Tranquil Settings to Raise a Family

Frogs require permanent still water to breed.

Most of our local frogs breed in winter and spring.  During this time, you will hear males calling from near the water to attract females.   After mating, females may lay eggs on the surface of the water, on submerged or overhanging vegetation or on nearby leaves and leaf litter.

Tadpoles need warmth to survive, as well as continual moisture.  Bigger ponds maintain heat and moisture better than smaller ponds.   Ideally, the best location for a frog pond is in an open sunny area that receives at least four hours of winter sun each day.

How can I create a frog pond?

To create a frog pond, plant plenty of aquatic plants, but keep half of the water surface clear of plants to allow for good exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.  You can plant Eel Grass and Water-milfoil in deeper water.

Add moisture-loving fringing plants to provide shade and shelter.  Dense vegetation around the edges will provide protection from predators such as foxes and cats; use grasses, sedges and rushes along with Purple Loosestrife, Australian Gypsywort or Hop Goodenia.  Don't add fish; they will eat the frogs’ eggs.

Female frogs travel long distances to mate and need cover to move around.  Ensure there are shallow sloping edges with emergent rocks, sticks or logs for frogs to climb in and out of the pond.