Building a Pond

Water adds a new dimension to your garden. The sound of moving water, the beauty of water plants combined with the water life will enhance any garden, large or small.

This article is included to help you choose the right pond for your garden and give some advice on the actual construction.

Choosing a pond to suit your garden

Formal or Informal, Patio or Lawn, Fish or Wildlife? Choosing the right pond to suit you and your garden is the first step. The pond could be; the focal point of your patio, built in sympathetic materials, the centre point of your lawn or to brighten up a neglected corner. A natural pond, rich in native plants, can become a haven for dragonflies, newts, frogs and toads. Such a pond may not be ideal for keeping fish requiring a different environment which may include plants to provide shade for the fish and link the garden seamlessly to the water. Formal or informal you should consider a fountain or some other moving water feature to add this extra dimension.

Siting your Pond

The location should be planned to include some shade, particulary at midday, but avoiding the potential problems caused by roots or falling leaves. Conifers can be good as they provide shade, shelter with less risk from falling leaves. Also bearing in mind the practicalities if you need power supply for pump, lighting, etc.

Designing your pond

Ponds always look smaller when in the ground. Therefore, plan for as large a surface area as possible. A minimum depth is 18 inches although 2ft. to 2ft.6 inches is better and Koi require the extra depth. Consider your planting and provide a shelf 12 inches wide by 9 inches deep.

Constructing the Pond

A Typical Pond

1. Pond liner 2. Liner Underlay 3. Pond Pre-Filter 4. Pond Pump 5. Pump Stand 6. Pond Lights 7. Hose Pipe 8. Waterfall 9. Planting basket