How to choose Pond Ornaments.
For those gardeners that are not trying to create a perfect duplication of a natural pond and wetland area in their garden, which would probably be the majority, a huge range of pond-orientated ornamentation exists to add movement, form and added interest. These ornaments could be life like representations but more often than not are artistic interpretations, they may be contemporary statements or even humorous. Some, but not all are constructed to be able to channel water as with fountain ornaments. Pond ornaments are made from a variety of different materials.

Choosing Pond Ornaments.
When choosing a pond ornament first decide whether it is to be a water type feature or a static ornament. If it is to be a fountain ornament do not forget to allow sufficient spare output capacity to operate it when choosing your pond pump. Alternatively (And preferably) choose a separate pond pump that will be solely dedicated to this feature. If using a dedicated pump you will need to ensure there is a suitable electric supply to power it. If you are adding a fountain ornament at a date some time after construction consider using a low voltage pump to power it as these can be installed safely without a mains cable having to be laid in the garden (See the Neptune low voltage pumps on this website).

As a rough guide the pump will need to provide about (100 to a 150 gallons per hour (450 to 675 litres) for small to medium fountain ornaments so choose a pump with maximum outputs of from 125 to 199 gallons per hour (560 to 895 litres). More powerful pumps will be able to operate more than one feature.

Static ornaments may take the form of animals and birds such as the ever-popular statuesque Heron or ornaments that compliment a theme such as an oriental pagoda. Both fountain ornaments and static ornaments are available in a variety of materials that include, natural stone, Concrete casts, resin plastic, copper, bronze, and marble. Some of these materials may have the potential to leach toxins but usually the volume of the material making up the ornament is tiny compared to the pond water volume so there is no ill effect.

Positioning Pond Ornaments.
Fountain ornaments may be positioned within the perimeter of a pond or outside it. Choose the position for maximum impact when viewed from the most usual viewing angle. Take care that water emanating from the ornament does not cause excessive splashing or is likely to be blown outside the pond perimeter during windy conditions as the pond water level may drop significantly. Ensure they are securely fixed to avoid damage to them or the pond.

With static ornaments the most important thing to consider when positioning is the overall landscape theme, for example an ornamental Fawn could be placed on a grassy area between shrubbery and a Fox shyly peaking from an overgrown thicket. As already mentioned they can also be used to great effect to enhance a mood or theme extending this well beyond the pond perimeter into the garden beyond.

Pond Ornaments as a Primary Feature.
Somewhat paradoxically, pond ornaments do not necessarily require a pond to be positioned in or around. They can be used to great effect in a Bog Garden where there is no visible body of water. Pond fountain ornaments are often used as a centrepiece to a pebble pond or trough and they can also be made as the primary feature in their own right with a dedicated reservoir such as a formal raised circle or “D” shaped enclosure. These types of features would not normally contain fish or plants

Pond ornaments introduce a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to pond and water feature design and with a little planning and vision they can be used to great effect in any garden design.