There’s no better way to encourage wild critters back into your garden than adding a raised pond into the mix. Whether you opt for an expansive pool of water framed by reeds and grasses or go for a mini pond in a pot, these aquatic habitats will benefit wildlife profoundly. Now, if you’re stuck at the stage of getting a stagnant pool of water looking like a magical retreat or you haven’t started at all, here are 12 raised garden pond ideas to help you hit the ground (or water) running.
What you need to know about raised garden ponds
Garden ponds work similarly to any other outdoor landscaping water feature: in other words, they will often support insect and aquatic life, having a tiny underwater ecosystem of their own. For this reason, garden ponds require regular maintenance, so it’s all bloom and no gloom. This might involve installing a pump and filtration system, cleaning out leaves on a regular basis and planting native fauna at the right time of year – and this all accrues a cost.
Even though there might not be any digging involved, you’ll have to consider power for a pump and filtration system, your chosen plants and even decorative lighting– and this all accrues a cost. This isn’t to say that all ponds are built equally when it comes to maintenance. Smaller, decorative ponds will be much easier to take care of than landscaping ponds or those with koi, for example. It all depends on how much time and expense you are willing to put into the project. Whichever raised garden pond ideas you gravitate towards, we can promise you it will look gorgeous all the same. Simply watch out for any algal growth and read up on the experts’ advice on maintenance and care.
A fountain of ideas: Our 12 raised garden pond ideas
Now we have the basics covered, keep reading to discover what type of raised structure will be best suited for you as you build your own garden pond and deliver the best possible pond care throughout the year, starting with the larger ponds with higher levels of maintenance.
(If that sounds too easy and you want a challenge, feel free to skip to our large pond ideas, which are more suited to seasoned landscapers who have already dipped their toes into aquatic gardening).
Raised pond ideas for small gardens
Now, if you find yourself tight for space and a pond deck just isn’t going to cut it, fret not. There are so many garden pond ideas to accommodate smaller spaces, and there’s no need to compromise on your personal style. Whether you’re angling towards contemporary charm or are aiming to replicate a mystical brook with a dainty fairy-inspired pool, here are some additional tips to point you in the right direction.
1. Try a top-tier pond with multiple levels
If you can’t go outwards, go upwards. By opting for a multi-tiered raised garden pond you can win back inches whilst enjoying the soothing sound of flowing water as it trickles from one level to the other. Be wary of lilies here: they’re not fans of their leaves being splashed too harshly, so take care to ensure the waterfall pressure isn’t too high for them.
2. Go tiny with a mini pond
There are really no limits when it comes to the size of a pond – and it goes both ways. The tiniest ponds can make a whole lot of difference, opening up a world of natural enchantment, whether you’re taken with the tranquillity of a tiny natural pond or the practicality of compact pot ponds. Design your pond in a decorative container or plant pot to add a hint of whimsy to your patio – truly the mini raised garden pond ideas are endless!
3. Showcase a streamlined pond amongst your pavers
Highlighting a sleek and modern pond nestled amidst your pavers brings an element of contemporary refinement to your outdoor space. This design choice seamlessly integrates the serenity of water with the clean lines of hardscaping. The juxtaposition of the smooth, reflective pond surface against the geometric precision of the pavers is a contrast a modern garden won’t want to miss out on!
4. Keep things simple with a barrel pond
Repurposing an old wooden barrel or whiskey barrel as a mini pond serves as a clever way to save garden space. The compact size makes it ideal for smaller lawns, patios, or even balconies. Barrel ponds are easy to set up and maintain, often requiring minimal equipment and knowledge. By planting aquatic vegetation, you can foster a mini ecosystem within the confines of your barrel, making it both visually appealing and beneficial for your local garden wildlife.
5. Make the most of garden corners
When you’re pressed for space, working with your garden’s corners is a clever choice. Tuck in a corner pond in an intimate nook, allowing the water’s reflective shadows and greenery to soften the angles in the space.
6. Frame your decking with an aquatic planter
We’ve talked about framing your pond with decking, but what about framing your deck with a pond? Not only is it a beautiful way to elevate your decked area and bring out its organic looks, but it’s also a captivating method for infusing life, colour, and tranquillity into your outdoor retreat whilst zoning the space.
Raised ponds for large spaces
Let’s start off with the more extravagant of our raised garden pond ideas; after all, they can be breathtaking to look at. So if you have oodles of patio space that you don’t know what to do with or a long, narrow garden décor scheme desperately crying out for a gap to be filled, these suggestions are for you.
7. Use pond sleepers to create a railway-inspired oasis
We can’t emphasise it enough: railway sleepers are wonderfully versatile. These weathered wooden sleepers, reminiscent of old railroad ties, can be strategically placed to form a unique border around your garden pond. The rugged, timeworn appearance of the sleepers adds character and history to the scheme, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the bygone era of steam engines.
8. Cut down costs with a pebbled pond
Opting for a pebbled pond is a fantastic strategy for cutting down costs while still achieving a subtly beguiling water feature in your garden. All you have to do is build a stone wall with large pebbles and then line it. While pebbles are a cost-effective alternative to traditional pond liners, they also offer several benefits beyond their affordability: they’re low maintenance and require less upkeep than other pond materials, offer natural filtration properties that offset the need for a filter and create an enviably organic aesthetic, blending seamlessly with your garden’s surroundings.
9. Raise your pond to meet your decking
Timber decking is the perfect companion for a large water feature such as a pond. Whether it’s a convenient bridge or a slight overhang, this ultra-modern landscaping technique will make for an exciting new project and add a bit of direction when it comes to the flow of your outdoor space.
If you’d rather have a clear view of your pond, you could alternatively construct a border from decking boards, transforming the free-form, informal shape of the pool into uniformity and straight lines – perfectly befitting of a contemporary or minimalist exterior.
10. Elevate your rock garden with a natural water feature
Building a raised pond into your rock garden can go one of two ways, but they look equally stunning. For a more formal look, why not explore more regular materials such as dry-stone walling? This will blend in perfectly with Edwardian period properties and crisp garden walls framed with delicate blooms such as roses and lavender.
The second option is more rustic. Sample different types of rugged stone, from Cumbrian slate to rough grey garden rockery of different sizes and create a rustic, timeless feel. Intersperse complimentary pebbles and lily pads to finish off the design with a burst of colour.
11. Upcycle old furniture for an eclectic look
You don’t get quirkier than a DIY garden furniture pond! Embracing sustainability and creativity, repurposing wooden pallets as a rustic deck or bridge over your pond adds character and functionality. Meanwhile, a repurposed bathtub can become a quirky aquatic planter or even a unique water feature within the pond itself.
These upcycled elements not only save resources but also infuse your garden with a one-of-a-kind charm, creating a conversation-worthy space of your own. In these eclectic garden ponds, the fusion of old and new seamlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present, making your outdoor space a true reflection of your personality and eco-conscious values.
12. Build a pond into existing retaining walls
It doesn’t matter if you have a sloped backyard, adding a water feature to your retaining wall design will only enhance the beautiful characteristics of your garden. This design approach transforms what might have been purely functional retaining walls into a harmonious blend of form and practicality. The water’s reflective surface against the rugged textures of the retaining walls is an easy way to add depth and character to your garden. As a bonus, the existing walls offer a sturdy foundation for your pond and a surface for plants to climb onto.
Time to reel it in
And there we have it: 10 intriguing garden pond ideas to cater to all tastes and designs. From the romantic charm of weathered stone all the way to the eclectic flair of an upcycled bathtub there are truly endless options! All that’s left is for you to get started and reel in the perfect look.
