Size: Irregularly shaped, roughly 93 by 15 feet
Light: Full sun
Moisture: ranges from aquatic (pond itself) to damp (areas surrounding the pond) to dry (portion furthest away from the pond)
Challenges & solutions: Over the last few years, we’ve struggled with the water level in the pond. We find ourselves having to top off the pond frequently, likely indicating leak in the pond liner. In hopes of pin pointing its location, we frequently check the areas immediately around the liner for spots that are extra damp- easiest to detect after a dry spell.
Another issue we have here is with aquatic invasive plants. We’ve noticed flowering rush creeping into the pond unannounced. We physically remove it the best we can and dispose of it in a plastic garbage bag - rather than the compost or brush pile because so it will not spread and invade new areas.
Special note on pond plants: Some plants sold for backyard ponds can be very invasive to precious wetland ecosystems in the wild. Be sure to do your own research and double-check with the nursery before you buy. If you decide to switch out a pond plant you no longer want, or if a plant needs to be divided, please avoid dumping it in a wild area. This can easily disrupt ecosystems, whether the plant you are discarding is native or not. Inquire whether your nursery is willing to take plants back, or share the plant with a neighbour who also has a backyard pond.
Special note on pond fish: As you stock your pond keep in mind that goldfish are an introduced species in Canadian waters. If kept responsibly, goldfish and koi can be housed in an artificial pond. If you’d like to keep these fish, make sure your pond isn’t adjacent to any natural waterways. And never release unwanted fish in natural areas or flush them away in your home. They can end up in our waterways where they disrupt natural ecosystems and compete for resources with our native fish. Unwanted pond fish can often be returned to the shop where they were purchased or given away to a neighbor, school or community centre that can properly care for them. You can also call the Fish Rescue Program at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.caoac.ca/rescue.html.
For more information on responsible pond keeping, visit www.habitattitude.ca.