A relaxing water feature in a backyard brings a certain amount of reflection and calm to life. A pleasant splashing sound among ferns and other water plants goes nicely with a few colorful fish.
Required Materials
- lining material
- pump
- electrical cord
- stones
- plantings
- stakes
- water stabilizer
- chalk
Required Tools
- backhoe/shovel
- shovel
- tape measure
- string
- hammer
- hose
- water source
Instructions
- Layout – Take a look at the space you have for a pond. Are there trees, rocks or soil conditions to think about? Can these items be removed or worked into the space? Is this going to be a small pond with a water feature emerging from a slope, or is it a large pond filled by an incoming stream? When you have considered these factors, chalk an outline.
- Excavate – If a smaller water feature is being constructed, a depth of 3-5’ is ideal. Even with a backhoe, measuring is not that difficult. If a hard tub liner is needed, slide this in to place, making sure there is little chance of leakage over the sides of the pond into the space beneath the pool liner. If a flexible liner is being used, make sure that there is enough overlap on to un-dug ground until the rest of the work is done. These liners may require a water plant or two to keep them submerged until the air is worked out. Stones work well.
- Pump – Some tubs have a pump outlet hole for the associated tubes and cords; generally, you will need to find an inconspicuous space among the water plants to hide them. Lay out and dig your stream, but remember that the steeper the stream, the more dramatic the overall effect. Lay some weed fabric into the streambed along with some washed stone to keep it in place. Lay the pump hose along the bed to the start of the stream and then add larger stones around the hose.
- Planting – Remember to be consistent with your choice of plants around your pond. If you are in a dry climate, you will probably not use ferns. Conversely, if you happen to live in a wet forest region, you will not be planting cacti.
Further Reading on How to Build a Pond
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