Enjoying nature in one’s own garden

Large pond projects with capacities of 50 000 l or more, and koi carp that each cost as much as a small car, are still to be found and will always exist. But ponds of this magnitude are off the scale for typical pet stores worldwide. The customers of these stores, be they in the USA, in France, or even Romania and Poland, are looking for a pond for the small garden. And when it comes to filling it, the traditional varieties like goldfish and orfes and even some small koi might be considered.A trend has existed in Germany for some years towards creating garden ponds, even in the smaller gardens of mostly younger home owners or young families. This trend is now evident in all industrialised countries to a greater or lesser degree. The chief desire of all those who acquire a pond is to experience nature and water in one's own garden.Europe sets the toneThe UK is renowned for its garden trends, restful green oases and sophisticated presentations. "A growing interest in watching wildlife is encouraging more people to install garden ponds" is the observation of Swell UK Ltd. in Cheshire, one of the UK's leading retailers of aquarium, pond and water gardening supplies. "An increasing number of people are building garden ponds in order to view amphibious creatures such as frogs." The same can be heard in France, Italy and the Benelux countries too.The development of the garden pond market in the Benelux states is very similar to that in Germany, which is regarded as one of the global leaders in this field. The trend here just now is towards so-called patio or balcony ponds. A few years ago, these were just a simple plastic cube that was filled with water, and sometimes with plants, and contained a couple of fish. Cladding of wood or stone was then added, and people experimented with all kinds of filters and UVC lamps. These adornments never succeeded in shedding their "home-made" image. The aquarium manufacturer EFS in Sonnefeld has taken up the idea and has modernised and revamped it. The company has produced the so-called "Outdoor-Kombi", an aquarium measuring 60 x 60 cm and 45 cm high. It comes with a cabinet underneath that holds all the equipment, including a fountain and frost guard, meaning that it can remain outside even in winter. The chief attraction is the all-round glazing with 15 mm thick laminated thermal insulation glass.Close to natureA feature that comes very close to the classic garden pond can be observed above all in sun-spoilt southern Europe…