There is something so tranquil to be found in the sound of running water, especially when in the garden. Water gardens and ponds found their start with the Egyptians who used them as the focal point of their courtyards. The tradition continues in Pennsylvania. The attraction is simple. A small water garden adds a cool, lush look to a Montgomery County landscape with little effort.

Ponds and water gardens can be any size imaginable. You can seal off ceramic containers or use liners in wooden barrels; however plastic containers may be easiest to use. Grouping together various-sized water garden containers, can have a big impact. Two to three potted plants and some floaters will make quite a splash on your West Conshohocken scenery.

If you desire something on a bigger scale there are plenty of options to consider. Medium-sized ponds may be constructed in excavations backfilled with sand and lined with fiberglass preforms. You can also purchase liners that come in sheets or kits to conform to the size and shape of pond you want. The liners are reasonable in cost, and the professionals here at JFS4 can give you advice on your selection. Finally, the last option for ponds is concrete. Take care to study and plan well before installation, as changes will be a major project.

It's probably safe to say that one of the primary reasons people enjoy water gardens is the beauty and unique characteristics of the plants that are a part of them. After all, a water garden really isn't a "garden" without a plethora of beautiful plants. Select either tropical or hardy plants for your garden.

The tropical varieties offer sensational colors in water lilies, as well as some unusual plant forms such as elephant ears and papyrus. However, these plants will not be able to withstand the Pennsylvania winter weather outdoors, and must be moved into a heated area.

The hardy water lilies, cattails and the parrot’s feather offer a good range of color including whites, pinks, reds and yellows. These plants also have the advantage of being able to make it through most wintery weather as long as they can be lowered in the pond below the level of winter ice.

You may want to add fish to your pond. Keep in mind that some well known fish grow too large for small water gardens. For smaller ponds you can choose either guppies, which will help with mosquito control, or minnows. Most hardy fish will last the West Conshohocken winter if 2 feet of depth is available to them. Small ponds with shallow areas make fish easy prey.

Managing algae has been the scourge of pond owners for as long as ponds have been in existence. It is unsightly and can become a threat if not controlled. In extreme instances, algae can grow until it suffocates your plants and fish, and altogether kills a pond. However, there are reasons this takes place and plenty of precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent such unrestrained growth.

Whatever the size and shape of the pond, decide on a pump that meets your needs. A small pump will do because a minimum flow is all that is needed. A small water garden is not a major consumer of water. All the more reason to build your pond, and then relax and enjoy the soothing sounds, shapes and colors.

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