If you've always wanted a backyard pond, you're not alone. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners already have them and thousands more are installing them every year. Why all the fuss over a water-filled hole? Well, for one thing, gurgling waterfalls are inherently appealing. Also, with the growing popularity of "water gardening," many people look at their ponds as an interesting, ongoing project.
But before you can start stocking aquatic plants and animals, such as fish, frogs, tadpoles and snails, you need the pond itself--and a source for supplies and equipment.
Keep in mind that the project doesn't have to be huge. The average pond measures about 11 x 16 ft., but it can be built to virtually any size. In some designs, water trickles down a long, meandering stream before emptying into the pond. Many smaller ponds, like the 6 x 8-ft. kidney-shaped one shown here, don't have streams; water runs over a large flat rock and spills directly into the pond. This style is easier to build and can fit into the smallest yards. Basically, such a pond is just a hole lined with rubber, plus some tubing and a pump that's powered by a cord from the house.
Digging It
But before you can start stocking aquatic plants and animals, such as fish, frogs, tadpoles and snails, you need the pond itself--and a source for supplies and equipment.
Keep in mind that the project doesn't have to be huge. The average pond measures about 11 x 16 ft., but it can be built to virtually any size. In some designs, water trickles down a long, meandering stream before emptying into the pond. Many smaller ponds, like the 6 x 8-ft. kidney-shaped one shown here, don't have streams; water runs over a large flat rock and spills directly into the pond. This style is easier to build and can fit into the smallest yards. Basically, such a pond is just a hole lined with rubber, plus some tubing and a pump that's powered by a cord from the house.
Digging It

Line the hole

Laying Rubber

Start stacking stones on the pond floor, also called the plant shelf (to differentiate it from the pump pit). Lay the stones in a foot-wide layer along the wall. Overlap the stones between courses and use smaller stones to fill any
sizable gaps.
Install the pump
Next, set the pump's hose in position so that it extends from the center pit to the top of the hole. Carefully lay stone directly over the hose. Continue stacking stones until they're even with the ground. Set a single layer of flat stones along the plant shelf, aligning them flush with the edge of the center pit. Then, place one flat rock in the bottom of the pit to serve as a base for the pump.
Connect the pump

Next, set large, flat rocks--called coping stones--around the perimeter. Stack stones at the rear of the hole to form the waterfall. A good rule of thumb is to build it to about 12 to 18 in. above the water level. Set the waterfall weir in place atop a large, flat rock (the spillway stone) that is tipped forward slightly. Connect the weir's hose to the pump's hose coming out of the pond. Trim the rubber pond liner to match the waterfall opening at the front of the weir, then attach the liner to the weir using its screw-on faceplate. Backfill around the weir with dirt and continue piling up rocks around the waterfall area. Conceal the weir by placing a rock on top of it.
Once all the stones around the weir are set, secure them with waterproof black foam sealant. Also apply a thin bead of the sealant under the lip of the waterfall weir to adhere it to the spillway.
Plugging In
Fill the spaces between the stones on the pond floor with 3 1/4-in. river rock. Then, take a hose and wash down the stonework around the entire pond. Pump or bail the dirty water from the pit.
Next, connect the pump to its hose and set the pump on a flat stone in the bottom of the pit. Check with an electrician to ensure a safe installation of your pump and power cord. Here, the pump's power cord ran through openings between and under stones to a GFCI-protected electrical outlet with a weatherproof cover that shields the plug while it's connected. Don't damage the cord under a stone. Now, use a hose to fill the pond to within 3 or 4 in. of the coping stones.
Once the pond is filled, plug in the pump. In a few seconds, water will gently spill out of the weir.
This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site.
Thank you for supporting Judy's Cottage Garden.
Keywords
bare root roses, rose, Angel Face, orchids, perennials, Water Lotus, ponds, water, Flowers, plants, garden cottage, butterfly, plants, birds, hummingbird, roses, daisy, iris, secret garden, garden tools, garden plants, flowers, trellis, arbor ideas4landscaping ideas for landscaping ideas front landscaping ideas front yard landscaping designs free garden, backyard landscaping designs front landscaping designs yard landscaping designs, trees, tools,ponds,DIY
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment or ask a gardening question.