Don’t sit a pond in a low area of your lawn,

Even though it would seem like the most natural location. You don’t want water draining into your pond and creating maintenance problems. Also, be sure to grade the area around the pond so water will flow away. This is especially important if you have fish, since lawn fertilizers and garden chemicals are toxic to fish.

Don’t plunk ponds in the middle of your lawn.

Though that may be the simplest and most obvious place to put a pond, it is something of a cliché. Ponds should be sited where they can be enjoyed, either in a quiet spot where you like to retreat or somewhere close to the house.

Do incorporate ponds into existing features.

Highlight a seating wall or garden steps by building a raised pond next to it. Build a pond into a terrace or paved areas. Beautifully edged with plants, a terrace pond will add character to your entertaining area.

Don’t despair if you live in a small space.

Small properties are just as amenable to water features as larger ones, and small installations can be quite economical. A pond can expand the look and feel of your yard. In a confined space, this is one of the best ways to introduce variety into the landscape. If you live in an apartment, a preformed liner will let you have a small rooftop or balcony pond. (Again, check building codes and consult engineers to see if weight is an issue.)

Don’t let water stagnate.

Still water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you don’t have a waterfall, add a bubbler or spray jets to create motion and movement in the water.

Don’t let water stagnate.

Still water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you don’t have a waterfall, add a bubbler or spray jets to create motion and movement in the water.