Create a Small Pond
This week brought lots of excitement to our little home! With warmer days on the way, we decided to get our garden prepped for spring. While we don’t have a sprawling backyard, we thought it would be fun to repurpose an old, watertight washing-up bowl to make a small pond.
Taking inspiration from the RSPB (the UK’s largest nature conservation organisation) and their #HomesForNature campaign, we saw this as a great opportunity to attract some fascinating wildlife to our garden. We’re hoping to see pond skaters, water lice, and freshwater shrimps. With luck, our mini pond might even become a favourite spot for birds to bathe. If they decide to stay the night, we’ve found a lovely birdhouse for them!
What You’ll Need:
- A container that holds water (we used an old washing-up bowl)
- Gravel and stones (we improvised with sticks instead of rocks!)
- Small aquatic plants (we chose Hornwort, Iris Versicolor, and Equisetum Scirpoides)
Steps to Make Your Pond:
- Dig a Hole:
Start by digging a hole deep enough to fit your container. Make sure it sits flat and level in the ground. The RSPB website has detailed guidance on this if you’d like more information. - Fill the Edges with Soil:
After placing the bowl in the hole, pack soil around its edges to keep it secure and blend it with the garden. - Add Sticks and Stones:
Arrange natural materials like stones or sticks around the edge to conceal the container’s rim. Rocks work best, so we’re planning a trip to the park to collect some! - Layer the Bottom and Add Water:
Cover the bottom of the bowl with sand or small gravel. Then fill it with water—rainwater is ideal, but tap water will do if needed. The RSPB website explains why rainwater is better for ponds. - Plant Your Aquatics:
Add your chosen pond plants to create a natural habitat. Not sure what plants to use? You can find more tips on the RSPB site.
And that’s it—your mini pond is complete!
Aftercare:
As the pond matures, the wildlife it attracts will naturally help maintain the water quality. During summer, topping it up with water from a water butt will keep it fresh and thriving. For more detailed aftercare advice, check out the RSPB’s resources.
We’re excited to watch our mini garden pond come to life and hope it inspires you to try something similar in your own garden!
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