Are Pond Hobbyists Creating a Sustainable Environment?

Who benefits from having a pond? I guess to many, the immediate answer that comes to mind is the homeowner. Ponds certainly are relaxing, inspiring, and a conversation piece. After a hectic day at work, most pond owners can find some peace and tranquility sitting around their pond, enjoying its beauty.

But, the pond is more than that. It's a living environment, a well balanced ecosystem that is home to many plants and various creatures. Hardy pond plants return each year, filtering the water with their roots, providing shelter for your fish, naturally providing oxygen as they grow and thrive in your pond. Plants and shrubs that are used to landscape around the pond provide a source of food and shelter for many forms of wildlife. Bees pollenate the flowers, birds are provided shelter by the surrounding foliage. Various forms of wildlife inhabit your pond, too. A pond's year round inhabitants may include your fish, but also, frogs and snails. Visitors may include birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Each species needs your pond for a reason. Squirrels can be seen drinking from the edge of the pond. Birds drink, eat insects or perhaps fruit that may have fallen in from a nearby tree. They take baths along the edges of the pond or waterfall, as do butterflies and dragonflies which are attracted to the calm shallow water.

Sustainability is a huge buzzword right now. There are many agencies and organizations trying to deveolp theories and guidelines to make sure landscapes provide a sustainable environment. The goal is to make sure that landscapes benefit humankind and other organisms by providing valuable ecosystem services, which improve environmental quality. I think pond owners are on the right track, don't you? Visit Aquatic Connections and take a tour of the water garden center. You'll be inspired. For a preview of the ponds that can be created, go to Aquatic Connections website. A pond can bring your backyard to life!