A Pond Hits the Deck

There’s nothing quite so soothing as the sound of trickling water, especially on a balmy summer evening as you sip a glass of wine and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

That’s just what Sandy Ewing had in mind when he decided build a pond—not in his garden, but right into the deck where he and his wife spend most of their evenings in the summer. The Ewings had the deck built when they moved into the house in Swarthmore. It sits on top of a blacktop driveway and was designed with a cutout for plants, so it was not that much of a leap to think of filling it with water instead of soil.

“It’s so nice to have the sound of water as we sit outdoors,” says Sandy, “and we wanted it as close to the house as possible. Plus, it’s right next to the hose and there’s an electric outlet nearby for the pump, so it’s really easy to maintain.”

Plants are a big part of the picture, too. The pond is surrounded by Hakonechloa, a low growing ornamental grass, and Sanguinaria (Scotch moss), while hardy miniature waterlilies grace the water’s surface. And no pond would be complete without fish. (Although the first batch of koi “bit the dust” during the harsh winter just past, Sandy has high hopes for their successors.) Finally, groups of potted plants, mostly tropicals, help create a lush, relaxing environment—perfect for a summer hangout.

“I’m a real convert,” says Sandy. “Ponds do not take that much effort, especially considering the amount of pleasure they give you in return.” —Jane Carroll