Storm Water Ponds 2.0

storm water runs downhill and collects in these ponds before hitting my house. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Storm Water Ponds 2.0

Earlier this spring, I decided to remake my two storm water detention ponds at the front of my house.

These holes were made in 1995 when I removed my slolem-of a garage entrance concrete. Realizing storm water will run downhill into my garage, I set up storm water ponds to reduce the water runoff and capture rain.

The first ponds were made with black plastic. Although they lasted for a number of years, I had to replace them when something punctured them.

the old storm water ponds had a liner that had to be replaced. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Here’s a better view of the same space cleared of some of the overgrowth and ready to install pond forms.

pre-formed plastic liners will last longer and still collect rain water. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Pond forms are easy to work with as long as you level them and add support underneath. It also helps if you don’t get rain filing up the forms before you’re done. The resident frog population is well-established and didn’t go far during the construction.

rocks line the pond form side so water levels can fluctuate without showing the pond form. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

I didn’t buy anything new for this project besides the pond forms, sand, glue to hold in critical rocks and solar-powered metal lights. I had the rocks and pumps. Each of the three ponds have a pump to keep the water oxygenated.

Push the flat rocks farther over the pond form lip so they aren’t as visible. (charlotte Ekker wiggins photo)

In terms of cost estimate, the pond forms, sand, sealer and lights were around $1,000. If you have to buy rocks and pay labor that will depend on your local pricing.

I’ve made the previous storm water ponds and had my handyman and his crew develop this one. I’m glad I did because he knows me and added safe walking spaces in between the ponds I now use every day.

I’m still mulling over additional landscaping. I need some clear spaces to safely get around. Some plants were growing in those areas before this work was done so I’m waiting to see if they will return on their own.

In terms of mosquitos, the water is getting churned by pumps and resident goldfish. I also have a resident population of dragonflies that take out mosquitos and water plants that help keep the collected rain water clear.

Didn’t take my bees long to find the water source. They like to hang out on several moss-covered stones. I also added water lettuce so they have safe places to land as they gather water.

I could use the larger pond for water therapy but may have to explain that to resident frogs. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

This is the first spot I visit in the morning to feed the resident goldfish and count frogs as they dive in. It’s a small water feature that was designed to be practical but has added a lot of joy to my garden. If you have a chance to add one, I highly recommend it!

Charlotte

Storm Water Garden Ponds

the updated garden ponds are nicely settling in with water plants and a few goldfish. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Storm Water Garden Ponds

There are many reasons one may want to add small garden ponds. In my case these started as storm water ponds to derail water coming down a hill hitting my house.

The first ponds looked like an old well dumping water into a nearby pond. Two iterations later, plastic pond liners formed two natural-looking watering holes that were quite popular with native wildlife.

this was the original storm water garden ponds with a liner we upgraded. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

When I had to replace the liner earlier this spring, my handyman suggested using pond forms instead of pond liners. They will last longer and be easier to maintain, he said. We also could reuse existing rocks as well as a supply a friend donated last year.

I didn’t have any expectations of the results. This needed to be wildlife friendly, including safe spots in case turtles and rabbits fell in.

instead of liners, we used pond forms to make the storm water ponds oonger lasting. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

Bees were also using the ponds as a water source, and native frogs had been residents for a number of decades.

By the way, the frogs waited it out. Every end of the day of construction I would find several frogs checking out the new digs.

we reused rocks donated from a friend’s garden and what I already had. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

There are now three small ponds, all capable of catching storm water if it ever rains again. We’re in a drought again this year and rain water is precious.

To help keep water clear, I am adding back some aquatic plants from previous ponds. About a dozen goldfish are also part of the ecosystem now, keeping algae and mosquito larvae in check.

When I think of all of the garden nice to haves and must haves, a small pond falls in the must have category. The number of insects and animals that depend on the water source is a reminder that our gardens are homes to other creatures.

Charlotte