Small wildlife pond advice

Hi all,

I want to create a small wildlife pond in my garden. I’ve got a strip of land at the bottom of my garden that is 2 foot by 5 foot. this space is up against the fence and spends all day in the shade.

so my questions are....Any advice on putting a pond in a shaded area?? I won’t keep fish but just plants and hopefully attract other wildlife.

secondly any advice on which plants might do well in shade?

I haven’t really got another area to do a pond unless I potentially raise it slightly.

Thanks in advance

 

I'm certainly no expert on ponds but there are other members who have more expertise than me and will be able to offer more advice. I think ponds really need some sunlight to thrive. Ideally a pond needs half sunlight and half shade. If it's permanently in shade I think the oxygen content of the pond will be reduced causing the water to stagnate. Most pond plants like a bit of sunlight to grow, although some don't mind a bit of shade. Low oxygen levels will likely effect the kind of pond life you get too. Could you introduce more light to your proposed area or re site the pond elsewhere?

 

Thank you for the advice. I think I might struggle in that case. It is close up to my back fence so blocks out direct sunlight. Haven’t got any other space to relocate but wanted to make use of a space I can’t do much with. Might have to give it up as a bad idea.

thanks

 

Agree that 100% shade is not be best site.

However all is not lost. you could use any form of half barrel or trug etc thats about 40ltrs or bigger, either freestanding or sunk fully or partially into the ground.

Just web seach ' half barrel pond ' for many good examples.

 

How high is your fence, Lee? Could you lower it a little or even cut out parts of it to bring in natural light. Could you raise the ground height. As ricky101 has said you could maybe create a container pond which may slot into another area of your garden. I have used Belfast sinks in the past, although they can be problematic being so shallow. I currently have a half whiskey barrel - plastic variety - that I am in the process of setting up as a mini pond. You could also make a mini bog garden from tubs, sinks, etc, which will also attract wildlife.

Your shady are is not a problem at all. There are many plants that like shade, including flowering types. Ferns, flowers and a water feature could create a very relaxing, cool space to sit.. Maybe some nice statues or ornaments. Some subtle up lights for the evening. You are only limited by your imagination where gardening is concerned I believe. And if you haven't got much imagination there plenty of folk on here who have

 

Thanks everyone. Going to get some shade loving plants in there around a seat for the shade I think.