Who says your pond has to become stagnant and unattractive during the cold, winter months? Breathe some new life into your icy cold pond using just a little imagination!
Some clever ideas for sprucing up your pond for the winter holidays:
· Get a large terra cotta pot and turn it upside down in the middle of your pond so that it sits just below the water’s surface. This area has just become an instant stage for your pond! Position a large pumpkin on top of the pot. Better yet – carve your pumpkin and light him up for an extra-special Halloween treat!
· Make a special Thanksgiving centerpiece for your pond by arranging a variety of pumpkins, gourds and hay bales on top of the terra cotta pot and around the perimeter of the pond.
· Purchase a small, potted evergreen tree and turn it into a truly magical Christmas display! Decorate your tree with small ornaments, balls and garland and place it in the middle of your pond, on top of the terra cotta pot. You can then plant your tree in the spring.
· Use poinsettias to spruce up your pond if you live in a warm climate. Use a large poinsettia for the center of your pond, and place smaller ones around the perimeter of the pond.
· Use spotlights to showcase your decorating abilities and give your neighbors something to smile about!
· Use lighted deer to mimic a natural-looking winter display. Position an animated deer near the water’s edge to give the illusion that the deer is drinking.
· Switch out your pond’s clear, submersible lights or spotlights with colored ones to instantly add excitement to your winter pond.
· Consider floating lights to add even more interest. You can even purchase solar-powered floating lights.
· If you haven’t done so already, add landscape lighting around your pond. You may want to utilize the services of an electrician or general contractor to install an electrical outlet for your landscape lights. You can also purchase solar-powered landscape lights, although the lack of sunlight in the winter may affect how these lights operate.
· Use rope lights as an interesting alternative to standard Christmas lights. String them around the shrubbery surrounding your pond.
· Float glass balls of varying sizes in the water and illuminate them with a spotlight or landscape lighting. The glass will reflect the light and provide a lovely focal point in your backyard.
· Add a nativity scene near the pond and place a spotlight on it.
· Float tea lights in the pond or place lanterns around the edge of the pond for a truly magical focal point.
· Add cool-weather plants, such as pansies, mums, asters and goldenrod to the landscape surrounding the pond to extend color into the late fall months. Also consider the use of plants and shrubs which provide year-round color, such as evergreens.
· Decorate the perimeter of your pond with snowflake lights, candy canes or whimsical lights.
Even though the weather may be cold, the décor and thoughtfulness of your pond can still bring warmth to people’s hearts and smiles to their faces. With a bit of creativity, you can turn your pond into a wonderful stage for holiday delight.
