Going Green in the Garden Pond
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Posted by Tricia Edgar Apr 25, 2009 |
Water gardens are a place of beauty, relaxation, and wonder. Dragonflies buzz around a pond, and birds play in the spray of a fountain. Even a small water feature in an urban area can bring wildlife to the garden.
How can those who love water gardens go easy on the planet this Earth Day, and every day?
Use Safe, Sustainable Methods of Pest Control
Gardening can sometimes be a frustrating endeavor, and it's tempting to find a spray that will solve garden pest problems. However, especially in a sensitive aquatic environment, try to go organic. Use pesticides that are natural and that allow wildlife to thrive in the garden. Hand pick weeds. Invite birds to the yard to eat insects, creating a natural predator-prey relationship in the water or wetland garden.
Attract Wildlife to the Garden
Playing host to a healthy garden ecosystem is a thrill. It's so exciting to watch birds visit and eat insects, butterflies pollinate the flowers, and dragonflies swoop down over the pond. Create quiet areas where frogs and salamanders can hide. Develop an understanding of the ecology of local wetland ecosystems and use the area around the pond as an extension of the pond. Create a small wetland or stream side garden, and this will attract even more diverse wildlife to the water garden.
Use Water Garden Features that Are Reused or Integrate Solar Power
There are many wildly creative water features available from local retailers, many of which integrate reused objects in an amusing and beautiful way. One in British Columbia, Canada is called Water Works Garden Art, and the owner integrates delightful elements such as old musical instruments in his water features.
Pond ornaments, fountains, and lights that incorporate solar power also reduce a pond's energy needs. Solar water features and fountains can run on their own power if they are placed in a sunny location.
Go easy on the earth, and watch as animals and plants thrive in the pond, wetland, or stream side garden.