Garden ponds are synonymous with biodiversity in the backyard. They thrive with all sorts of life.
Frogs, Dragonflies, birds, and mammals readily visit frog ponds in search of food, water, and shelter.
If you would like to create water habitat on a much smaller scale a container such as half barrels and sealed pots make perfect choices for small gardens and balconies.
Creating a pond is one of the most impactful actions you can undertake to improve your garden’s habitat value. Garden ponds create miniature ecosystems alongside your more traditional garden beds and plantings.
Ponds attract a wide diversity of wildlife. They quickly become home to many invertebrates, making it a perfect foraging habitat for frogs, birds, and small mammals.
The Level 5 habitat value reflects the variety of benefits a pond can provide. This activity provides Wet Shelter, Food and Water, satisfying three out of the four habitat values (the fourth is Dry Shelter).
‘Miniature’ ponds and frog hotels can be replicated in sealed pots and will have a similar impact. In terms of ReWild scoring, ponds have a multiplier effect, as you should also count the individual plantings separately, adding to your overall habitat rating.
What should I plant?
The majority of native plants are adapted to our climate, and can survive dry spells. However, there are many native species that survive best in water and are found naturally in wetlands, creeks, and rivers.
Water can be risky when young kids are involved. Any pond deeper than 30cm requires an access control by using low fencing or covering the pond with rigid mesh capable of supporting the weight of a child.
When selecting your mesh panelling, use anything bigger than 10cm x 10cm to allows frogs to enter and exit the pond easily. You should also check local council requirements.
Location, Location, Location
Planning a frog pond requires foresight and precaution. Stay clear of mature trees in case digging a frog pond damages roots. Avoid areas where pesticides could contaminate the frog pond. Ensure the area is free of any utilities including power, water, or sewerage.
Don’t forget… frogs are noisy! Be considerate of your neighbours (and even bedrooms) when choosing an area. Avoid direct sunlight as this will promote excessive algal growth.
Sourcing materials
Frog ponds are available pre-made or you can freestyle your own. Ensure pre-made frog ponds are strong to prevent leaks. Make sure you rinse the container before you install it to get rid of any harmful chemicals.
If you are freestyling, strive for varying depths of both shallow and deeper water and not too steep or slippery as ground-dwelling frogs do not climb well and can drown. Always include a way for animals to get in and out of the water safely. Birds and small animals sometimes fall in and will need a safe exit.
Habitat Zones
Building a frog pond is more than just water. The environment around the pond is just as important. Think about how a frog would enter and exit the pond. Use large rocks and logs at the bottom and around your pond to provide necessary habitat. This will also encourage algal growth, providing food and shelter for tadpoles.
A dampland surrounding the pond can provide foraging habitat for any resident frogs and their future offspring. Native grasses, sedges, logs, rocks, mulch, and shrubs will provide additional cover and shade around the pond.
Types of Filters
Native sedges and floating plants are ideal for the shallow areas of the pond. These plants clean the water, keeping your pond water clear by controlling algal growth.
You can still use a pond pump to keep the water moving. Cover any filter with mesh to protect tadpoles from harm. Waterfalls are good, but avoid strong water fountains. Strong fountains can scare some frogs away.
Controlling mosquitos
Frog ponds will attract a wide array of insect life, but the dreaded blood suckers are something you want to avoid. You can introduce native fish to help keep mosquito numbers down. Encouraging beneficial insects to the pond can help control unwanted pests.
You can try to encourage other wildlife to help keep mosquito numbers down by creating habitats for spiders and other predatory insects (dragonflies and damselflies), frogs, birds, and bats.
Short on Space?
If calling frogs worry you, or you are concerned about safety, then a frog spot is right for you. You can create water habitat on a much smaller scale. Containers such as half barrels and sealed pots make perfect choices for small gardens and balconies.
Always include a way for frogs and other animals to get in and out safely. Birds and frogs can drown if they cannot get out. Use a small filter or soft water fountain to keep the water moving as this will help keep mosquitos away while providing a nice space for a frog to have a drink and cool off – or empty the frog spot of water once a week to remove any eggs or larvae.
Frog ponds are marvelous way of introducing new species into the garden and simply grow better with age. You can emphasise this point of difference by ‘decorating’ the area with additional rocks, logs and fallen leaves, providing extra refuge for small wildlife.