Guest Author - Sheri Ann Richerson

Spring is a great time to add a new water feature to your yard. Water features do not need to be an expensive investment. The hours of enjoyment they can bring is priceless regardless of rather you send several thousand dollars putting one in or under fifty dollars. Small pre-formed pond liners can be bought for as little as fifteen dollars in US currency. Adding a fountain will cost a little more. The sound of running water is not only soothing but a great way to attract wild animals.

Watching the various wild animals from birds, squirrels or even fox drink at the edge of a pond is amazing. Add a small dish of wild animal food and you have the perfect setting to see a wide array of interesting critters. Don’t forget plants. Even wild animals need a place to hide should a predator come along. Of course neighborhood dogs and cats may find your pond and use it as a watering hole. There are several ways to make your pond unattractive to them if you do not want them there. Cats are a bit tougher since they can get into small areas but if you have fish it is important that you keep the fish safe. Adding chicken wire to the top of the pond or placing it just below the water level will give the fish a place to hide from predators such as cats. Cats cannot get through well attached chicken wire. Dogs are much easier to keep away. A small fence will work wonders. The plants you choose for landscaping around your pond can also work as a deterrent. Bushes with thorns are great for helping to keep larger animals away. They also are another great way to add protection for birds and other small animals since cats will generally avoid them as well.

Adding a water feature to your garden could just be the start of a new direction for you. Once you begin watching the wildlife that a water feature attracts you may decide to begin creating a wildlife friendly garden. Today gardens that attract and protect wildlife are more necessary than ever before. A water feature is also a great way to attract frogs and other amphibians to your garden. Finally, a water feature can offer hours of learning and enjoyment for the entire family. There is no better time than now to invest in your first water feature or add yet another one to your garden.