Adding some movement to a corner of a garden with a water feature can create a place of peaceful respite and even entertainment. With or without fish the accompanying wildlife provide a connection to the larger natural world. Few outdoor structures are ever maintenance free but a good design built with current pond mechanical systems will create a self contained ecosystem minimizing maintenance. The addition of lighting will ensure safety around a pond while also increasing entertainment value, making the care of the pet fish a pleasurable experience rather than a daily chore.
Shading a fish pond with a mix of plants and ornamental trees will slow algae growth and keep water temperatures tolerable for fish during central Ohio summers. The addition of annual flowering water plants after central Ohio’s final frost date can introduce new color to a pond while also providing habitat for pond wildlife.