Garden Pond Design For The Homeowner
22 Sep 2008
The very act of making something on your own can fuel your creative desire. Garden pond design may seem like an impossible task to many when, in fact, it is quite possible to create and build a stunning garden pond if you follow some simple guidelines.
A water feature can be a simple above ground pond or a more sophisticated semi-in-ground pond stocked with fish and plants. The addition of fish and other wildlife can add to the vibrancy and attractiveness of your garden.
Before You Start On Your Garden Pond Design
Before you start, you need to decide if you want an above ground pond or dig a hole for a deeper garden pond. In most cases, people who wish to have a natural looking pond dig several feet into the ground. This type of natural pond is usually informal in design and has no walls to contain the water. A formal pond will is often constructed above the ground or at least partially above the ground, and will have rigid sides. If you choose an above ground pond be prepared to make it a minimum of two feet deep it you want to add fish. If you want a koi pond you will need a minimum depth of three feet. Shallow water tends to heat up quickly during summer and this will be detrimental to the health of your fish. It is quite possible to design a pond with, say, two feet high walls but also dig several feet below ground to have a deeper pond.
Choosing The Location For Your Pond
A shady area with some dappled sunlight is encouraged although, if you have no choice in the matter, there are ways of dealing with too much sun or too much shade.
Some people are tempted to install a pond in the lowest point in the garden where it will fill naturally with rain run-off. This is not a good location because run off from rainwater or watering the garden will contain pesticides and other contaminants which will contaminate your pond water, lead to algal blooms and kill your fish and aquatic plants.
Using A Hose For Garden Pond Design
Try designing the shape of the pond with a garden hose or similar. Leave the hose there for a while, move it around a little, think about where you might want to place a waterfall and where you’d locate plants.
A garden pond can be a very beautiful addition to your home. The sound of the water is very soothing and if you can design your garden pond close to the house you may be able to enjoy the sights and sounds from inside, too.
Living Water Solutions
See how easy it is to build a stunning water feature. Step by step instructions for the BigRock Basalt Falls Water Feature Kit. Do-it-yourself in 2-4 hours! That’s why we say “Husbands you can go from ZERO to HERO in just one Saturday afternoon”
Things to ponder when purchasing pond equipment
Custom Design and Installation — We work with you to plan and create your own unique, personal water feature. No matter whether you want a pond, stream, pondless waterfall, or tropical garden, we work with you from beginning to end to ensure you will have the garden of your dreams.”
Check out the water feature we constructed for a client, built from stones from the ground up - no cement or any other joinery product holding it all together!