HOMES ON THE BAY — GARDENING
The Life Aquatic Enrich your outdoor space and attract wildlife with a water feature. BY JOANNE NIJHUIS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER KLEIN
W
HO CAN DENY the profound
allure of water? Or the calming sights and sounds of nature? To experience both in tandem is the ultimate delight for the senses—and achievable in your own backyard with the addition of a garden pond or waterfall. Whether you live in the country or a subdivision, the presence of a fresh water supply will attract all sorts of wildlife. Water is an irresistible draw that’s essential for survival, especially during the extreme heat of summer. Even a small bowl or birdbath tucked in a corner of the garden can be a lifeline. Go a step further and install an ornamental pond and become a wildlife magnet. Birds, small mammals and insects will pop by for a drink while frogs, toads and dragonflies will happily take up permanent residence.
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SUMMER 2022 ON THE BAY
While certain wildlife, such as amphibians, prefer still-water ponds, birds can’t resist moving water. Adding waterfalls and fountains with shallow basins into the mix is a dream come true for our feathered friends. If you have a large backyard pond, take it to the next level and adopt a few koi fish. Bill DeBoard, owner of Bill’s Koi in Flesherton says caring for koi requires a large pond that is at least 10 to 15 feet wide and four to five feet deep. A word of caution, however, if your pond is home to frogs: fish are natural predators of amphibians and their eggs. FROM KITS TO CONTRACTORS From custom ponds installed by professionals to do-it-yourself projects from scratch, there is a water feature for every property and budget. “Starting at $200 to spending millions, the possibilities are endless for pond-scaping your property,” says Ernest Williams, territory sales manager for water-garden manufacturer Aquascape. Many garden centres carry build-your-own pond equipment and kits, saving you money when tackling the project yourself. For a more extensive water feature installation, hiring a
professional landscaper or pond contractor is usually recommended. So, what goes into creating a backyard pond? The basic equipment used to promote pond health includes some sort of aeration that boosts oxygenation. Think fountains, waterfalls and bubblers. A pond pump may be installed to circulate and clean water through
A smaller backyard water feature is rich with diversity.
a filter and to pump water to a fountain or waterfall feature. Also, a rubber liner is necessary to prevent pond water from leaking into the ground. Finish up with landscaping rocks, slate, bricks, concrete or turf grasses to hide the pond liner and equipment for a natural look.
Photo: Aquascape
Photo: Roger Klein
Swimming Pond at EdgeValley Farm created by Mc Gowan s. Constru ction Service
