The Joys of a backyard pond are limitless. Guaranteed, if you have kids or grandkids, that it will be a huge part of their life. They will love it.

This is my grandson and I in my backyard. He is now 4 and there is not a day he comes over here that we are not out back checking out the pond, the fish, looking for worms, etc.

Nothing – I mean nothing – adds more interest or joy to your backyard landscaping than a pond. A pond gives you the sound of the birds, attracts birds, butterflies and wildlife. The sound of the water relaxes you as you sit outdoors and enjoy a cool beverage.

When you make the decision to finally put in a pond, there are certain things you will want to keep in mind.

• Consider locating your backyard pond where you can see it from a deck or patio.
• Have it blend in with its natural surroundings.
• Elevate the soil around the pond slightly so that excess water will flow away from the pond and not into it.
• Make sure any drainage from the pond drains away from your house.
• Plan to landscape around the pond to provide habitat for frogs and birds that need land and water.
• If you plan to use a pump to re-circulate water, use a filter, or light the area, be sure electrical service is available.
• There will be less maintenance if your pond is not under trees. Most aquatic plants will grow better in full sun.

If you do not have space in your yard for a built-in earthen pond, consider a “tub” pond or large water bowls. These can be placed on the patio and provide many of the same benefits as a built-in pond. There are numerous tub kits available and they can be as simple as adding water, a pump, and some plants. They can also be moved inside in the winter as long as good lighting is provided for plants.

Actually the first year I had a pond, I brought in the water lilly plants – they died. After that, I always left the plants and the fish. I remove the hose from the pump and simply keep the water running all winter.

This keeps the pond from totally freezing and very seldom do I lose any fish. And the plants all come back in the spring.