In Defense of Ponds

Published April 15, 2012 | By Jane

Standing on the floating plants, honey bees enjoy a sip at the pond.

In some parts of the country there was ample rain to lift water rationing this year whereas in others drought settled in like the ancient plague. The weather patterns certainly do seem to be changing no matter who or what you choose to blame. And the increasing population of the world continues to make disproportionate demands on fresh water supplies.

Although I am a firm proponent of Eco-friendly gardening, I sometimes worry about the reactive, legislation-happy regulations that are often slapped down as band-aids with being thought through. There is still talk of banning ponds in many cities across the country so they won’t waste water.

In defense of ponds, it’s important to first think about what good they do. It’s also vital to re-define ‘waste’.

Ponds are effective stress-reducers. Watching fish encourages the brain to slip into theta waves that can be both healing, refreshing and restful. Gazing into a pond can be like a meditation or a mini-vacation.

Ponds water wildlife. Many natural watering holes and streams are destroyed with human construction and they need these resources to survive. I just noticed how many honey bees settle on the tiny floating plants on my pond for a drink. There are some there drinking away no matter what time of day I stop to look. Here we are worrying about the decimation of our precious honeybee pollinators. We can help them by offering water features like ponds.

Ponds can be an important part of sustainable landscaping. When built as water catches, drainage, or parts of rainwater storage, they can become decorative, serious advantages to water recycling and efficient usage.

Ponds add the calming sound of splashing water that can be therapeutic in our unnaturally frantic daily schedules. They also put us in touch with nature and the basics, reminding us that life is a fascinating, connected network in which each of us is an important link.

Ponds partake in the chain of life. They promote water life like fish, dragonflies, damsel flies and water bugs. They also attract insects that feed birds and spiders. We may not think much about it, but without this fragile chain of life, all life on this planet — including human beings — will perish.

These are just some of the justifications for building ponds in the landscape – apart from the obvious addition of beauty to the landscape. There are ways to build ponds responsibly. There is no need for gushing waterfalls that splash away water and offer fast evaporation. A moderate or small spill of water can aerate a pond, add sound and beauty yet be water-conscious. Planting a pond wisely can also help save water while creating a lovely little micro-climate. And raising goldfish, koi or other fish or using biological controls can stop the worry of breeding mosquitoes.

It isn’t hard to defend the building of ponds in a successful landscape. It just takes a little forethought and planning to do it right. With proper care in spring and fall, the pond can become an asset to the garden and can help the ecology of your area — without ‘wasting’ any water.

Originally posted 2011-07-23 05:42:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Be Sociable, Share!