The style of your pond is a matter of personal taste, although it will be more attractive if it compliments the style of your house, garden and other existing landscape features like decks and patios for example. Ponds are generally classified as either informal (those that imitate nature) or formal (those that reflect a particular architectural style). However, this does not mean that you cannot mix the two. Japanese gardens are a perfect example of how informal and formal elemants can be combined to reflect nature, yet set a sence of refinement and order.

Whether or not a pond is considered formal or informal depends largley on its shape and the edging materials used to define and cover the pond perimeter. Formal ponds and fountains generally conform to strict goemetric shapes such as circles, ovals, squares, rectangles and so on. They are raised above the ground and contained by a low wall of concrete, brick, cut stone, or stucco. They often include a statuary fountain. They are intended to look man-made and compliment the symmetry of the surrounding garden style and features of the house, patio or deck.

Informal ponds take a cue from the ponds and streams found in nature. They usually have a curvilinear shape and often they incorporate short streams or small waterfalls. They can also wrap around existing landscape features, such as large boulders or a mass of tall plantings. Overhanging rocks and perimeter palntings are used to hide the pond edges above the waterline. These type of ponds usually look best in large yards with informal or natural looking gardens. Informal ponds must be designed carefully to blend into the surrounding landscape.

Other styles that might be considered are bog gardens. These gardens can be used to grow many popular marginal plants that only need 2 - 3" of water over their roots at all times. Bog gardens can either be alone or next to your existing pond. They are good for catching runoff and keeping the pond free from soil and debris.