How to Landscape a Backyard Pond

A garden pond is a special feature to add to your backyard landscaping. It can be a place of relaxation, contemplation as well as a habitat for local wildlife. That is if it is planned properly. A well-landscaped backyard pond is a true oasis that requires minimal care and upkeep from its creator.

Things You'll Need

• Pond liner
• Pond padding
• Rocks
• Clay
• Sand
• Pond plants
• Decorative wood
• Aquarium sealant

Instructions

Building and Landscaping a Backyard Pond

1. Begin by digging the pond in an area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight. Use a well-sharpened shovel to make digging easier. Once the pond is the size and shape desired, pack the soil down as tightly as possible. Remember to pack the sides of the pond as well.

   Lay out the pond padding (an old carpet or recycled carpet padding will suffice) across the bottom of the hole. Now carefully place the pond liner on top of the padding. Stretch the liner to remove as many wrinkles as possible. Some areas may need to be carefully folded in such a way they are disguised when the pond is fully assembled. Artfully placed landscaping items can help to hide the obvious folds.

2. Spread out a layer of clay on the bottom 3 to 4 inches thick. Top the clay with 2 to 4 inches of sand. Place rocks securely throughout the substrate. Avoid very sharp rocks as they may injure fish or damage the pond liner. Fish caves can be created by using aquarium silicone sealant to glue them together. Allow the sealant to dry before adding to the pond.

3. Fill the pond halfway with water while readjusting the liner as needed. Add waterlilies and other bottom plantings before filling the pond completely. The use of hornwort and other oxygenation plants will help to filter the water naturally. Add enough duckweed, azolla or other surface plants to cover one-third of the pond's surface. This shades the pond and helps to keep the water clear.

4. Place rocks around the edge of the pond to disguise the liner. Use leftover soil to fill in bare areas. Plant various flowering and foliage species in between the rocks. Creeping plants like thyme and miniature sedum make wonderful choices for the dry areas of the pond.

   Place rocks and logs around the pond to make it seem more natural. Allow a log to float in the water for frogs and other animals to rest on. Make sure it cannot support the weight of a raccoon or other large fish predator, as they would love to have a koi supper.

5. Spread mosses throughout and over the rocks and logs. Their beautiful green hues add a sense of tranquility to the setting. They also help to retain moisture and provide homes for many animals and insects.

6. An unusual addition to a backyard pond is the fish sphere. A clear gazing ball rests on top of the pond and has an open bottom that allows fish to swim at will above the surface of the water. This allows for better viewing and many pond compliments. Fish spheres can be purchased online.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill the pond carefully or the soil may cloud the water.

• Use only fish-safe decorations and plants.

• Do not spray chemicals around the pond.

References

• Landscape Deisgns for Ponds