Frogs Jump Start a Backyard Ecosystem

When Serendipity Gardens was two years old, my husband built a pond. Shortly after, the frogs arrived, and they’ve been part of our backyard ecosystem ever since. We did nothing to make them come other than have water, and we do nothing to keep them except use a bubbler in the pond in winter to keep it from freezing over.

The frog population varies from year to year, because of predators. An occasional heron stops by for a snack, or a garden snake slithers up and catches one unaware. Despite these challenges, though, the frogs continue to add their immense charm to the garden. They help manage the insect population, too.

Each day, as long as it’s warm enough, they sit patiently, eyes poking out of the water, watching for that tasty fly, mosquito or bug. Occasionally, they puff up their chests and then make a noise that sounds like a hoarse dog barking. At times, they leave the pond and go into the garden itself to hunt. I’ve met a frog more than once hopping from the garden back to the pond, appetite apparently satisfied for the moment.

It’s a real pleasure in the spring to see the first frog emerge from winter hibernation and come out to enjoy the sun! (To learn more about how frogs survive the winter, read this article in the Scientific American.)

A backyard ecosystem offers many benefits, to humans and animals alike. For one thing, it is fascinating to watch, even though sometimes you see things you’d rather not see. It provides habitat for a group of creatures that need it. Eventually, you come to realize that the system is sustainable and balanced precisely because predator and prey operate within it every day.

If you are interested in building a backyard ecosystem of your own, one thing you can do is add some water to your garden and welcome the frogs. You’ll likely have fewer problems with bugs as well as lots of fun!