Australian Native pond (49) Colour Selection (135) Edible Water Gardens (0) Fish Ponds (18) Formal Ponds (0) Frog Ponds (0) Japanese Water Gardens (39) Large Ponds - Lakes & Dams (35) Plants for Waterfalls (18) Shady Ponds (61) Small Ponds Water Bowls (88)

The Hottest trend is a Cool water garden

The true heart of any garden is a well designed water garden. Water gardens and water features create a wondrous element to any garden. Whether it is set in the background or is a bold centrepiece, water gardens become the focal point that draws attention. It should not be an afterthought that is just plonked into a landscape. A successful look can only be achieved if it is integrated with the surrounding landscape. When choosing pond themes you also need to consider the size and scope of your water feature. A water garden will bring a whole range of new life into the garden. Even a small feature like a bird bath creates a habitat for birds visiting for a quick bath or drink.

The two keys to choosing pond themes or water feature styles

Pond themes or styles should be developed with two things in mind.

• To please your own senses - how you see things and how you feel.
• To suit your lifestyle.

Forget fashion. Break the rules. Style is a matter of personality and understanding who you are.

Popular pond themes

To help, we have developed plant lists to suit the more popular pond themes.

Australian native ponds provides a selection of plants that are suitable for creating more natural habitats based on the plants that are native or have been bred from plants indigenous to Australia. You may wish to work with colour schemes or prefer a particular Colour Selection.

Edible water gardens are easy to maintain and can produce a variety of root and leaf crops. Many edible water plants can be grown successfully in small ponds or even old bath tubs.

One of the more popular pond themes of suburban gardens and even some schools are creating Frog Ponds. While others enjoy the peace and tranquillity associated with, watching their fish swimming around in Fish Ponds.

People are often inspired by the pond themes they have seen in other parts of the world. They may be Formal Ponds of Europe, set into lawns, or may try to emulate a style from Asia such as Japanese Water Gardens.

Size is often dictated by the space we have available. 15% of Australians live in apartments and may only have a courtyard or balcony so only Small ponds / water bowls may suit. While those with larger properties can enjoy the view over Large Ponds, Lakes and Dams.

Most aquatic plants prefer full sun and this can lead to problems for Shady Ponds, so we have developed a list of plants that can tolerate these shadier conditions.

If you wish to incorporate a stream flowing into a lower pond, or are searching for Plants for Waterfalls, then there are other factors to consider when choosing plants for these conditions. The constant splashing is not tolerated by some pond plants and could cause them to die.

TIPS

1. Oz Watergardens recommend that before commencing any water gardens design, you need to understand your needs, have good planning, and especially when working on larger projects, speak to experienced landscape professionals.
2. Select the list topics to help you choose suitable water plants for your pond themes.

Please use our store locator to contact your nearest garden centre, to place an order.