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Installing A Pond
In Your Backyard
 A long time ago backyard swimming pools,
ponds, and waterfalls were possessions only the rich and famous had. Today,
you can put in a simple pond for under $200.00.
Begin by carefully choosing the spot
for your pond. If you want to include fish in your pond, avoid extreme sunlight.
Look for a level spot, if possible, so that you won't have much trouble digging
your hole.
Tools you'll need:
Shovel
Water Hose
Ax for any unexpected roots
Hard metal rake
Bucket
Sand
Liner (Plastic or Hard Shell)
Pump/Filter
Imagination
To start, you must decide if you want a hard shell liner or a vinyl liner.
A hard shell requires more precise digging to match the contours of the pond
whereas a vinyl liner gives you more flexibility in shape, size, and depth.
Hard Shell Liner
Place the pond where you want it and spray around the bottom edges, making
a pattern for you to dig from. Dig your hole a few inches deeper than the
depth of the pond. Then pour a few bags of sand in the hole to help level
the liner. Once this is done, set the pond in the hole and fill the liner
with water. Have someone stand in the liner will help settle the sand. Use
a level and get it as precisely level as possible. Backfill around the edges
with more sand and then topsoil and you're ready to plant flowers and place
rocks.
It is very important to have your liner level before filling all the way
with water. If it is extremely unleveled, and you decide to bail the water
out, the pond is going to shift and all of your backfill dirt will cave in.
(Voice of experience) In other words, if you drain the pond, you have to
start over with the digging. Be prepared.
Vinyl Liner
Take the garden hose and layout the pattern you want for your pond. Leave
the hose in place to use while you dig out the form. When you have the pond
like you want it, remove the hose. Make sure there are no protruding roots
or rocks that could tear the liner. It is a good idea to lay some sand, using
the rake to spread the sand out. Then place your liner using rocks to hold
it at ground level. Make sure if you are going to have fish that you dig
below the freeze line in your area. (Usually 9-18 inches deep).
Pumps and Fountains
Most of today's pumps come with fountainheads that are interchangeable, but
if you opt for the tray type pump and filter you can always purchase ornamental
things to help circulate the water. I have a cute little seal that lies on
its back and shoots water out of its mouth. It is important to know the gallons
of water that your pond holds so that you can buy the proper size pump/filter.
I use a pump/filter that pumps 1-1/2 times the gallons my pond holds so that
there is better aeration in the water.
Plants and Rocks - Adding the Cosmetics
You can make your pond beautiful by adding colorful plants, odd shaped rocks,
and concrete objects. I surround my pond each year with new flowers. Last year I planted Cohleas, Mexican Heathers, Dusty Miller,
Caladium's, and Cassandra. This year I chose Snapdragons, Carpet Roses,
Marigolds, Dusty Miller, and other bright flowers. I use rocks to hide the
top of my hard shell liner, and I have a topiary hibiscus this year. I also
have a tiki torch that gives off a beautiful glow on those summer nights,
and a concrete stone that says "One Who Plants a Garden, Plants Happiness."
What's Related
Adding Memorials to Your Landscape
Bird Watching Tips
Common Myths About Birds, Feeders, and Peanut Butter
About the Author
Juli is the Vice President, CEO of
Alternative Services of NC,
Inc. Juli throughly enjoys every aspect of gardening and takes great
pride in her creations.
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