DIY: Concrete Garden Pond
A garden pond can add life to a dull backyard. However, creating a garden pond is a project that you should undertake with care. Consider the upkeep involved before embarking on the project, especially if the pond will be constructed in a climate that has freezing winters in which the fish and plants will have to be removed. For the garden enthusiast who is not put off by a little extra maintenance, a garden pond can enhance a backyard space and even add value to a property, as long as the proper planning and construction steps are followed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Brightly colored spray paint
- Shovel
- Heavy-duty plastic
- Flat stones
- Concrete
- Large bucket
- Garden hose
Instructions
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Use brightly colored spray paint to outline the outside border of the pond.
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Dig an 8-inch-wide by 2-inch-deep border around the edge of the spray-painted area.
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3
Dig the pond from the inside edge of the 8-by-2 border as deep as desired.
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Line the pond with heavy-duty plastic, and place flat stones around the top border to hold the plastic in place.
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Mix concrete in a large bucket according to package instructions.
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Beginning at the bottom of the pond, spread the concrete upward to the top of the 8-by-2 border, then spread a coat around the border.
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Press the stones used to hold the lining in place into the wet concrete border to create the desired design effect.
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When the concrete is dry (follow package instructions), use a garden hose to fill the pond with water.
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Allow the pond to set for one week. Remove and refill the water three times to remove any remaining debris from the cement. Decorate the pond as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
If planning to use the pond for fish, it is important to have some source of water movement to keep the water oxygenated. Place a pump in the bottom of the pond to create this effect. Choose hardy fish species such as koi and hardy plant species such as water lilies.
Concrete can be difficult to lay and somewhat messy. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully. It is extremely important to consider who lives nearby prior to building a pond. Young children can be enticed by fish in a pond and can easily drown. For this reason, it is best to have a fenced in area where the pond is located.
