How to Make Fake Landscape Rocks & Ponds

Landscaping with rocks and ponds is a challenging project.

Creating a fake pond and landscaping with rocks is a challenging task that requires a good bit of preparation, but once you have finished you will have a beautiful pond that will last for years to come. Keep in mind that a pond in your own backyard will require a good bit of maintenance to keep it looking healthy, especially if you will be adding any koi fish or submersible plants.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Shovel
• Pond liner
• Large landscaping rocks
• Pond filter
• Submersible plants (optional)
• Aquatic wildlife (optional)
• Algae eater product (optional)

Instructions

1. Call your local utility company. Making this call to find out the location of underground wires, including gas and electrical, is extremely important before you decide on a location for your backyard pond. Failure to do this could be quite dangerous.

2. Pick a spot. If you plan to add any submersible plants to your pond, pick a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. This will help keep the plants happy and healthy.

3. Outline the shape of your pond with a garden hose. The shape and size is entirely up to you.

4. Dig out your pond with a shovel. If you plan to add any aquatic wildlife or plants, dig out a shallow and deep end. The deep end is where your submersible plants will be placed and and your fish will go during the winter months. The deep end should be at least five feet deep so that the plants and fish will be protected after the first freeze. If you are building a simple pond with no aquatic plants or life, the total depth of your pond can be anywhere from one foot and up. Use your own judgement. The deeper the pond, the more water it will hold. Refer to "Resources" for a pond water volume calculator.

5. Lay the pond liner into the ditch, and smooth out any wrinkles or creases. Pull up the sides of the liner over the edges of the pond and secure them with large landscaping rocks. Position the rocks creatively to create a natural appearance.

6. Place the pond filter into the pond and fill it with water up to its brim. Turn on the filter. If you are adding submersible plants, add them as soon as possible because they will help prevent an overgrowth of algae. If adding wildlife, wait at least a week.

7. Add an algae eater product from your local home store to help prevent growth of algae. This is entirely optional.

References

• Watergarden.com: How To Build A Water Garden or Fish Pond

Resources

• Watergarden.com: Water Volume Calculator