Adding A Fish Pond To Your Garden

Are you looking to up the zen factor of your backyard or green space? Adding a fish pond to your garden is a great way to do so, but what exactly is involved?

Records of having a fish pond at home can be found as far back as the early Middle Ages. Although primarily used as a way to easily access a food group, they soon developed as a staple piece in sprawling estates across Europe as a sign of affluence and tranquillity. 

Today, the logic of installing and maintaining a fish pond in your garden does stem beyond the aesthetics. If you share your home with children, a fish pond can quickly become an interactive and even educational inclusion to the outdoor areas of a home. Beautiful water plants and brightly coloured fish can also add a flair to any landscape – add lighting, rocks, waterfalls, and your backyard transforms into an oasis. 

A fish pond also creates an ecosystem in your backyard. These features create a place for different types of plants, insects, and can be a place for birds to find food and water. After the initial set up, they’re relatively self sufficient and easy to look after – but what’s involved with bringing one to life?

The Basics Of Creating A Fish Pond At Home 

We know that gardening is good for us, but science has also proven that spending time near water is great for our wellbeing too. With a handful of the benefits including slowing our heart rates, boosting mental health and reducing stress hormones, it’s no surprise that installing a fish pond at home may not feel so outrageous after all. However, before you do so, there are a few factors to consider if you want to get it right the first time. 

Location – A fish pond needs a few specific conditions in order to be a success, and a major one is having access to a sheltered part of your garden out of the wind and away from falling leaves. While it’s a good idea to factor in any overflow from rain, the big factor is ensuring that your fish pond has access to shade to protect its inhabitants against the midday sun. 

Depth – A fish pond isn’t a swimming pool, and doesn’t require a depth that exceeds thirty centimetres. This is particularly relevant considering that there are many strict safety standards in Australia regarding bodies of water, and anything deeper than this amount can require fencing, mesh and even council approvals. 

Installation – Fish ponds can be made of robust and long lasting concrete, UV resistant and flexible rubber, or cost effective yet less durable plastic. While DIY kits are available at many hardware stores and garden centres, if you want to build a custom oasis, it’s a good idea to leave the installation to the professionals, particularly when it comes to getting the right pump. 

Water Plants – There are many varieties of water plants out there, with some even filtering the water for you and keeping it clear and algae free. Water plants also offer food, shade and an extra layer of protection for your resident fish friends, and help to filter out pollutants and heavy metals. Combine floaters, oxygenators and submersibles for a happy pond. 

Fish – Do your homework as to which types of fish you’re allowed to keep at home, as many states only permit goldfish. Fish also need to be fed quality fish food once a day, and it’s important not to overcrowd your fish pond – experts recommend that a fish needs 38 litres of water for every 2.5 cm of its length. 

Ultimately, the more you’re able to encourage a self-sufficient and sustainable ecosystem, the happier all of the residents of your garden will be. However, sometimes the plants used as a part of your fish pond landscaping may need a little extra help in fending off unwanted invaders, but that doesn’t mean resorting to pesticides that may have negative consequences on the health of your soil, plants, and even local wildlife – so what’s the alternative?

Embrace The Safer Way To Spray

Spending time outside and in the garden is not only good for our overall well being, but it’s also an easy way to start educating yourself on the importance of sustainability. 

If you’re noticing foreign invaders popping up in your garden, a naturally produced weed killer like Bioweed is a safe way to keep them under control. As a non-residual solution, it will break down into the soil in as little as 72 hours and can combat over 200 invasive weed species, making it safe for you, your family, your pets, and your local native wildlife to navigate. 

Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leader Greenpro, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production.

If you’re on the hunt for a natural weed killer, more organic gardening solutions, or simply want to know more about eliminating weeds safely, check out other tips and tricks in our online advice forum, or contact us for any further queries.