Consider These 3 Pond Styles as You Finalize Your Landscape Design in Fitchburg and Cottage Grove WI

Adding a backyard pond is one of those “I wish I’d done this earlier” projects that gives so much life and interest to your landscape. Choosing the right type of pond is important, of course. Consider these 3 pond styles as you finalize your landscape design in Fitchburg and Cottage Grove, WI.

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First, choose a style that you like. Broadly, pond designs can be categorized as naturalistic or modern. Naturalistic ponds could incorporate a seemingly random arrangement of boulders, irregular rocks and stones, and plants. A modern pond could be more linear and formal in its shape - more pool-like, with more precisely placed design elements. Any of the following pond styles could be made more natural, or more modern, depending on the materials used and the design itself.

1. A Pond and Waterfall

A pond is beautiful in its simplicity; but to keep the water clean, a filtration system is necessary. There’s no better way to keep the pond water aerated and moving, than with a waterfall. On a sloped property, you could take advantage of the elevation change to create a stunning waterfall where water cascades from a high point into the pond, where a pump recirculates the water back to the top of the waterfall.

On a flat property, you could either add an artificial hill to provide the necessary height. And this hill doesn’t have to be very tall: three or four feet is plenty to create a waterfall. Give it a more majestic feel by increasing its width, and adjust the “dance” of the falling water with careful placement of rocks for the water to cascade over, or create a sheer-descent waterfall that drops directly into the pond.

Finish the look with water lilies and other aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, and a comfortable spot where you can relax and enjoy the view.

2. A Tranquil Pond

Clear, glass-like water lends a wonderfully soothing atmosphere to your backyard. This pond will require a filtration system, but it could be more like the type you use in a swimming pool, to keep the water crystal clear.

A sleek, modern design could be square or rectangular in shape and lined with masonry walls rather than earth and boulders. Consider a few “floating” stepping stones that allow you to cross the water’s surface as if you were walking on water. You’ll never tire of the constantly changing interplay of light and water as you observe the pond from its shores, or from within its boundary.

Consider adding a pier to a natural pond, for the same effect: the feeling of walking on water, and enjoying the view into the water from above, not just from the shore.

3. A Koi Pond

What’s more relaxing than watching fish swimming in a pond? Koi are a hardy and colorful fish that can survive the Wisconsin winter (with a few preparations). A few stone ledges, ample vegetation, and a filtration system will ensure that your koi have plenty of shade, places to hide, and fresh, clean water.

Koi ponds are often featured in traditional Japanese gardens. Surround the pond with monochromatic plantings and minimalist outdoor furniture for an even more serene look. Again, the pond could be more naturalistic or more man-made depending on the materials and design. Either way, the result will be a pond that will entertain young and old alike.

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