Garden Ponds

	Even a modest-sized garden pond can turn an otherwise mundane yard into a striking oasis. Whether using pre-formed, clay, concrete, or a flexible liner, ponds are not all that difficult to assemble as long as a few simple rules are followed. One of your first considerations, of course, should be expense; type, size, material, chemical, plant, and upkeep costs all enter into the equation. You must also consider electrical costs if you plan on running a pump for a fountain or waterfall. Time demands for regular maintenance, though minimal, and any necessary repairs must also be considered.

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Garden Ponds

Another consideration is location – not only the best suited area of the yard for the pond, but in regards to the community in which you live. Some communities require a permit for any type of pool. Talk with a local building inspector before beginning your pond.

Families with small children, and homeowners with unfenced yards, must also consider possible safety hazards associated with having a garden pool. Even shallow water can be dangerous, especially for infants and toddlers.

A pond can be any size and shape that fits your yard and suits your purpose. You might decide on two smaller ponds strategically placed within a sizeable garden or at opposite ends of the yard, or a large, more elaborate one as a focal point.

Design your pond to fit existing contours, or re-grade your yard to accommodate the type pond you desire. Just be sure the area you select is on undisturbed, firm soil. Otherwise settling can damage or ruin the liner. Settling can also cause water to spill out of the liner, or cause a rigid liner to tip.

What kind of a pond do you prefer? A pond naturalistic in design, tucked in a corner of the yard by the tree line, to help meet the needs of wildlife? A high profile garden pond with the predominate purpose of showcasing various flora? Or perhaps a pond with a tinkling waterfall, filled with goldfish and exotic aquatic plant life, set in a tranquil, private location?

What kind of a liner will best suit your needs? Flexible liners are easier to install, and usually require only one person. However, it must be installed properly to prevent the liner from showing and leaks from developing. An exposed liner will not only look bad, but will deteriorate faster. Flexible liners can also rip or puncture if not handled properly.

Rigid, pre-formed liners are a little more difficult to install, but are still relatively simple if directions are followed carefully. One important aspect is to keep the liner level at all times. Installation and positioning will take two people or more, and fitting the liner in place may require several attempts in order to make proper adjustments.

Will you have plants in or around your pool, or both? Many beautiful native plants can be grown in an aquatic setting. Giant lotus and gorgeous water lilies are but two of the more exotic plants you can grow in your pond. Keep in mind, however, the plant’s hardiness. Plants that adapt well to climates warmer than their native home are less likely to tolerate colder winters, so choose plants that suit your region. Placing the pond in full sun broadens plant selection.

Some trees located in close proximity to garden ponds are better than others. Avoid trees such as weeping willow and poplar, which are voracious water guzzlers. Their roots will seek out the moist areas around the pond, choking out other plant life, and could, in time, damage the pond itself. Alder, maple, California laurel, Bald cypress, and Sycamore trees make better choices, depending upon the region.

Tree placement is also important. It is best for trees to be located on the north and east sides of the pond so that plants will be exposed to full sun. Small trees, shrubs, and perennials will set off the pond and provide homes for wildlife attracted to the water.

Keep in mind, however, that waterside plants will need regular irrigation, since lined ponds will not moisten surrounding soil.

Pebbles placed on a gentle slope beside the pool allow small animals to approach the water gradually. The addition of soil near the water’s edge to make a muddy beach will attract swallows and other birds and insects that use mud for nests.

An assortment of larger rocks will make good “rest stops” for butterflies and dragon flies to bask in the sun and warm themselves. Nooks and crannies between the rocks provide amphibians cool spots in the summer and hibernation homes in the winter.

Maintenance of the pond is another consideration. Although the pond will only need cleaning once in awhile, it is necessary. It is important not only for appearance sake, but to reduce algae and other problems, and to help keep the pond in good balance.

Water level during warm weather should be topped off weekly, and aquatic plants will require slow-dissolving fertilizer tablets. Your pond should require little else unless you have gold fish or winterize.

Careful planning, following all directions that accompany pond materials, and thoughtful flora selection will insure your success. Once installed, sit back and enjoy the beauty and splendor converging in and around your pond; the creation of a lovely garden oasis.