Bonjour and welcome to the Art of the Home gallery of backyard pond ideas. In a way, a pond in your own backyard is like a personal retreat just a few steps away from your own home. Hope you find the visit relaxing!
A garden pond provides a focal point of interest in your landscape. It offers a place where you can connect with nature or meditate, as the movement and sound of moving water bring a feeling of relaxation and calmness to any space. Imagine a Japanese tea garden overlooking a pond filled with lotus and water lilies…or looking at the full moon’s reflection on the water. A pond is also an excellent addition if you want to grow aquatic plants, or to keep some koi fish for good feng-shui. You can also add water features such as waterfall which can enhance the beauty of your backyard pond while adding the soothing sound of gently falling water. By going through the samples of backyard ponds below, you may find that they could bring character, harmony, and serenity to your outdoor space.
A backyard pond can be installed by professionals or be a DIY project for the family to enjoy and bond over. Contemporary ponds are suitable in modern homes and are usually made of concrete or glass with clean minimalist lines and shapes. How about Asian-themed installations complete with ornamental koi fishes and floating plants, these types could be a blend of contemporary and traditional. For the lucky homeowners who have natural bodies of water in their backyard, rock ponds that follow the natural terrain is the perfect option. Size is not an issue when creating your personal water feature — petite or mini ponds are still beautiful additions to any home. Accessorize with underwater lighting, unique edging details, mini waterfalls, one-of-a-kind statues, and even bridges! Wouldn’t it be great to cultivate your own school of fishes? Create oxygen for them by planting “oxygenators” such as water irises, lotus flowers, cattail reeds, or bulrushes. By nurturing an ecosystem of ornamental fishes, frog guests, and aquatic plants, you get a double dose of caring for the environment and at the same time enjoyment in your own backyard refuge.
So why not head outdoors with us as we show you a collection of backyard pond ideas you can incorporate into your own backyard. Hope you enjoy your walk through these tranquil outdoor retreats. Beautiful day to you!
1. English Tea Garden…
The Little Plus: the simple wooden curved bridge over the pond. Crossing this graceful entry takes you to a secluded spot perfect for reverie. Stones and green shrubbery lend a cool and natural look to the pond design. And can you hear the screened-in gazebo calling your name? Who wouldn’t want to contemplate in this cozy place?
2. Shinto Shrine…
The Little Plus: the feeling of serenity emanating from this beautiful outdoor haven. Sandstone rocks surrounding the pond anchor the landscape of plants while flat flagstone pavers cap both ends of the bridge. And notice the waterfall feature adding a tranquil appeal to the water landscape. Imagine closing your eyes and hearing just the steady stream of water! Also, notice the Shinto shrine designed patio with Japanese sliding doors. You will always look forward to morning meditations in this perfectly designed tea garden.
3. Koi Pond…
The Little Plus: the large koi pond with clean straight lines. In the Chinese tradition, the koi symbolizes happiness and harmony — two feelings this minimalist pond exudes! The natural stain of the wooden decking giving off a relaxed aura matched in simplicity by the wooden daybed. And the large jar fountain is the perfect accent to reign over the fishes dancing in the pond. Ni hao (hello in Chinese)!
4. Zigzag Bridge…
The Little Plus: the white arbor with lattice sides that welcomes you as you cross the wood plank bridge. Built-in seats offer a bit of rest before you decide to continue down the brick garden path. And notice the lily pads floating serenely on the water, a zen-like quality envelopes the place. Japanese maple and natural stones offer visual interest as you pause at each angled turn of the bridge.
5. Water Lily Pond…
The Little Plus: the bank of stones lining the pond. By mimicking natural ponds, stones were artfully stacked over each other while flourishing ornamental grass and variegated leaf foliage keep the bank shady and lush for frolicking frogs. Water lettuce and lily pads float like green flowers on the water. And outdoor lights play hide and seek in between the plants.
6. Spring Heralds…
The Little Plus: the streaming pond with weathered brick edging makes up for its narrow size with its gentle curves and bends. Bountiful displays of flowers and greenery on both sides will surely delight the senses. The symbol for spring, vibrant tulips in salmon pink look up to the sky…sharing the space with sunny yellow daffodils. Spring is here!
7. Water Nymph…
The Little Plus: the cast stone statue of a maid at the center of the round petite pond. All eyes are on her as she seemingly emerges from the green clump of water iris. Stones and dainty ground covering plants line the edges of the pond like a frame. And notice the wooden bench tucked among the vines and flowers — perfect for romantic interludes. And to complement the vintage feel of this retreat spot, an old zinc watering can stands amongst the red Asiatic lilies.