Pond season has officially begun and I couldn’t be happier! Relaxing by my garden pond and watching the fish is my favorite way to de-stress and enjoy nature. And with today’s pandemic, I’m more appreciative of the outdoors than ever before.
Today is the first Saturday of May so I’m once again joining my “cozy living” blog friends to share what we love this time of year. For me, it’s the start of pond season and finally getting to feed my fish after their winter hibernation.
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ve probably seen photos of my garden pond already. I took these photos last summer but haven’t shared them yet. Right now the perennial plants are just starting to sprout so the area around the pond is still looking a little bare. I like the lush look when everything is all grown and blooming.
I have two water lilies in my pond. The above Madame Wilfron Gonnere in all her pink glory and bright green lily pads – and the newly hybridized Violicious water lily which is the first purple hardy water lily (only tropical water lilies were purple – until now).
My friend in Alabama brought me the Violicious water lily last year. He has an aquatic nursery and grows all kinds of cool pond plants. If you’re an avid gardener, you really should consider getting a pond to add the beauty of aquatics to your garden.
Even in the rain, the flowers are so pretty. I get so excited whenever I see a waterlily start to open.
My waterfall adds the soothing sound of running water in the garden. Not only that, but the waterfall creates negative ions that actually work to enhance your mood.
So whenever you’re feeling stressed or a little blue, go find a waterfall. I did this when I was struggling with anxiety a few years ago.
My favorite time of day by my garden pond is the morning. I mean, how can you be in a bad mood when you start your day with such natural beauty? But the pond and waterfall look pretty amazing at night, too.
The beginning of pond season always brings out the frogs and toads! I don’t know how they all know about the pond, but they came soon after it was installed. And since it’s spring, they’re mating and sing wonderful tunes as night time falls. Their chorus is so comforting to me. I sit out on the deck or open the window and listen to them from inside the house.
Frogs aren’t the only visitors. Our garden pond gets butterflies, bees, dragonflies, and even hummingbirds!
People often ask how I keep herons or other predators from taking the fish for a meal. We have three feral cats that like to hang out by the pond and they keep the fish safe from harm. And no, the cats don’t bother the fish – they swim too quickly – but the kitties do enjoy watching them swim around. That’s Butters by the pond. She lets us pet her.
My backyard pond is truly my favorite outdoor space. I can’t imagine not having one now. Some people think ponds are a lot of work, but it’s actually less work than mowing the same expanse of grass. As long as you have proper filtration, the water stays clean and clear.
That’s a Chicago hardy fig in the foreground and yes, it does produce fruit! I have five of them planted around the pond now.
Last year I added this little fairy garden arrangement for the grands to play with.
Is a pond something you think you’d like in your own backyard? The price varies depending on the size and rock you choose – but I have to say – it’s the best gardening money I’ve ever spent! My pond is a low maintenance, Aquascape ecosystem pond.
For an idea on the cost of an installed pond, fountain, or waterfall, CLICK HERE.
To find a Certified Aquascape Contractor in your area, CLICK HERE.
For more inspiration during the month of May, visit my blog friends below!
Creative Cain Cabin / It All Started with Paint / Vinyet Etc. / Hymns and Verses
Finding Silver Pennies / Duke Manor Farm / Town and Country Living
Your pond is amazing! I have plans to create a pond like yours someday soon! My husband and I are huge DIYers. He just ordered a mini excavator to help with our projects. We do live in a rural area so one concern i have are wildlife and fish, if I went that route. I love your kitty, Butters! My son had a cat named that also! I love seeing your posts, it is one of the highlights of my day! Thank you
Thank you so much Mary! Here’s a website for help on your pond when you get ready to build it!
https://www.aquascapeinc.com/diy-backyard-pond
LOVE your pond. It is so serene and very natural looking. Your addition of the fairy element is adorable. Would you share an estimate of the cost of installing this pond? I would love to take a pond from my wish list to reality one of these days.
You won’t regret getting a pond, Kathy. Just make sure you hire someone who knows what they’re doing. The installed price can vary based on size, how deep you want it, they type of rock you select, etc. Here’s a web page that gives a good idea on what installed ponds cost: https://www.aquascapeconstruction.com/water-gardening-store
You can find an installer in your area here: https://www.aquascapeinc.com/find-aquascape-certified-contractors
Your pond is inspiring! Hmmmmm…..
Thanks, Deb!!
Your pond is so lovely and lush! I am the worst gardener so if I installed one I’m pretty sure it would quickly become a mossy mess!!! But I do enjoy looking at yours!
🙂 Linda
What an amazing space Jennifer, I was relaxed just looking through the photos. I’m sure I’d enjoy a pond area in our landscaping. We do have a large pond on our property with fish in it but it’s certainly not landscaped beautifully around it like yours. I’m envious! Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Your pond is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
It is so pretty and i can just imagine how much you enjoy it. Have fun and your cat is so cute.
Your pond is so beautiful!!! I love that the cats keep watch over the fish! And, so interesting about the frogs! I loved this post!!! You’re making me want to install a pond!
Your pond is beautiful! Makes me miss the one we left behind when we downsized and moved 8 years ago. And purple water lilies?? WOW!!! That’s amazing! Enjoy your water feature! I totally agree about the sounds and the sights of it all. We used fishing line to keep the herons away, and it worked out well! I’m off to find pictures of mine and reminisce just a little bit! Thanks for sharing such beauty!
Jennifer, I can see why you love it out here so much. Your pond is the most beautiful pond that I’ve ever seen. So stunning. The photography is so gorgeous , too. I love those pale pink lilies in the rain. I bet the sound of the waterfall is so soothing. Thank you for sharing this little slice of heaven with us. xx
Your pond is phenomenal!!! I would love to do some plantings, lilies specifically in our wild pond…I must look that how to up, you’ve inspired me!
That was such a joy to read. I especially loved that little fairy garden you added. The lilies are a beautiful touch to the pond as well.