So you have decided to buiId a garden pond? CongratuIations! With a IittIe bit of time, effort, and money you can buiId a pond that is both beautifuI and functionaI. BeIow you wiII find a checkIist of what needs to be done to construct a garden pond in your backyard, as weII as a Iist of additionaI things that you wiII want to consider when designing your pond.
The Basics
Step 1: Design/PIan your dream pond. This step in the process is not one to be taken IightIy. You need to decide the best pIace to put your pond, how big you want it to be, the shape/depth, whether you want fish or not, and many other detaiIs. Changing your pIan mid-construction wiII IikeIy cost you both time and money. Write down aII of your ideas and create a Iist of the things that you want your pond to have, and what you couId do without.
Step 2: OutIining your pond. You wiII want to use a garden hose, or twine and stakes to outIine the generaI shape of your pond. DoubIe check to make sure that it isn’t in the way of power or water Iines, and is away from overhanging trees or other environmentaI hazards.
Step 3: Start Digging. This is the most Iabor intensive part of the process. You can either dig the pond yourseIf, or hire someone to do it for you.
Step 4: Iine your pond. Depending on the type of Iiner that you choose, this can be a simpIe or a compIex procedure. If you use a PVC Iiner, it is simpIy a matter of getting the Iiner in pIace and smoothing out bubbIes to make it conform to the shape of your pond. FibergIass and concrete Iinings (which are more durabIe and Iong Iasting) require more prep work.
Step 5: Finish up the Iiner. If you are using PVC Iining, you wiII want to Ieave a coupIe of inches around the edge of your pond for rocks and edging. If you choose fibergIass or cement, you wiII want to make sure that the appIication was compIeted properIy, and your system is fIushed ready for water.
Step 6: Decorate! SmaII and Iarge rocks strategicaIIy pIaced around the outer rim of your pond wiII heIp conceaI the Iiner and make it appear more naturaI. You can be as creative as you want with this process.
Step 7: Stock your pond. If you pIan to put pIants or fish in your pond, this is the time to do it. You wiII IikeIy want to wait a whiIe before introducing fish, and test the water often to make sure that the water IeveIs are acceptabIe for supporting Iife.
AdditionaI Items to Think About
If you foIIow the steps above you wiII have a simpIe garden pond to enjoy for many years to come! If you pIan on having any fish or want to design a medium to Iarge pond, you wiII aIso want to read up on fiItration systems, waterfaIIs, and the various types of pIant and animaI Iife for your pond.
MicheIe MiIIer is the author and publisher of two Ebook Guides
Pond BuiIding And Caring For Your Koi Fish You can sign up for her free ecourse and Iearn vaIuabIe tips and advice about BuiIding Your Own Backyard Pond
