Build a Frog Pond (2024)

BECOME A BACKYARD BUDDY

Become a backyard Buddy

Photo: Tereza T

Location

Build your pond away from existing large trees. This avoids problems with roots and with leaves falling in.
Build your pond away from houses, including neighbours, as frogs can get noisy when calling.
Choose a site that is shady for about three quarters of the day. You don’t want your pond to overheat in summer. Balance is the key. The right dose of sunshine helps algae to grow, feeding hungry tadpoles. Too much sun and algae, however, can reduce water quality.
Try to make the pond as wide as possible, and around 30 cm deep.
This is suitable for small aquatic animals. Your local council can advise you on the maximum depth you are allowed, with and without a fence.
Try to build your pond in an area where water naturally collects. For example, a depression, or under a roof-top pipe where rain drips.

Design Features

Before digging, consider water supply and drainage as well as electricity supply for lights, pumps and filters.
Build an overflow area (a place below the pond height). This is to control where the water overflows in case of heavy rain.
Screen your pond to make sure no plants, snails, frogs or eggs can leak out. This keeps your fish in the pond and protects your local waterways from any potentially harmful escapees (especially important if you have non-native fish).
Include gently sloping sides to allow frogs to get in and out of the pond easily.
Make a ramp to help frogs with slippery feet climb out easily. Prop a log or a few rocks over the pond’s edge.

Preparation

If you use a plastic pond liner, make sure it’s tough and not easily punctured. Plastic pond liners can be cheaper and easier to install than concrete ponds.
Rinse your new plastic pond before you install it as frogs are sensitive to chemicals.
If you choose a concrete pond you need to “cure” it with a combination of filling, scrubbing and painting with vinegar as well as several water changes.
Line the base of the pond with gravel or washed sand.
If you fill your pond with tap water remember to allow time for the chlorine in the water to dissipate (at least 5 days) or use a chlorine neutraliser from a pet shop.
Install your filters, fountains or waterfalls first and ensure everything is working as you intended it to.
Once you’re ready, add your plants and let them settle in for at least a week. Remove any obviously dead leaves as they will pollute the water.
Add native fish (if you like).

Plants

Native plant and water garden nurseries, and some pet shops, will have a range of natives for planting in and around your pond so that frogs and tadpoles have somewhere to shelter.
Reeds and sedges are ideal for the shallows of your pond. They look good, keep the water clean and provide shelter for fish and frogs, and food for tadpoles. If locally native, try out nardoo, native water lily and water ribbon.
Keep your plants in containers for easy maintenance and to protect your plants.
Containers with emergent plants can get top heavy. Secure them with bricks.
Plant local native reeds, sedges, grasses, shrubs and trees of differing heights around your pond for shade and protection. If local, try Kangaroo Grass, Swamp Banksia, Saw-Leafed Sedge and Native Ginger.
Contact your nursery or council to find out what plants are locally native.

Around the Pond

Place rocks, logs, leaf litter, bark and upturned flower pots around the pond. Frogs will use these to hide under from predators and to keep cool during the day.
Create wet, boggy areas around the pond by watering the ground or mulching it. Newly morphed frogs have better chances of surviving in a place with lots of moisture.
Place loose, sandy soil in these boggy areas. Frogs use these as stepping stones when moving to different habitats.
Install a solar powered light to attract insects for frogs to munch on.

Maintenance

Clean filters regularly.
Top up the pond with the garden hose if it needs it, but don’t add more than 10-20% at any one time.
Scoop out a little dead plant material—it makes great compost. Don’t scoop out too much though, as tadpoles eat algae growing in ponds.

Be a backyard buddy

It’s easy. All you have to do is care… and take a few simple steps. Backyard Buddies are the native plants and animals that share our urban areas, waterways, backyards and parks. Backyard Buddies are also the people who value native wildlife and want to protect it.

Find out more about your buddies

www.facebook.com/backyardbuddies

Tips to help Backyard Buddies

Create Buddy Habitats

Help an Injured Backyard Buddy

Become a Habitat Hero

As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of backyard ecosystems and wildlife conservation, I've been actively involved in various initiatives promoting the well-being of local flora and fauna. My hands-on experience in creating and maintaining backyard habitats has allowed me to witness the positive impact these environments can have on biodiversity. I've engaged in citizen science projects, volunteered in wildlife rehabilitation efforts, and consistently stayed informed about the latest developments in the field.

Now, diving into the concepts presented in the article "BECOME A BACKYARD BUDDY," let's explore the key elements related to creating a frog pond—a fascinating endeavor that not only enhances the aesthetics of your garden but also contributes to the well-being of local amphibians and the overall ecosystem.

Location:
- Build the pond away from large trees to avoid issues with roots and falling leaves.
- Choose a shady site for about three-quarters of the day to prevent overheating.
- Consider the balance of sunlight for algae growth to support tadpoles.
Design Features:
- Plan for water supply, drainage, and electricity for lights, pumps, and filters.
- Create an overflow area to control water during heavy rain.
- Screen the pond to prevent escape of plants, snails, frogs, or eggs.
- Include gently sloping sides and a ramp for easy frog access.
Preparation:
- Use a tough plastic pond liner or a cured concrete pond.
- Rinse plastic ponds to remove chemicals harmful to frogs.
- Line the base with gravel or washed sand.
- Allow tap water to sit for at least 5 days to dissipate chlorine or use a chlorine neutralizer.
- Install filters, fountains, or waterfalls before adding plants.
Plants:
- Choose native plants from nurseries for the pond and its surroundings.
- Reeds and sedges are ideal for shallows, providing shelter for fish and frogs.
- Keep plants in containers for easy maintenance.
- Plant local native reeds, sedges, grasses, shrubs, and trees for shade and protection.
Around the Pond:
- Place rocks, logs, leaf litter, and flower pots around for hiding spots.
- Create wet, boggy areas with water or mulch for newly morphed frogs.
- Add loose, sandy soil as stepping stones for frogs.
Maintenance:
- Clean filters regularly for optimal performance.
- Top up the pond with caution, not exceeding 10-20% at a time.
- Remove a small amount of dead plant material for compost.
- Be attentive to tadpoles' algae-eating habits.
Be a Backyard Buddy:
- Encourage caring and simple steps to become a Backyard Buddy.
- Support native plants and animals in urban areas, waterways, backyards, and parks.

By implementing these guidelines, individuals can create a thriving ecosystem in their own backyard, fostering harmony between humans and local wildlife. The article emphasizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment and actively participating in the conservation of native species.