When you imagine a pond in your backyard, what’s the first word that comes to mind? It’s likely a synonym of “beautiful” or “relaxing,” and for good reason. A pond can provide stunning beauty and truly relaxing times in any landscape. By using a few of the best ideas in modern landscape design, a pond can become your favorite escape from the stresses of everyday life. Here are some of the many ways that ponds can create a relaxing oasis in Harrisburg, PA.
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Enhanced Views
A landscape with a view will automatically bring people into a more relaxed state of mind. A pond can become that calming focal point. In direct sunlight, the surface of the water will sparkle. At sunset, the water will reflect the beauty of the setting sun. In fact, no two days will ever look exactly the same around the pond.
Natural Transition
The main attraction in a backyard is often the patio, which serves as a connection between the natural world and the comfort of your home. A pond is another feature that allows you and your family to connect with nature. The water will bring lots of wildlife for a quick visit, including migratory birds and pollinators—and who can resist playing along the shore, stacking rocks and skipping stones?
Soothing Sounds
Adding a water feature to your landscape will go a long way in creating a soothing atmosphere through sound. To keep your pond water clean, you’ll need a way to keep the water moving and oxygenated. Typically this is done with a bubbler in the center of the pond, or an artificial waterfall or creek that helps recirculate the pond water. The gentle sounds of trickling water help wash away the sounds of the outside world, especially traffic and the perpetual roar of lawn mowers.
Dramatic Visuals
Nothing creates drama in a landscape quite like a waterfall descending directly into a pond. Beyond just the sounds of rushing water, the visuals can build an epic atmosphere. You can go for the most naturalistic type of boulder-lined waterfalls, like the ones present deep in the Appalachians. On the other side of the spectrum, a sleek modern waterfall can send glass-like streams or curtains of water into the pond. As always, consider adding landscape lighting to your water features so you can improve the nighttime atmosphere as well.
A Stunning Koi Pond
Koi fish are favorite pond dwellers beloved all over the world. Koi, a type of Japanese carp, are known for their colorful scales and calm temperaments. They slowly swim around the surface of the pond, creating kaleidoscopic visuals and a serene atmosphere. They typically live for many decades, the oldest known specimen passing in 1974 at the ripe old age of 226. For some they even become beloved pets. Koi also snack on insect larvae in the water, which greatly helps with mosquito and other pest control during the summer.
A Relaxing Spot
Whether you’re watching your koi swim around, or slipping into a meditative state by gazing at your waterfall, a pond will relax you. The only thing you need to complete the picture is a comfortable place to sit—and on a hot day, some shade. A small patio with a pergola just big enough to shelter a porch swing could be the ideal solution for a little getaway just steps from the back door.
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