Plant Talk
Details to keep in mind when selecting pond site

	JULIE NOTARIANNI / THE SEATTLE TIMES
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Q: We are planning to dig a pond in our yard next spring and want to put it along the back patio. Do you think that's a problem?

A: A pond is best placed where you'll see and enjoy it most often, so it's a good idea to have it close to where you sit outdoors. Be sure to site the pond on level ground; even the slightest slope means the liner will show on the uphill side. Ponds look most natural placed where the ground is lowest (where we expect to see water collect); however, you don't want to site a pond in a boggy area, or ground water can put pressure on the liner.

Other considerations include siting the pond away from overhanging trees, because falling leaves or needles clog the pond, and tree roots can cause problems.

Be sure to check for underground utilities before you dig. If you want to grow waterlilies, the pond will need to be in full sun. If the area next to your patio fits all these criteria, it sounds like an ideal spot to build a pond.

There are several great resources in our area for water gardeners. Moorehaven Water Gardens (425-743-6888) offers knowledgeable advice, pond displays and a good assortment of liners and pumps, plus an informative Web site at www.moorehaven.com. My husband and I took one of their classes before we installed a pond, and proprietress Chris Moore was generous in answering our follow-up questions. Russell Watergardens in Redmond (425-898-7090; www.russellwatergardens.com) is also a wonderful resource with plenty of ponds and fish on display.

Q: I want to plant a fragrant daphne by my front door. Isn't there a kind that blooms in winter?

A: There are several daphnes that flower during the darkest, chilliest days of the year. Because the winter daphne (Daphne odora) has a mounded shape, evergreen foliage and supremely sweet-smelling, mid-winter flowers, it would be a good choice to go by the front door. D. odora 'Marginata' has yellow-trimmed leaves and pink flowers; 'Leucanthe' has paler pink blossoms with white throats.

If a taller, narrower shrub would better fit your space, Daphne mezereum grows to about 4 feet, with bare branches coated in February with richly fragrant purple flowers; D. mezereum 'Alba' blooms snow white.

Valerie Easton also writes about Plant Life in Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine. Write to her at P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111 or e-mail planttalk@seattletimes.com with your questions. Sorry, no personal replies.

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