How To Create A Pond In The Garden

2024 Author: Sebastian Paterson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:47

How to create an artificial pond in your garden

Outlandish flowers grow in your garden, paths are paved with tiles, and a gazebo is entwined with wild grapes … Or maybe you have only 6 acres at your disposal, on which an incredible number of beds are located. Of course, everything done with your own hands pleases the eye. And, of course, I want to do even better.

What is still missing?

A pond gives zest and unique charm to any garden, and everyone knows this.

The murmur of water that caresses the ear, water lilies gently swaying on the surface, fins of fish gleaming in the sun, the rustle of transparent wings of dragonflies - the reservoir brings peace and tranquility to your life. After a day full of gardening worries, you can sit on your favorite bench on the shore and relax, recuperate. Where do the guests of your garden go first?

A pond made with love and imagination will become the subject of your special pride. Arranging a small pond is not at all as difficult as it seems, and anyone can make it with their own hands.

First, decide whether it will be a pond with a fountain and bright flowers, a romantic pond with water lilies and fish, or a pool to plunge into on a hot day. This is where you can fully express your individuality and give room for imagination. However, whichever option you choose, there are general tips that we would be happy to share with you.

When choosing the style and configuration of your pond, rely primarily on your taste, of course, but do not forget that the pond should correspond to the general style of the garden. There are two main styles of a garden pond: regular (regular) and landscaped (freeform).

If the future pond is located near a building or a paved path, we recommend that you opt for a regular style. The strict geometric shape - square, rectangular, oval or round - will connect the outlines of the pond with the lines of the surrounding landscape. For a modernist style garden, it is better to choose a more complex, but still correct shape, for example, a triangular one.

If you have a complex garden or lack a well-defined style, opt for a more relaxed style of water that can reflect the natural lines of the area.

You can "revive" the reservoir by arranging an artificial stream or waterfall.

The waterfall can be arranged in a reservoir combined with a rock garden. For the effect of falling water to occur, there should be several projections 15-30 cm high on its path. In addition, water can flow through hollow tree trunks or bamboo tubes and fall onto the water surface of the reservoir.

Artificial stream

Artificial streams are constructed in the same way as ponds, using special baths or films. The width, length and depth of the stream are freely selectable. When planning the size of the stream, remember that its width will decrease due to planting and edge decoration. The starting point for the stream can be a boulder with an uneven surface. The construction of the stream begins with preparing the trench, removing stones and roots from the bottom of the trench, carefully compacting the soil and finally laying the waterproofing material. The latter can be either a film or a ready-made rigid form. Some forms are prudently equipped with bumpers "under the rocks" and protective rollers on the passes, which prevent the washing away of aquatic plants by moving water. The edges of the film are fixed below the ground level; this will allow the soil to soak in moisture. Along the banks of the stream, you can plant aquatic plants and "scatter" boulders or pebbles. A wooden bridge can be an interesting addition to the stream.

The artificial stream is supplied with a garden hose, one end of which is connected to a pump and the other is masked among the stones. Plants recommended for planting along the stream are European bather, meadow tea, calla, Veronica key, Japanese calamus.

So, the style of the reservoir is selected. Now you need to decide on the size and location on the site. The following rules are usually followed here:

• The reservoir should occupy no more than 1/10 of the site.
• It should be in a sufficiently sunny place so that the plants and inhabitants of the reservoir receive enough light. Please note that a very small reservoir in the midday sun does not overheat too much, it is desirable that it be in partial shade at noon.
• Avoid the close proximity of deciduous trees to the pond, because fallen leaves and faded flowers in the water can significantly reduce the supply of oxygen in it. In addition, the roots of trees and shrubs growing near the pond can damage the flexible waterproofing film.
• Do not place a body of water in a poorly drained part of the garden, because in spring and during prolonged rains, it will be flooded and difficult to maintain. In any case, one of the sides should be lowered, then in the rain, excess water will overflow in this place, forming an artificial swamp, and then go into the ground.
• It is desirable that the reservoir is visible from the house (firstly, you can more often admire it, and, secondly, make sure that children do not take water procedures in unsuitable weather).
• Keep in mind that the larger the body of water, the easier it is to achieve biological balance in it and the easier it is to care for it.
• An artificial reservoir looks more natural if its far bank is "raised" (in relation to the house or garden bench), for this you can use the land obtained during excavation.
• The banks of the reservoir where the fish will live must be high enough, and the depth should be at least 60 cm.

In order to imagine how the

future reservoir will look, and to make sure that the place is chosen successfully, outline its outlines using a rope or flexible hose for this (see figure).

You will find tips on pond technology in the next issue of the magazine.

The best season for the construction of an artificial reservoir is summer, when warm and dry weather is firmly established. We wish you interesting ideas and, of course, their speedy implementation.