There are a lot of various things to consider when you think about adding a garden pond to your backyard in order to flesh out your landscaping designs. From the addition of fish to reviewing varieties of plants, there are numerous creative elements to choose from in order to put the finest personal touch on your new garden pond. If you haven't properly planned out how to execute the install and maintenance of your backyard pond, you could wind up shooting yourself in the foot before you're done. Careful planning is required on any project, no matter how small.

All of the decisions that are necessary to install a fruitful garden pond can be a little overwhelming to someone who has little experience in such a project. Whether you turn to friends for assistance, the library, or a professional contractor you'll need to make sure you're well equipped both mentally and physically for the task and that you have everything planned out ahead of time for your garden pond. There are some things you just can't go back and add later. Here are a few things to consider when you begin planning your pond.

• I want underwater lighting?
Lighting not only ads ambiance within the water, but it can be extremely calming and create a tranquil mood when viewing your garden pond at night. If installed properly, the lights can be hidden within the rocks to create a strange "natural" glow in the water of your garden pond.

• What kind of plants do I want in my pond?
Aquatic plants play a large part in the ecosystem of your garden pond. Not only are they a biological filter to help keep your water clean but they naturally aerate the water by supplying fresh oxygen to lower levels within the water. Aquatic plants are a natural way to keep your garden pond looking fresh at all times.

• If I add plants, how many should I add?
It's easy to go overboard when it comes to decorative plants around a garden pond. The best way to keep your design simple and avoid choking off the pond's surface entirely is to keep the number of plants at about 30% surface coverage, but not exceeding 50%. Keep a variety of plants by mixing marginal's, oxygenators and other small species like lilies.

• Do I want to add Koi fish to my pond?
It's never mandatory to stock fish, but anyone with a garden pond will tell you that it's quite the fancy and a joy to watch. Not only do they add to the color in the rippling waters of backyard ponds, but also they help maintain a balanced ecosystem.

This should give you some general insight and a few things to think about as you move toward installing a wondrous new garden pond to call your own. If you have any issues with preparing for your install, you can always contact a local contractor near you.