A wooden bridge across a stream or a portion of a large pond provides architectural interest, as well as a shortcut from one side to the other. Bridges can be simple to ornate, depending on your taste. So, when designing a bridge, take the surrounding landscape into account. Also you need to decide where the bridge will originate and end, and how it will affect the location of paths and other landscape features in the yard. You need to size the bridge so that it is in proportion with the pond or stream, but wide enough to cross safely. If your bridge is more than 12 to 18 inches above the water you will need to include handrails, both for safety and appearance. Bridges with spans longer than 8 feet will usually need vertical support posts set into the pond at midspan or every 6 to 8 feet. Always use pressure-treated or decay-resistant lumber, as well as rust resistant hardware and fastners, for all bridge parts.

Stepping-Stones

Stepping-stones are a convenient way to cross a pond or stream, but are not as visually obtrusive as a bridge. They can either lead all the way across the pond, or simply a few feet out into it for observing or feeding fish. For formal ponds, you can use square or rectangular cast-concrete stepping-stones or slabs, large quarry tiles or similar geometric masonary units. Usually these are suported by piers of mortared brick or concrete blocks. For informalponds, you might use irregularly shaped flat rocks or flagstone, placed in a random pattern. If the pond is shallow enough, you might be able to use large rocks or stone slabs set directly in the pond. Otherwise, build up a layer of mortared flat rocks, or construct piers of poured concrete, brick or block to support the stones. Stepping-stones usually look best if staggered in a zig-zag or random pattern across the pond, rather than in a straight line. Place the stones close enough together so that people can walk without hopping, and make sure the stones are large enough to provide a stble footing. The surface of the stones should be high enough above the water so that they stay dry. This will help keep algae and moss from growing on the surface of the stones, which could make the stones slippery.