How to Build a Garden With Ortho's Waterfalls, Ponds, and Streams

Your waterfall can mimic nature.

People have been drawn to the sound of water for thousands of years. For a truly show-stopping landscape feature, a waterfall is a lovely addition to the yard. A properly designed pond with a waterfall will look like it has been a part of the landscape all along; placing it next to your deck or patio will allow you and your guests to enjoy the sound and movement of this unique water feature.

Things You'll Need

• Stakes Shovel Sand Gravel Rocks Pond liner Two pond basins Utility knife Submersible pump and filter Flexible pipe Electrical cord

Instructions

1. Position the waterfall close to a source of electricity and close to the outdoor area where you'll be spending time. Take into account the view from inside the home as well. Stake the site, locating a pond at the top of the stream and one at the bottom. If your site is not hilly, excavate the bottom pond first and transfer the soil to the top of the site.

2. Dig a channel from the top pond to the bottom to direct the water. The basin at the bottom should be at least 24 inches deep.

3. Pour a layer of sand in the channel, wet it and smooth it out with a shovel.

4. Spread the pond liner over the sand in the channel and trim it to twice the width and a bit longer than your waterfall. Position the pond basins at the top and the bottom.

5. Hook the flexible pipe to the pump and filter. Attach the electrical cord. Run the pipe up the channel to the top basin. Fill the bottom basin with gravel and submerse the pump at least 2 feet below the water's surface.

6. Position the stones, using existing materials when possible to create a natural look. Use small stones in the middle of the channel to mimic a stream bed. Create pockets with the rocks where the water can pool before it falls to the next level. Build in a lot of twists and directions to heighten the sound. Position large rocks on the outer part of the channel to hide the pond liner.

7. Conceal the supply line, electrical cord, and any pond liner that's showing. Use gravel and small stones to hide where the water enters at the top pond.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider adding lighting so you can enjoy your water feature after dark. Consider adding fish or water-loving plants to complete the look. Pump size will be determined by how long your final stream and waterfall are and whether you will be adding fish to the pond.

• Don't locate the ponds in full sun, as that promotes the growth of algae.

References

• Garden Guides: Build a Pond Stream Waterfall
• Demesne: Planning Ponds
• Permaculture Ponds: How To Build a Backyard Waterfall