iN PHOTOS: Picturesque ponds in Kamloops, Okanagan gardens

Some Thompson-Okanagan residents create stunning outdoor oases to enjoy in the warmer months, and the addition of a pond adds a peaceful ambiance.

When Kamloops gardener Erin Atherton moved into her current home a long time ago, her yard was bare. In recent years, with advice from her mom and some trial and error, she built a pond that transformed the space into a tranquil haven.

“It’s a lot of fun and has really grown,” she said. “I’ve planted sunflowers all around it, and there is a water lily in there that’s ready to bloom. There’s a peaceful sound from the fountain that takes away from all the noise.”

Rescue ducks paddle in a pond on a property in Kamloops. SUBMITTED/ Erin Atherton

Atherton has two rescue ducks that enjoy paddling on the pond. She has water lilies and pond carp that live and grow in it all year round.

“In the winter I run a heater and air bubbler so the water doesn’t freeze,” she said. “The plants will survive if they’re put down deep and the fish overwinter at the bottom.”

She said building and maintaining a backyard pond takes work but it’s worth it. This year she added a second filter to help clean up after her ducks, and created a natural filtration system running water from the pond through plants. 

“A pond can be a lot of work but it’s very rewarding, it creates a little oasis and there is always something new to learn or add in,” she said.

Plants and fish thrive in a Kamloops garden pond. SUBMITTED/ Rob Wright

Atherton installed lights around her backyard oasis, including one inside the pond, to create a peaceful ambiance at night.

If you’ve created a stunning backyard oasis, you can send photos to infonews.ca.

This stunning pond and yard is located in Kelowna. SUBMITTED/ Ruth Oakenfold

This stunning yard is found at a residence in Penticton. SUBMITTED/ Cathy Talman

Pond carp swim in a backyard pond in Kamloops. SUBMITTED/ Erin Atherton