How to Install a Small Garden Pond

Garden ponds are a creative backdrop for water lillies and wildlife.

A garden pond adds interest and movement to a yard. If it is dug deep enough, it can be home to frogs, fish and a number of other wildlife creatures, while still providing a source of water for plants growing nearby. Installing a pond is not necessarily difficult if there are no trees, and if there is a source of water, no large rocks and level ground.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Liner
• Decorative rocks
• Water plants
• Perennials

Instructions

1. Make an outline in the desired size and shape of the pond on level ground. If you are filling your pond with stream or spring water, you will be using an area close to your water source. Water will level itself through gravity and the pond will only be as deep as its lowest side. Hose-filled ponds can be situated anywhere as long as they are not too close to a building. You can use a garden hose to form an outline, spray paint, or a rope--anything flexible works.

2. Dig out the soil in the center of the pond and remove it from the area. This soil can be used to build up the banks, raising the level of the pond at the same time as you dig down. Leave shelves in the soil at different levels to place plants or interesting rocks. Ponds need to be at least 3 feet deep for fish to swim without the worry of birds seeing them as potential dinner.

3. Line the pond with a thick layer of polyethylene sheeting--20 ml is a good thickness, but you can substitute three layers of 6 ml. If you are capturing stream water to fill your pond, the soil might already have enough clay to hold the water and therefore not need a liner. Hold the liner in place around the edges with large rocks.

4. Spread a layer of sand over the liner to a thickness of an inch. This will protect the bottom of the pond from punctures. Set a couple flat rocks on the bottom so you can fill the pool without washing away the sand. Bury the top edge of the liner with soil and place decorative rocks around the top to hold the soil and liner in place.

5. Fill the pool with water. This is done with a hose, by stopping the flow of water farther downstream, or otherwise diverting the normal flow of the stream.

6. Plant perennials around the edge of the pool, such as hostas, iris and daylilies. Sink them into the soil just beyond the edge of the liner. As they grow, their leaves will overhand the pool, sheltering the top edge. Make sure you leave an opening in the planting to access the pool for removing leaves or debris from the water. A few stepping stones leading to the pond will look nice.

7. Plant a few water plants in the pool. They will help filter the water and keep it clear. Look for water lilies, grasses or cattails. Eventually, water-loving plants will find your pond naturally.

8. Add a few fish to your pond after a few days have passed to allow the pond to settle and the water to warm to the ambient temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have to install a fence around your pond if there is a danger of someone walking into it unawares. Check with your local government for codes.

References

• Oregon State University Extension: Create a Garden Pond for Wildlife