If you have a garden pond, you can enhance its beauty with various elements. These include not only pond plants, beautiful perennials, and perhaps some lighting along the shore but also pathways over the water. Larger ponds or ponds with streams can be especially elevated with them. However, the bridge or walkway should match the style of your pond and blend harmoniously with the overall landscape. A bridge or walkway not only enhances the visual appeal of your pond but also makes it easier to clean using a pond vacuum.
Bridges – Perfect for Smaller Ponds
Bridges are perfect for smaller ponds and stream beds. It’s challenging to construct them over larger ponds due to the need for structural support. Large ponds may require bridge piers. Often, an extended bridge over a substantial pond may not suit the ambiance and might seem out of place. A curved bridge, especially when elevated high over a larger pond, can quickly appear uninteresting. However, in the case of smaller ponds, a curved bridge with a beautiful railing can be a true ornament. The material and color of the bridge also matter.
Suitable Materials for Bridges
You can construct bridges over garden ponds and walkways using various materials. The choice of material depends on the style and size of your pond, and the materials differ in terms of maintenance requirements.
Wood as a Classic Choice
Wood is a popular material for bridges over garden ponds and walkways. It should be weather-resistant and require painting or sealing. Periodic maintenance, such as painting with eco-friendly paint, is essential. When painting, ensure the paint is harmless to fish and other aquatic life as some might drip into the water. Load-bearing wooden posts should be made of thermally modified wood with a special sealant. This sealant does not harm the pond ecosystem despite water contact. Suitable local woods for bridges include:
- Robinia
- Oak
- Larch
You can design a wooden bridge in a rustic style, an Asian theme, or with playful elements. A red-painted Asian-style bridge complements Koi ponds or Japanese-style gardens, for example. On the other hand, a rustic wooden bridge could be built with a small staircase on each side, making it suitable for a natural pond with a filter zone. Such a bridge helps to separate the filter zone from the rest of the pond area.
Steel – Consider Static Requirements
A bridge constructed with a steel frame can be modern, sleek, or have playful elements. A playful design suits ponds with abundant plant life and a romantic shoreline. For smaller ponds, pre-made arched steel bridges that can be set into a concrete foundation are available. However, building a larger steel bridge is a complex task and should be left to professionals. Simple steel bridges with a sleek appearance are suitable for modern, minimalistic garden ponds. Stainless steel does not rust and does not require painting.
Stone Slabs with a Simple Look
A flat bridge made from stone slabs is ideal for short distances such as stream beds and does not require railings. One drawback of stone bridges is the development of an algae and moss layer over time. This layer can be removed with an algae cleaner, provided that nothing drips into the water to avoid harming the fish.
Walkways as an Alternative to Bridges
Wooden walkways can be constructed in various styles using the same types of wood as bridges. Like bridges, walkways require periodic eco-friendly sealant treatments to prevent weathering. Walkways are suitable for larger ponds too. They don’t traverse the entire pond but lead into the water only for a certain distance. Narrow walkways and Y-shaped walkways leading to a pavilion or seating area are possible, and for larger ponds, a wider walkway at the end can be designed for placing a railing and creating a seating area.
Walkways Along the Pond’s Edge
Walkways can also be placed along the pond’s edge and combined with walkways extending further into the water. In such a walkway, you can integrate pond equipment like filters or skimmers that remain hidden from view and do not disrupt the pond’s visual appeal. To access the pond equipment, you can cut out a section of the walkway, which serves as a lid for maintenance purposes.
Walkways for a Swim Pond
For swim ponds, walkways are almost indispensable. The length of the walkway depends on the pond’s size. Walkways for swim ponds can be combined with ladders for easy access to the water. In larger swim ponds, a wider walkway can serve as a seating area with sun loungers. Some people use the walkway as a diving platform.
Zigzag Walkway for Asian-Style Ponds
For large Asian-style ponds, like Koi ponds, you can incorporate a wooden zigzag walkway, which may have interruptions at one or two points. Such a walkway is traditional, especially when painted red, as red is considered a lucky color in Asia.
Choosing the Right Foundation for Walkways and Bridges
To ensure the longevity of a walkway or bridge, the foundation plays a crucial role. On the shore side, a small concrete foundation can be built for a walkway or bridge. Load-bearing wooden supports from thermally modified wood are used for bridges. When the water is shallow, stones can be used to support the walkway. Achieving proper height adjustment with a small concrete foundation may be necessary. Multiple layers of pond liner should be placed where stones or concrete are applied to protect the pond liner.
Stepping Stones for Shallow Water Zones
Stepping stones in the shallow water zones of larger ponds can enhance the visual appeal. These stones must be non-slip and have a rough surface for safety. Granite blocks work well for this purpose. Limestone is not suitable as it becomes brittle and releases calcium into the water, which promotes algae growth. Stepping stones can be combined with a walkway. Sometimes, stepping stones require a small concrete foundation. Here too, multiple layers of pond liner should be used to protect the pond liner.
Simplified Pond Cleaning with Stepping Stones or Wooden Walkways
Stepping stones or a walkway not only offer a pleasing appearance but are also practical, making pond cleaning with a pond vacuum more manageable. They allow convenient access to deeper areas of the pond, which is essential for maintaining pond plants.
In Conclusion:
Bridges, walkways, and stepping stones can enhance the visual appeal of your garden pond. The choice of these elements should align with the style of your pond. Bridges are suitable for smaller ponds and stream beds. They can be constructed from steel, wood, or stone slabs. Walkways can be designed in various ways and are ideal for both smaller and larger ponds. Stepping stones are perfect for shallow water areas. They not only add beauty but also make pond cleaning more accessible with a pond vacuum.