How to Build Your Own Garden With a Pond

The look of a small garden pond is limited only by your creativity and resources.

A small pond is a versatile landscape element. The sounds of running water can be relaxing and tranquil, even masking unwanted noise from nearby traffic. A pond oriented near a sitting area creates a serene haven after a long day of work. A water source is also an essential element of a wildlife garden, attracting amphibians, birds and mammals. Homeowners may also create a pond for purely aesthetic reasons -- a well-designed water feature can be an incredible focal point in the backyard landscape.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Pond underlayment
• Pond skimmer or pond filter
• Rubber pond liner
• Scissors
• Stones for edging
• Aquatic plants
• Hose

1. Water lilies perform best when they receive at least six to eight hours of sun per day. water lilies image by peejay from Fotolia.com

   Select the proper location. Choose an area that is relatively flat. Your pond should be located in a spot that receives four to six hours of sun per day if you wish to include aquatic plants in the design. Avoid placing the pond in a location where it will receive a lot of runoff -- you don't want fertilizer or debris ending up in your pond.

2. Determine the size and shape of your pond. Use your garden hose to create a rough outline of the pond before you begin digging. Don't be afraid to create something a little larger than what you may have visualized; the finished pond will be slightly smaller than the hole you dig. A larger pond also offers additional stability when it comes to temperature and water quality fluctuations. This makes it easier to maintain.

3. Excavate the deepest part of the pond to at least 24 inches if you plan on having goldfish. Larger fish, such as koi, need a depth of at least 36 inches. If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 5 or below and you plan on having fish, you may want to dig even deeper so the pond doesn't freeze solid in winter. Contact your local extension office to determine the correct depth for your area.

4. Dig a shelf around the perimeter of the pond for plants. The shelf should be 1 foot below the anticipated surface of the water and 1 foot wide.

5. Position external pond skimmers or filters in the proper location, and make sure that your chosen unit is level. Because installation requirements vary with the type and brand of equipment, it is important to thoroughly read the instructions that come with your skimmer or filter.

6. Line your excavation with pond underlayment. Pond underlayment can generally be cut with a pair of sharp scissors. Remove any sharp rocks or roots before lining the hole, since they may puncture the underlayment or lining later.

7. Center the rubber pond liner over your hole and gently unfold. A few minor wrinkles and folds are OK -- they will likely subside when the pond is filled with water -- but try to minimize them if possible. You may have to adjust the liner a bit to get it to drape evenly into place.

8. Connect the pond liner to the skimmer if you are using one. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

9. Place your stones or other edging along the circumference of the pond. The stones should be placed so that they hold down the liner. You should be able to fold the liner up slightly behind the stone. Don't worry if the edge of the liner behind the stone is visible at this point. As you fold the very edge of the liner up towards the stone, backfill with soil to hold the liner close to the stone.

10. Fill your pond with water. Let everything settle down for a couple of days before adding plants or fish. This will allow any chlorine in water to evaporate, making it more hospitable for living organisms.

11. Add your aquatic plants. Although they may seem mainly decorative, aquatic plants perform an important function your pond's ecosystem. They use up the nutrients that would otherwise contribute to the growth of algae, resulting in a healthier pond. Aquatic plants are also good at making use of fish waste. Fish and amphibians will appreciate the hiding places and shade provided by the plants as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Small children should always be closely supervised around a garden pond.

References

• Oregon State Extension: Create a Garden Pond for Wildlife
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Water Features for the Garden
• The Water Garden: How to Build a Water Garden or Fish Pond