If you are thinking of building a garden pond, you should know that the process involves a bit more than just digging a hole, covering it with plastic and filling it with water. There are other considerations such as whether it should contain fish or just plants; how big or small it should be; its shape, and so on. Be prepared to dig a decent hole and spend many hours complaining about your aching back ... but you'll be very pleased with the results and you can happily stand around, beer in hand, praising your efforts after the fact. People who have taken the time to build a garden pond, love it!
Pick a location.
Naturally, level ground would be best or else you'll spend far more time and effort doing the leveling yourself. Try not to build the pond under a tree, to prevent the roots from getting in the way. The shade of the tree will also mean a lack of sunlight, which is essential to your pond's survival. And it is important to be near an outlet, since you will need to power the pump.
Should you purchase a liner that's already made or create one yourself?
Prefabs are the more expensive option but you pay for ease of installation, durability and low maintenance. Liners are available on the market for many different prices, but you will get what you pay for.
Installation
If you are using a prefab pond, turn it upside down, and start digging around it, leaving about 6 to 8 inches of space to play with. If using liners, measure your outline keeping in mind the size of the liner you will be using. All soil at the bottom of your pond should be sifted to avoid punctures. After the hole is ready, lay the lining. Fill up to a quarter with water to keep the pond in place while you fill in the gaps.
Decorate your pond. You can now add plants, rocks, bark and stone around the 'banks' of the pond for a more natural appearance. If fish will live in the pond, it will be good to have some overhanging plants the fish can use to hide under.
Add aquatic plants Plant life can manage algae if you are not going to use a pump.
Will you use a pump and filter?
There are dozens of models on the market and your retailer will be able to help you decide which size is best for your pond. They are simple to install and use, but it is a good idea to read instructions before you use them. Place the filter in front of the pump, so that waters filters before it gets into the pump. Building a garden pond can be fun and extremely rewarding, and you won't be bored for several weekends.
Pick a location.
Naturally, level ground would be best or else you'll spend far more time and effort doing the leveling yourself. Try not to build the pond under a tree, to prevent the roots from getting in the way. The shade of the tree will also mean a lack of sunlight, which is essential to your pond's survival. And it is important to be near an outlet, since you will need to power the pump.
Should you purchase a liner that's already made or create one yourself?
Prefabs are the more expensive option but you pay for ease of installation, durability and low maintenance. Liners are available on the market for many different prices, but you will get what you pay for.
Installation
If you are using a prefab pond, turn it upside down, and start digging around it, leaving about 6 to 8 inches of space to play with. If using liners, measure your outline keeping in mind the size of the liner you will be using. All soil at the bottom of your pond should be sifted to avoid punctures. After the hole is ready, lay the lining. Fill up to a quarter with water to keep the pond in place while you fill in the gaps.
Decorate your pond. You can now add plants, rocks, bark and stone around the 'banks' of the pond for a more natural appearance. If fish will live in the pond, it will be good to have some overhanging plants the fish can use to hide under.
Add aquatic plants Plant life can manage algae if you are not going to use a pump.
Will you use a pump and filter?
There are dozens of models on the market and your retailer will be able to help you decide which size is best for your pond. They are simple to install and use, but it is a good idea to read instructions before you use them. Place the filter in front of the pump, so that waters filters before it gets into the pump. Building a garden pond can be fun and extremely rewarding, and you won't be bored for several weekends.
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Join artist Caroline Jasper to learn water painting techniques in this detailed DVD.