A pond can transform any small garden into an oasis providing a calming water feature as well as attracting wildlife. However digging up a garden to install a traditional pond may not be practical. This is where raised ponds come in! Raised ponds are ponds built above ground, usually surrounded by rocks, wood or other materials. They are much easier to install than in-ground ponds, and also easier to maintain.
Raised ponds are a perfect solution for small gardens, since they don’t take up valuable space that could be used for planting. Here are 15 fabulous raised pond ideas to inspire your small garden:
1. Simple Raised Pond with Gravel
A basic raised pond is easy to create. Build a structure from wood, line it with pond liner and surround with pebbles or gravel. For small spaces an oval or kidney shape fits better than a circle. Add a few marginal plants, and your mini-pond is ready for frogs and dragonflies to move in! The gravel finish gives this pond a natural, lush look.
2. Concrete Raised Pond
For a more permanent raised pond, concrete is a great material. Build a wooden frame, lay concrete inside then remove the frame once dry. The angular shape and neutral color works with modern and contemporary garden styles. Accent with brightly colored foliage and flowers for contrast.
3. Raised Pond with Pallet Walls
If you have spare wooden pallets, recycle them into a raised pond wall. Layer the pallets and secure together into the shape you want. Use additional wood to frame the base if needed. Line with pond liner and finish by stuffing gravel into pallet gaps. The pallets give the pond an earthy, rustic vibe.
4. Elevated Bathtub Pond
Upcycle an old bathtub into a quirky raised pond! For small wildlife gardens, an old claw-foot tub is ideal. Position on blocks to elevate, then line and fill as normal. The bath shape works well for miniature water lily varieties. Let plants spill over the edges for a delightfully unkempt look.
5. Half Wine Barrel Raised Pond
Wine barrels make gorgeous raised ponds with little effort. Saw a barrel in half, then flip the curved side over to form a simple pond. Line with plastic sheeting or a cut-to-fit pond liner. Half barrels work well in patio areas or next to seating nooks. The pond’s curved front creates a focal point.
6. Raised Pond with Stone Wall
For a natural stone wall, lay rocks tightly without any cement. Use larger rocks at the base, with smaller rocks higher up. Packing small pieces into the gaps gives the wall stability. A rock wall raised pond is sturdy and blends with other stone garden features like pathways or rockeries.
7. Raised Pond with Seat Wall
Give your raised pond dual purpose by including a low seat wall on one side. Use breezeblocks, bricks or natural stone to construct the wall, keeping it level and smooth for seating. Install the liner, allowing enough to fold over the wall neatly. The seating provides a great viewing spot for the pond.
8. Small Raised Pond with Decking
On a patio or deck, a raised pond can be easily integrated. Build a deck frame to size, line and fill. For easy access, include a removable section on one side. Keep the pond shallow for safe bathing by small children and pets. The pond reflects sunlight during the day for a beautiful effect.
9. Contemporary Rectangular Raised Pond
Small geometric ponds look ultra-modern in contemporary spaces. Use weatherproof building materials like enamel-coated metal sheets to form a frame. For lining, choose a rubber or polyurethane liner that provides flexibility. Simple shapes without curves allow maximum planting space around the pond.
10. Raised Pond with Connecting Stream
Link two small raised ponds together with a connecting stream to create an extended water feature. Use a straight wooden trough lined with plastic or butyl for the stream. Conceal with pebbles and marginal plants. The sound of trickling water between the ponds amplifies the calming effect.
11. Raised Pond with Gravel Pathway
Pathways leading to garden features draw the eye and create drama. For small yards, a simple gravel path edged with stones is ideal. Allow enough space between the path and pond for a few choice specimens like ornamental grasses. The path can form curves or angles depending on space.
12. Elevated Tiered Pond
Tiered ponds add interest through changes in elevation. Each tier mimics a natural lake edge, allowing for different depth micro-habitats. Link tiers with gentle waterfalls if desired. Use graduated layering with the biggest volume on the bottom tier for stability. This works well on slopes or against high boundaries.
13. Raised Pond with Corner Seat
Make neat use of an awkward corner by installing an L-shaped raised pond with bench seating. Construct from brick, cinderblock or precast concrete sections for easy assembly. Include water plants in the pond corner. The bench provides an intimate spot for relaxing near the water.
14. Raised Pond with Wooden Bridge
A mini wooden bridge over a raised pond makes an adorable feature full of rustic charm. Use roughly hewn plank wood for the bridge. Raise the pond at least 20 inches so the bridge is functional. Accent with pretty flowering plants that lean over and reflect in the water below the bridge.
15. Raised Pond Built Into Wall
Think vertically by installing a narrow raised pond within an existing or purpose-built garden wall. Line with pond liner allowing enough to fold over the top. The inset pond is securely contained while also connecting with the overall garden. Try this on a short section for a courtyard water wall.
With some creativity, a raised pond can be incorporated into any small garden style. Match your pond design to the existing landscaping for a cohesive look. Raised ponds allow you to maximize planting in tiny areas. The addition of moving water brings spaces to life, as well as attracting beneficial wildlife to your garden.
When designing your raised pond, tailor dimensions and depth to the type of plants and animals desired. Most small ponds are safest at 18 to 24 inches deep. Top up water when required and regularly clean excess debris from the bottom. Test pH and use pond treatments or plants to maintain ideal water quality.
Installing a raised pond is a fun weekend DIY project for novice to experienced gardeners. With these inspiring ideas, your modest garden will soon be enhanced by the addition of a fabulous raised pond feature! Let us know which is your favorite raised pond design for small gardens.
The best garden pond ideas – from private, famous and show gardens
FAQ
How to build a cheap raised pond?
How deep should a raised pond be?
What to put in a raised garden pond?
What is the best shape for a small pond?
What is a raised garden pond?
Raised ponds, sometimes called above-ground ponds, are versatile in that they can typically be placed in locations where an in-ground pond may be difficult or impossible to put due to local regulations, etc. Use these small raised garden pond ideas for inspiration to create the perfect pond for your unique space. Related:
How many raised garden pond ideas are there?
Let’s look at 12 raised garden pond ideas to help you design the perfect above-ground water feature for your backyard! Use the arrows or drag the images left or right to view the slideshow. From small to medium-sized raised pond ideas to raised koi pond ideas, you’ll find the inspiration you need for your next pond project!
What are some DIY raised pond ideas?
This small DIY raised pond idea has a triangular shape which makes it a fantastic corner garden idea. They’ve used a preformed pond, so no lining is required around it making it easier to install. Pebbles are used to fill in around the pond and some matching larger pavers or concrete blocks are stacked to create the walls.
Are raised garden ponds a good idea?
Raised ponds are a great way to add a water feature to your backyard space without having to dig a hole. Their simple and (sometimes) easy-to-install design has made them a popular choice with homeowners. Let’s look at 12 raised garden pond ideas to help you design the perfect above-ground water feature for your backyard!