There are a wide plethora of fabulous benefits which will be immediately afforded to yourself and your family by choosing to install a pond in your garden.
Not only do garden ponds quickly create their own sustainable eco-system and encourage new plant life to grow and visiting wildlife to thrive, but aesthetically speaking, there can be nothing more relaxing than enjoying the peace and tranquillity of your garden whilst watching and listening to the sound of the water.
With this in mind, continue reading for a comprehensive beginner’s guide to adding a pond to your garden.
1. Choose The Right Shape, Style and Size
Naturally, every single garden across the length and breadth of the country is different, and it is therefore important, before you part with any money whatsoever, to decide upon the right shape, style and size that best fits both the layout of your garden and your own personality. Smaller ponds tend to come in three distinct styles; ellipse, kidney and free-form, whereas larger ponds, which are usually classed as in excess of 200 metres squared come in either free-form or pear shapes.
Remember that if you are planning on the addition of a waterfall or working water feature to allow adequate extra room for this installation as well.
2. Carefully Choose The Location
Obviously, practically speaking, digging the hole for your pond slap-bang in the centre of your garden may look attractive-ensuring it is visible from all angles is not really the best idea.
When considering the location of your pond, it is always best not to position it too close to trees or large shrubs as root movement and growth may cause problems later on and additionally, make sure the area you choose is exposed to direct sunlight for at least a couple of hours every day.
3. Dig The Hole and Line The Bottom
The following steps should be taken in chronological order when you are ready to dig your pond:
- Mark out the shape using hosepipe or rope, then replace with a ring of sand
- Dig the pond hole and slope the sides to around 20 degrees
- Remove grass all the way around the pond hole for the overlap of the liner
- Use a spirit level to check the pond edges are even
- Remove any pebbles or stones from the area and compact the sides of the pond
You will then be ready to line the pond; it is incredibly important to choose the correct type of flat sheet liner for the type and quality of the earth in your garden, therefore consulting and purchasing from a reputable and renowned garden supplier, such as Water-garden.co.uk, is highly recommended.
4. Fill Your Pond
Once the liner has been correctly installed, it is then time to fill your pond with water, smoothing out the wrinkles and contours as you go.
Generally, the water level should usually be at least a few centimetres under the top of your flat sheet liner and if you have been advised to use overlay, its edge should be above the outer edge.
Once your pond is dug, installed and filled correctly, you can then choose to add suitable plants, stonework and ornaments and even fish if you so desire!
