A pond can be a magical space in your garden. It invites visitors to relax and enjoy the soft sounds of flowing water or the enchanting dance among fish.
As with any new project in the garden, knowing what will work in the space is essential. There are many choices, making it possible for anyone to have a water feature in their garden, from those living in a townhouse with only a court-yard to those with unlimited garden space.
Which Type/Size
The water feature does not have to be a huge garden pond. Thinking of the space you wish to place your water feature, choose the one that works for you.
- Rain or Bog Garden
This feature is a low area of the yard, (naturally or created by homeowner), which is not a pond but does stay wet and is a splendid place to showcase plants that prefer wet feet. Find out more about rain gardens in Christine Eirschele's article, "Planting A Rain Garden"
- Tub Garden
This can be a simple decorative bowl, a wine barrel cut in half or any sort of container that will hold water. Thrift stores are a wonderful source for locating tub garden containers.
- Natural Pond
Natural ponds are dug and lined with a rubber pond liner or by setting preformed shells into the ground. The key to a "natural" pond is that it has no sharp turns: the edges and corners should be rounded rather than squared.
- Formal Pond
Formal ponds are typically raised or partially raised above ground level and are found in landscapes of large estates. If you have a formal landscape, no matter the size, this type of pond can be scaled down to fit your space.
What Is Needed
Once the decision is made as to the type and size pond to be built, it is time to choose supplies to keep it clean and healthy. Keeping the garden pond up can take a lot of work, but with the right tools and materials, the amount of time taken to do this is far less.
- Pump
There are many brands of pool pumps on the market. The type of pump purchased depends on the types of pond you will be building. Pondepot has a nice selection.
Recirculating pumps are best for moving water long stretches, such as, moving water from the pond back up to the waterfall.
Submersible pumps are easy in that there is no extra plumbing needed. They are set directly into the water, sometimes balanced on a block, on the floor of the pond. Flexible tubing can be hidden among plants.
- Filter
Biofilters, (biological filters), use good bacteria to clean toxins and purify the water, keeping it healthy and clear.
- Electrical
An outdoor electrical receptical will be needed. This should be a 120-volt system. To install the wiring, timer (if desired), and ground fault circuit interrupter, hiring a certified electrician is a good idea . *Using an extention cord to run your pond pump is not safe and should not be done.
- pH Testing Kit
- Leaf Skimmer
- Fish Net
- Pool Brush
- Pool Vacuum
The Extras
Adding extra elements to your pond area is easy with the vast number of choices available at chain home centers and specialty shops. Look for things that fit into your style without being overdone. Simplicity brings on a sense of calm and allows for better relaxation.
- Waterfall
- Stream
- Bridge
- Seating
- Fountain
- Lights
- Decorative Edging
- Statuary
- Glass Floaters
- Plants
- Fish
Only your imagination and personal style limits the water feature you choose for your own space.
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