How to create a mini pond for wildlife
Create a pond haven to entice wildlife visitors into the garden.
While not as valuable as a large wildlife pond, a mini pond in a container can attract a variety of aquatic life, as well as provide a place for birds, insects and mammals to drink.
We used a black crate that will blend in well with the surrounding areas, once filled with water. You can further disguise the crate by growing marginal plants in the pond, and small border plants at the pond edge. Adding flat rockery stones around the edge can also provide insects with opportunities to bask in the sun.
Keep your mini pond topped up regularly in summer and you'll soon have the wildlife flocking in.
Follow these easy steps to create your own mini pond for wildlife.
You Will Need
- Garden spade
- 32l deep black plastic storage crate (approx W30cm x L50cm x D30cm)
- Spirit level
- Trug bucket
- Old bricks (6-8)
- Marginal pond plants (3)
- Flat rockery stones (5-6)
Step 1
Dig a hole to accommodate the crate. Aim to leave the top of the crate level with the surrounding soil. Use your boot heels to firm the base of the hole.
Step 2
Check the level of the top of the crate across the width and length using a spirit level. Add a little soil under the corners of the crate and firm it in.
Step 3
Carefully return some soil around the sides of the crate. Fill evenly and in shallow layers, tamping firm with the inverted handle of the spade.
Step 4
Place the bricks in the base of the crate for the marginal plants to stand on. Fill with water and add the plants, grouping them in corners.
The marginal plants we used
- Cyperus papyrus
- Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'
- Mimulus guttatus