Story County Extension Master Gardeners hosted the second annual Central Iowa Tour of Water Gardens in Ames and surrounding towns this past weekend.

The tour, held Saturday, served as a fund-raiser for their educational programs.

The 12-home tour was open to the public and reached southeast of Ames to Roland and Story City. It was self-guided, allowing observers to go at their own pace and time, and maps were provided with the ticket purchase.

Water ponds at each home ranged in size from two feet to 40 feet. Most of the ponds were accented by perennial, annual and herb gardens.

This growing trend of water gardens is derived from professional gardeners featured in magazines and is sweeping throughout the nation. These ponds can be self-designed and built or hired to be done by a professional.

Beginning a water pond can be done at a reasonable price. Supplies can be purchased locally at places such as Menards, Earl May, Save-U-More and Skycrest Gardens.

Many of the residents with ponds featured on the tour said they noted an increased number of birds and wildlife around their homes after building the ponds. These self-supporting ecosystems have become homes to a variety of plants and animals.

There are many winter-hearty, Iowa native and aquatic plants available as well as tropical plants and animals to put in the ponds. The aquatic plants can be purchased locally as well as through special magazines. The ponds can be stocked with fish that can live through the winter.

The tour was called a “great success” for the Story County Extension Master Gardeners and their hosts.