How to Build a Raised Garden Pond

A raised garden pond can hold an attractive fountain.

Garden ponds are becoming increasing popular backyard features. To avoid the back-breaking labor of digging a giant hole in the ground for a traditional pond or water garden, consider a raised garden pond instead. You can build a raised garden pond, with or without a fountain, to cultivate aquatic plants, raise goldfish, and add to the overall attractiveness of your backyard landscape. This guide will teach you how to build a raised garden pond with supplies found at most home and garden centers and a little time out of your weekend.

Things You'll Need

• Pond pump and tubes Flexible pond liner Brick, stone or heavy lumber Metal brackets Hand tools Aquatic plants Garden hose

Instructions

1. Choose a location for the raised garden pond that has firm, level ground or some type of masonry base. A cement patio is ideal for building above-ground water gardens on, but you can also build one on dirt. Smooth out the area completely if necessary and use a level to make sure it is as flat and even as possible.

2. Build the outside wall of the raised water garden with brick, stone or heavy wood timbers. Brick and stone will have to be set by someone with masonry skills. Cap it with decorative brick or wide pieces of stone wide enough to hold flower pots or serve as seating. Timber enclosures can be held together with metal brackets on the insides of the corners.

3. Dump a layer of sand in the center of the pond frame and spread it out evenly. Lay a thick, flexible pond liner inside the frame and secure under a decorative cap as described in Step 2, then trim the excess liner.

4. Position pumps and filters in the raised garden pond or, for non-submersible varieties, behind the pond. Fountains, if desired, should be placed in the center of the raised water garden. Various fountain attachments, such as bubblers, umbrellas and jets can be used depending on the style the homeowner desires. Be sure the fountain water will remain within the confines of the pond. Fill the pond with water from a hose and turn on all pumps and fountains.

5. Purchase pond plants for your raised water garden from a reputable dealer. Since most raised garden ponds are not as deep as their in-ground counterparts, marginal plants such as flag iris are ideal. Some smaller hybrids of water lilies will also thrive. In temperate climates, or if you are capable of moving them indoors in the winter months, fish such as comet goldfish or koi can also be kept in raised garden ponds. Do not introduce fish until the pond has been running for several days.

References

• Backyard Pond Water Garden Resource