Garden Ponds

Water is the foundation of life

Water is an interesting design element in gardens or on balconies and terraces and can bring about a high level of biodiversity. It is important to have a natural design with native plants and follow the principle “less is more.” Animals can only find shelter or seating areas around the water when there is a free area with gravel, a large stone, or an old tree trunk. It is surprising how different species settle themselves in over time when space is provided for dragonflies, frogs, and more. Rapid migration occurs when other water sources are also in the vicinity.

Water features (whether small or large) and garden ponds should be planned with the immediate surroundings in mind. For example, if the shoreline transitions directly into a perennial bed, the insects living near the water will find a lush food supply and can use dead plant stalks as breeding grounds. A dry stone wall or a loosely stacked stone pile near water serves as an ideal habitat for amphibians as frogs, toads, and newts rely on both water and land to complete their life cycle. This also applies to dragonflies, mayflies, and other species.

Water is essential for humans, animals, and plants. Without sufficient irrigation, neither the plants in gardening beds nor the hedges will be able to grow. The most convenient – but often expensive – irrigation source is tap water. Rainwater has proven itself as an especially cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, particularly for smaller gardens. It is often softer than tap water and therefore more suitable for plants. Many plants, such as ferns, rhododendrons, or blueberries are sensitive to high calcium content – making rainwater the better irrigation option. In addition, high carbonate hardness in irrigation water increases the pH of the soil, causing plants that prefer acidic soil to wither. In this case, it is recommended to dilute tap water with mineral-poor rainwater.

A pond acts as a natural collection point for rainwater and provides a cooling microclimate on hot days.

In natural gardens, ponds with seepage and marsh zones are particularly valuable as they act as a sponge for rainwater, fostering a higher level of biodiversity.