Forget manicured lawns – ponds are popping up in back gardens across the UK! Homeowners are ditching the gnomes and embracing their inner naturalist, transforming outdoor spaces into havens for wildlife.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports a huge surge in demand for aquatic plants, with online sales exploding by 35% in 2023. This trend is impossible to miss at the iconic Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, where gardens overflowing with pond life are stealing the show.

Forget perfectly pruned roses – Lincolnshire Pond Plants are taking centre stage. Dawn Fisher, one of the company’s owners, has witnessed this movement firsthand. “We’ve seen a real increase in demand for pond plants that attract and support wildlife like frogs, newts, dragonflies, and damselflies,” she says. “People are eager to create habitats that promote biodiversity and enhance their garden’s ecological balance.”

And you don’t need a sprawling estate to join the pond party. “Creating a pond doesn’t have to be complicated,” Fisher reassures. “You can use a small washing up bowl and bury it in a border. You only need three different plant varieties to support all manner of wildlife.”

Want to create your own wildlife haven? Here’s the winning formula:

• Emergent plants: These beauties grow up and out of the water (think mini bullrushes) and provide a landing pad for dragonflies and damselflies.
• Rafting plants: These floating gardens, like water forget-me-nots, offer a safe haven for froglets and newts.
• Oxygenating plants: These underwater heroes keep the water clean and algae-free.

Garden designer Tim Jennings, whose Four Season Sanctuary Garden is turning heads at Hampton Court, champions the accessibility of ponds. His design features a small wildlife pond, demonstrating that even compact spaces can accommodate these vibrant ecosystems.

“If every household with an outside space included a pond, the impact on wildlife would be immeasurable,” Jennings enthuses. He also highlights the cooling effect ponds offer, a welcome benefit in an increasingly warm climate.

The RHS echoes this sentiment. Tim Upson, Director of Gardens and Horticulture, emphasises the crucial role ponds play in providing drinking and bathing water for a variety of creatures, from birds to bees to hedgehogs.

Ready to make a splash? Here are some top tips:

• Shallow areas: Create gradual slopes for easy access and insect landings.
• Stones: Strategically placed stones offer basking spots for sun-loving wildlife.
• Varied depths: Different depths accommodate a wider variety of plants and creatures.

With a little planning and a sprinkle of enthusiasm, you can transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary, buzzing with life and brimming with beauty.