WATER IN THE GARDEN

Water is an important part of my garden. Birds come to bathe,and all manner of insects and small animals come to drink.I already had a goldfish pond before i started gardening for wildlife,and although the best books on the subject advise you to EITHER have a pond for fish OR a pond for wildlife,i can only say that i have had no problems.The fish may eat frogspawn or tadpoles, but apart from that,everything lives together quite happily.Last winter,the goldfish attracted a Kingfisher for a few weeks,and he soon ate them all! I was so excited that i immediately went out and bought some more fish!

A well planted pond will attract frogs,toads,newts and even water birds,if it is large enough.Remember to build a pond with gently shelving sides,so that wildlife can come to drink safely.

Watching the activity in a pond,whether it`s fish,frogs,or dragonflies whizzing about,can be very relaxing

A carefully chosen selection of water plants will attract a wide variety of wildlife.

Remember to provide fresh water all year round.My own birdbath is made up of an upturned terracotta plantpot with a wide,shallow dish on top. Try to keep ponds ice-free in winter by placing a ball in the water.This can be removed if the water freezes,to leave a clear area.
If you`re lucky to have a large pond,or you live close to a large expanse of water,you may be visited by swans,moorhen,coot or mallard,amongst other species.

JANUARY 2009.