are attracted to ponds because they provide food and shelter. Attractive fish (including Koi and carp) have been popular in ponds for years, as their owners appreciate the therapeutic effect of watching them. Ponds and botanical gardens provide a haven for fish and a wide variety of other animals. In the spring and summer, the pond serves as a breeding haven for various amphibians, most notably frogs. Tadpoles, the larval stage of amphibians such as frogs and toads, are famous pond inhabitants due to their ability to consume algae. The adult toads help keep pests at bay, which is excellent for the garden.
4. Style and Appeal in the Visual Arts
One of the most apparent benefits of pond fountains in a pond is that it enhances the aesthetic value of your property. When stocked with fish and blooming plants, a pond could become the showpiece of any garden. Waterfalls function reliably, and statues or rock borders can also be aesthetically pleasing additions. Even at night, the proper lighting can do a lot to set the tone.
5. Environmental Consciousness Is Raised
The fifth environmental advantage of having a pond or water garden in your yard is that it will have a lasting impact on future generations. Water gardens inspire young people and they are more likely to work toward a sustainable future. If you want your kids to develop an interest in science and environmental issues, get them involved in building a water garden or pond. Water gardens are self-contained ecosystems that teach kids about the interconnections of all life and inspire them to take action to improve the world. It’s never too early to spark a child’s interest in the natural world, and that curiosity will carry on into adulthood if kids are exposed to it and encouraged to think about it. Moreover, involvement in designing, constructing, and preserving a pond or water garden can teach children important lessons about environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
A pond can help you save money, store water, and maintain a beautiful environment. Water for ponds is collected from rain; thus, they don’t need additional water sources. If you have a pond, you can use the sludge that accumulates as a rich fertilizer. You can put it around the roots of any plants or trees you care about. The presence of food and shelter in ponds attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including fish, dragonflies, frogs, and birds. Water gardens are miniature ecosystems that you can keep indoors, inspiring young minds to appreciate the interconnection of all life. Children can learn valuable lessons in environmental stewardship by participating in the planning, building, and upkeep of a pond.
Author bio: Maggie Bloom graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations. If you are into video editing and you are looking into how to remove audio from video, Maggie recommends Invideo.
