Nicely landscaped yards create a very pleasing effect on your property. By adding points of interest you can enhance that effect.

One point of interest could be the addition of a small pond with a waterfall. The sound of water can give a very soothing and relaxing feeling to your yard. A good place to locate one is near a patio, pool, deck or entry way, choose a place where it can be heard on a regular basis. For a natural look, add rocks and boulders of different sizes in and around the pond, especially where you are trying to create a creek bed and waterfall.

There are pumps available that pump water from a low rate to a high rate of gallons per hour depending on how much and how fast you want the water to run. Both volume and speed of water affect the sound of your pond from a faint trickle to a nice waterfall effect.

One of the most important steps of making your pond look natural is by adding plant material around it. For example, plant a Dwarf Japanese Maple to cascade over the waterfall to bring attention to the fall. Then plant Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ajuga, Acorus Grass, Creeping Jenny, or one of the many varieties of ‘steppables’ under the Japanese Maple.

The use of dwarf grasses can add to the natural look, a few examples include Adagio Grass, Hamlin Grass, Muhly Grass and Little Bunny. Adding ferns is another way to add to the natural effect. There are many other plants that can be used to enhance of your pond.

Tropically inspired ponds are becoming more popular. To create this effect, palm trees are a favorite because they definitely remind people of the tropics. Tree form plants will also add to the tropical look. Grasses (as listed above) should also be used for this type of pond. A great plant to use for color is Lantana, which comes in several perennial varieties. Lantana blooms throughout the entire growing season.

Other accent plants that can be used are Mugo Pine, Carissa Holly, Yuccas, Dwarf Nandina, and Gold Mop Juniper. You may want to add pea gravel, marble chips and sporadic boulder placement to enhance the tropical effect. Once you design your pond, then come by and check the different varieties of plants available to use for your unique pond style.

Happy gardening.