The Frog Pond
Although a garden pond is likely to be highly attractive to many native species of frogs, for those for whom the frog is a passion - and there are fortunately many frog-lovers around - a specially created frog pond is desirable. This has several differences to the conventional garden pond, and consequently makes life easier and safer for the frog population. Most important of all is the absence or near absence of fish. Goldfish feed happily on frog tadpoles, and while it is desirable to have some fish present in the pond to assist in controlling mosquito larvae, it is the small species of fish that should be introduced, and then only in modest numbers.
|
 Goldfish are undesirable in a frog pond as they eat tadpoles.
|
 The ideal frog pond structure is dish-shaped. Provision should also be made for a shallow, spreading, planted margin.
|
A frog pond can be created out of any large container which holds water and from which simple access and exit can be arranged. It need not be an elaborate affair, although for the best results and to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome a shallow lined pond is to be desired. This need be no deeper than 30cm in the centre and with shallow spreading margins in which plants can be grown to offer shade and protection. It should ideally be dish-shaped so that planting can spread freely from the edge of the water into the pond, thereby providing a perfect habitat for the emerging froglets.
|
Planting must be carefully contrived, for it is undesirable to use invasive marginal aquatics, but those like Mentha aquatica and Veronica beccabunga which scramble around, planted amongst some of the upright Juncus and Schoenoplectus are ideal. Feathery submerged plants like the Milfoils or Myriophyllum are perfect and for floating foliage the Water Hawthorn, Aponogeton distachyus, or some of the floating-leafed Potamogeton would be ideal. These should all be planted directly into a layer of soil on the pond floor, which is then covered with a generous layer of fine gravel.
|
 Water Mint, Mentha aquatica, is a suitable scrambling aquatic for the frog pond.
|
 An area generously planted with bog garden plants is much appreciated by most frog species.
|
If it is possible the frog pond should extend into a surrounding bog area. This should be permanently wet and not waterlogged. There are many plants that can be accommodated here, from the tall-growing Aruncus to Hosta and Hemerocallis, the choice is almost limitless. Indeed, the boggy area can be created as an attractive adjunct to the rest of the garden. It can be constructed separately from the pond, but when a pond is being constructed with a pond liner, it is simpler to create the bog garden at the same time. Spread excess liner over and into an area divided from, but connected to the pond.
|
| While in a normal decorative bog garden there is a high degree of manicuring, in that attached to a frog pond it is usual to provide a few rocks, old logs and other hiding places for frogs. Decaying timber also yields insects upon which the frogs can feed. Where possible a single light should be used to illuminate the pond by night. This attracts insects and can provide a ready source of food for the frogs. |
 Natural rocks and old logs can be offered to give frogs shelter, although there are modern equivalents available too.
|
|
America 
Australia 
Canada 
Europe 
International 
New Zealand 
South Africa 
United Kingdom 
