Small Spaces
Ideally, a backyard pond should be about 10’ x 15’ on average for a balance of flexibility, impact, and budget, but in reality, the best size is really one that fits your space and budget comfortably.
You may feel limited with a tiny yard, but even small spaces can hold a pond that includes all the elements of a relaxing personal oasis that can attract a lovely variety of wildlife. The key is following a few techniques that make the most impact within the available space.
Small ponds are great ways to introduce yourself to the joys of water gardening and can even provide a great opportunity for children to experience the natural world. Small gardens require less time to maintain, which can be a boon for those with a busy urban lifestyle.
If your space is especially limited, you can place an above ground pond on your deck, or even a container on your balcony. A whiskey barrel, available at most garden stores, is a great option. Just be sure to use a good liner to protect your plants and prevent the barrel from leaking!
Temporary Water Gardens
- An above ground pond is a great solution when you can’t make a permanent installation, for whatever reason. Any type of container (a half whiskey barrel, an old bathtub, a large terracotta pot, even an old stock tank or other galvanized container) will work - just make sure to use a durable, flexible liner to cover holes, keep water inside where it belongs, and prevent chemicals or leached metals from fouling the water.
- Choose a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of sun each day.
- Plastic containers, while inexpensive, don’t make the best container ponds because they break down over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s UV-stable and can support the pressure of the water it will be holding.
- Containers made of porous materials or already drilled with drainage holes aren’t a deal breaker, fortunately, because an impervious liner can easily be added to ensure the container is completely leakproof.
- If your container is large enough (half barrel or larger), create a planting shelf that sits several inches underwater to hold marginal or emergent plants, while reserving the center or rear of the container for submerged or deep water cousins. The planting shelf can be as simple as several small terracotta pots stacked upside down and anchored with a few inches of sand across the container bottom.
- Fill your container with water. If you have stored rainwater, that’s a great option, but water from a hose or your tap works well too. Let the water sit for a day or two to allow chlorine and chloramine to evaporate before planting.
- In small container ponds, you only need a few plants. Choose 2 or 3 specimens with different heights and textures for visual interest. Spread out the blooming period if you’re choosing blooming specimens. Miniature lilies are a dramatic addition. Coupled with a delicate marginal plant and a tall, sculptural emergent plant, your pond could look as elegant as a sculptural flower arrangement.
Small Courtyard Ponds
- Ponds for small courtyards, patios, decks, or terraces can be either above ground in containers, or sunken into the ground. In all cases, the containers or excavation should be lined with a geotextile liner to eliminate the risk of leaks.
- In the case of deck ponds, consider the weight of your finished and filled pond. It’s a good idea to place the pond in a corner of the deck where the structural support is greatest. If necessary, you may be able to add additional support under the deck itself.
- Sunken ponds are not exposed to the same amount of direct sunlight as an above ground pond, so there’s less concern about degradation from UV rays. Nonetheless, adding a UV-resistant liner to cover a plastic container will only extend the life of your pond.
- Even small ponds, in relatively small places, can make a big impression. Add a small water feature that contributes a quiet, relaxing ambiance. In a big city, you may want a somewhat splashy fountain to be heard over traffic noises, while a peaceful burble may be perfect for a quiet suburban patio.
- Sculptures can make a big visual statement even in a small pond. A classic Grecian urn, a small floating gazing ball, a whimsical fairy, or a contemporary metal sculpture add personality to your decorative pond. Choose an ornamental that’s in scale with your pond. You can place it center stage or let it peek out from amongst the leaves for an endearing surprise.
- If you have some walking room in your backyard space, you can make your small pond stand out with a dedicated pathway that will lead visitors to it, both visually and physically. Allow the pathway to both direct and frame the pond, encouraging visitors to approach the edge for a better view. Make sure the materials in the path itself complement the pond and surrounding features, rather than competing with them.
