Garden ponds: our design ideas and inspiration

Looking to add the finishing touches to a garden pond? There are a few different ways to approach garden pond design in terms of both style and functionality. Luckily for you, we've compiled a little list of our top ideas for finishing off a garden pond. Whether you're looking for still or running water, a mini contemporary pond or a zen-style swimming pond, you'll find all the inspiration you need to create the garden pond of your dreams!

It may come as a surprise to learn that you don't necessarily have to keep fish in your garden pond! If you do choose to add fish to the pond, you have a few options including goldfish or even koi. Alternatively, you can absolutely leave your pond fish-free and simply decorate your pond using a few plants and stones. After all, having a peaceful spot at the end of the garden to help you keep cool in the height of summer is already a great thing in itself! Feeling ambitious? You might want to go so far as to install your own natural swimming pond to wade among the lily pads...

Digging your own garden pond does require a lot of elbow grease (but it might just save you a few quid on a gym membership!). If you are undertaking the work yourself, be sure to leave a little clear space around the pond to add your own finishing touches. From stone pathways to a tiny sandy beach or even a lawn dotted with sun loungers and parasols, there are loads of options. If you're looking for something a bit more unique, why not add a picnic table? The area surrounding your pond is yours to do whatever you like with. If you go for a wood surround, you have the option to paint it. And the good news is that you don't need to be the next Van Gogh to pull off a wooden barrel effect! Alternatively, play around with different levels by building a wide decking area to lay out a few floor cushions.

When it comes to actually building the pond, you have a wide range of materials to choose from. You can order a pre-formed pond or simply line a dug-out hole with a special pond liner. The second option is a little trickier to put into practice but should still be accessible for any DIYer — even beginners! Either way, you'll have to pick a shape for your pond among the many options on offer from basic rectangles to more free-form shapes. If you're up for the challenge, go all out with a less conventional shape. After all, your maths teacher isn't here to judge you...!

The brilliant thing about garden waterfalls is that they provide decoration and relaxing sounds all at once. Whether you decide to go for tall or small waterfall, it is sure to make a big impact. So get ready to be soothed by the sound of splashing water! If you do decide to add fish to the pond, a waterfall will help to inject oxygen into the water to enhance the well-being of your pond dwellers. Alternatively, you can add a fountain to the side of the pond to create your own mini zen garden. A solar-powered fountain is a great option in this case. Some come in beautiful shapes like lotus designs while others put out impressive water jets. Can't choose between the two options? A fountain and waterfall pump will do it all!

There's no hard and fast rule here. A little pond in a big garden or a big pond in a little garden... it all depends on the look you're hoping to create. To work out what kind of size will work for you, it's best to think about the amount of time you're willing to spend on maintenance. Of course, lots of accessories are available to help you with the task from pumps and filters to various pond filter media. One thing is certain: just like your lawn, the bigger the surface, the longer it will take to care for.

A mini pond can be a brilliant addition to any garden and there are lots of different ways to go about setting one up. Mini ponds can be formed in big tubs or wooden raised planters and set up just about anywhere from balconies and decks to a series of little ponds dotted around the garden. In short, the options are endless when it comes to miniature ponds. The other advantage of a mini pond is that it can be used as a sort of practice pond before you move on to a more substantial body of water. Rumours have it that some of the most experienced pond keepers started out this way!

Small or large, round or square, above ground or in ground... it doesn't really matter. The most important thing to take away here is that a pond will make you love your garden just that little bit more. And you cannot go wrong with that!