3 Pond Styles to Consider for Your 2021 Landscape Renovation in Middleton and Monona WI Areas
Installing a pond in your backyard adds life to your outdoor space. There are a variety of pond styles to choose from, which can make the choice a bit overwhelming. Here are 3 pond styles to consider for your 2021 landscape renovation in Middleton and Monona, WI, areas.
A pond of any style should fit into your backyard easily. You want to be able to enjoy your backyard for more than just aquatic pursuits so be sure to leave enough space around the pond for other activities.
Its location is important too. Placing a pond in the center of the backyard near the patio will ensure that it is a focal point that is always part of your backyard activities. Placing it further away makes it a special destination that could be reached by a stepping stone path - something unexpected in the landscape, but worth the trip.
1. Au Naturel
A natural pond is easygoing. It looks like it belongs in the landscape, and you can surround it with native plants for the most ecologically sound option. Native plants are perfectly adapted to the location and they are often much hardier than exotic plants. The shape of a natural pond is organic, often echoing the contours of the land. It can incorporate the use of boulders or flat decorative rocks to give the pond its shape and provide places to sit at the water’s edge.
To keep the water fresh, you could opt for a small waterfall that spills into the pond, or for a bubbler fountain in the center of the pond. Be sure to add unobtrusive landscape lighting to create a magical atmosphere after dark.
A natural pond is best suited for landscapes that are relaxed and unfussy. The placement of a natural pond is just as relaxed as its contours and landscaping features. For example, the pond could be situated in the center of the backyard (as a focal point) or tucked away in a quiet corner (as a destination).
2. Sleek and Chic
If your landscape is more formal, a linear pond with clearly defined edges could be the ideal choice. Concrete, teak decking or stone edges, and slab stepping stones in the center, make for a dramatic pond perfect for an afternoon meditation. A highly structured pond can be a still-water reflecting pond. Or, it can have a fountain or waterfall spilling into it for a melodious backyard experience.
The plantings immediately around a modern pond are often minimalist. The plants could be separated with decorative stone to draw attention to each one; unlike a natural pond where plants are clustered together randomly. Careful placement of plants near a modern pond will also make for interesting reflections on sunny days.
3. A Garden Pond
A garden pond graces your backyard with the delightful sight of water on a much smaller scale than a natural pond. It could be filled with koi or other fish, or simply serve as a decorative element without the responsibility of caring for fish. And since it’s smaller, you could opt for non-native plants that require more care than natives. Add water lilies, water hyacinth or cattails to make the pond come alive with color and texture. As with a natural or modern pond, the addition of a waterfall will ensure that the water stays aerated and clean.
Whichever type of pond you choose, be sure to add submersible lighting to add drama when the sun goes down!
Related: 6 Zen-Inspired Design Ideas for a Relaxing Patio and Pond in Waunakee WI
About the Author
With over two decades in business and maintaining an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau the entire time, Proscapes LLC is a leading landscape company in the Madison, WI, area. As a Unilock Authorized Contractor, we are recognized as the best-of-the-best in our craft—earning numerous awards along the way.