Over the years, we have tried to transform our backyard into a place of peace and restfulness, a retreat surrounded by nature. With that in mind, the most obvious way to achieve this was to build a pond. We had already planted a Saucer Magnolia when our daughter was born, and a Galaxy Magnolia when our son came into this world. Perennial flower beds and spring flowering shrubs bordered the yard. Cardinals, robins, and a variety of sparrows regularly visited the numerous bird feeders that we hung in our trees. The mourning doves pecked at the seeds on the ground. It was lovely to sit out the back and enjoy the splendours of nature, to read a favourite book, or just lie peacefully under the shade of one of our trees. Still, something was missing….
Our first attempt at building a pond consisted of a pre-formed liner and waterfall, a few goldfish, one water lilly, and some water lettuce. It was not long before we decided to put the shovels to work and dig a much larger one, which would be home to a few more goldfish, some koi, water lillies of different colours, a more realistic waterfall made of flagstone, and of course, a bridge…..
Now, when we retreat to our backyard sanctuary, we are surrounded by nature where the background music is the trickling water from the waterfall, the birds, crickets, and the occasional toad that comes to cool off on a lilly pad. Dragonflies and damselflies pay regular visits to the pond and butterflies seem to enjoy our Purple Cone Flowers. It is not unusual to see a hummingbird, a garden snake, or even a Great Blue Heron in our backyard…..
Our garden is our sanctuary, a moment or two of tranquility as we re-connect with nature.
Lydia and Don Jackson
we have a pond and for years now we have enjoyed the back yard. the lovely blue heron that you admire will help him self to the fish. after having a pond for about 16 years this fall we lost all of our fish to he heron.
- lorraine