Water gardens designed for wildlife are sure to bring you many hours of viewing pleasure. Birds will take a sip of water from even a simple tub, and they'll bathe in a splashing fountain. Butterflies love shallow pools. Insects and other animals-dragonflies, frogs, salamanders-will be drawn to your water garden and to the plants that accompany it.

Of course, water gardens designed for wildlife may also attract wildlife you would rather not deal with. Raccoons, mosquitoes, cats that love fish, and even the occasional rambunctious, water-loving dog may also become visitors to your water garden. But all in all, water gardens extend the ecosystem delightfully into your own backyard.

Water gardens designed for wildlife in a country setting may attract abundant wildlife because animals are more plentiful in locations near their natural habitat. Yet even a big-city water garden draws birds, butterflies, and other animals.

Style, Size and Location Can Make a Difference

A large garden may attract a more diverse selection of wild things, but a small garden will surprise you with the number of animals it lures.

Wildlife won't know whether your water garden is formal or informal, of course. But the more that it resembles a country pond, the greater the number and variety of creatures it will attract because of the greater variety of habitats it offers.

The Depth of Your Water Garden

If you're planning a water garden that will support fish and plants as well as other wildlife activity, you'll need to consider constructing it to contain a variety of depths. Fish need at least 18 inches of water to survive. To over-winter them in areas where the pool freezes, they will need a place on the bottom deeper than that. Plants over-wintering in the garden pond will need deep areas, too.

In a climate with winter temperatures of minus 10° to minus 20° F, the pond will need to be 24 inches deep. In regions where average minimum temperatures of minus 30° to minus 40° F, the pool should have areas that are 30 to 36 inches deep. Check with your local extension service or water garden supplier to be sure the water garden you're planning will have depths suitable to your garden and your region.

Many amphibians, small animals, and birds like gradual approaches to water. An inclined beach of small stones provides a natural entry into the pool for them.

Although the location, style, and size of your water fountain all contribute somewhat to your success with wildlife. Having a diversity of depths, rocks, and plants will be key to attracting wildlife to your water gardens.

Plants for Your Water Garden

Native plants, which offer food and shelter natural to the birds and animals of your region, draw wildlife to your garden pond. Trees and shrubs are especially good because they provide homes for nesting wildlife as well as food and cover.

Perennials and annuals are attractions, too. Their patches of color draw birds and butterflies to feed on seeds and flower nectar. Grasses and hedges, especially evergreen or semi-evergreen species, provide cover at the water's edge for the better part of the year. Marginal plants (those that grow in the shallows of the water garden) also offer cover and food. Plants with floating leaves shade the water and serve as insect landing pads. Those with smaller leaves, like duckweed, are food for ducks and fish. Submerged plants release small amounts of oxygen into the water, which support insect larvae. * Swamp milkweed or butterfly plant (Asclepias incarnata) grows about 3 feet high, and its yellow-to-orange, red, yellow, or white flowers attract butterflies for the nectar. This plant requires full-sun.

* Water mint (Mentha aquatica) grows about 1 foot high and bears small, light lavender flowers in mid- to late summer with nectar that is attractive to bees. It spreads rapidly and can be invasive. It should be planted no deeper than 3 inches.

* Water lily (Nymphaea spp.) spreads from 1 to 50 square feet, depending on the variety. Its flowers come in many colors and grow from 1 to 10 inches across. It prefers full sun and still water and makes a good place for frogs and other small animals to rest. Hardiness depends on the variety.

About the Author

Elizabeth Jean writes water fountain and related topics for Garden-Fountains.com, the Internet's premier destination for wall fountains, indoor fountains and distinctive water features for your home and garden.