Pond Pointers: Real Gardeners Share Their Wisdom

Experienced pond owners reveal what they love—and what they'd do differently.

Lessons Learned

• Liz: Bought a house with a 1,200-gal pond. Learned it's not an aquarium—don't scrub! Use underwater, floating, and bog plants. A few water hyacinths multiply fast. A bench makes it a destination for family talks.
• Cindy: Aim for natural look. Chose waterfall over fountain. Birds and frogs love the sound. Only regret: make it bigger! Planning a second connected pond.
• Violet: Two ponds, goldfish, albino catfish, frogs, tadpoles. Water lilies multiply; split them. Water lettuce dislikes sun. Enjoy daily.
• Judy: New 250-gal pond—totally different gardening world. Learning water vs. edge plants. Natural woodland theme: ferns, bloodroot, cranesbill, Jack-in-the-pulpit, grasses, taros. Algae control needs 60% plant coverage; immature plants mean a waiting game. "Never had so much fun being totally lost!"
• Mark: Planning an aboveground pond—less work, looks natural, reversible.
• Chris: Keep it simple. Minimum plants initially. Don't make pond the sole focus; be subtle, place off-center.
• Debbie: Slant all rocks downward so water doesn't run behind them. Research more before building.
• Kim: Moved pond from under apricot tree (fermented fruit = drunken goldfish!). Now centered with ferns, horsetail, tall flowers for shade. Goldfish, koi, bluegill, bullfrog pollywogs. Only change: make it bigger!

Learn how to add an inexpensive water garden.