Every gardener knows that the garden landscape can be a welcome retreat from the stresses of everyday life, and that welcoming landscape can be made even more relaxing by the addition of a soothing garden pond. There is simply nothing to match the tranquility and solitude of a garden pond, and the good news is that these ponds are becoming increasingly easy to install and care for.
Not that long ago, installing a garden pond meant days of backbreaking work, and caring for that pond entailed many hours and a great deal of expense as well. However, recent advances in pond technology have made much of this labor unnecessary, and caring for a garden pond can be as simple and easy as caring for a home aquarium.
Of course installing a garden pond still takes plenty of careful planning, and it is important for the homeowner to select the site of the pond with care. It is important to locate the pond in a spot that will be pleasant and tranquil enough for relaxing, but it is also important that the pond be located in a spot that will make it easy to care for. If a pump, pond lights or other accessories will be installed, it is important that the proposed pond site be located close to an outdoor electrical outlet.
It is also important to determine what size garden pond is needed before getting started. If the pond will contain fish, it is important that it be deep enough so that the water will not freeze through during the winter. The staff at the local pet store or nursery should be able to provide guidance on the proper depth for the local weather conditions.
After the perfect site has been scoped out and the size of the pond determined, the next step is to shop for the pond form. These days there are plenty of ready-made pond forms available, in a variety of shapes and sizes. These pond forms are the perfect way to install a low maintenance pond in a fraction of the time it used to take. The installation of one of these handy pond forms should require little more than finding a level spot, digging a large enough hole and putting the pond form in place. After the pond form is in place, the pump, aeration equipment, lights and other accessories can be added.
If you don’t want to go with a pond form, consider using a pond liner, and this post will show you how to calculate the size of liner you will need.
After all the accessories are in place, the area around the pond can be filled in and decorated. A variety of rocks, stones and gravel can be used to both accent the pond and keep it in place. Plants and fish can be added after the pond is in place. If fish are to be part of the pond, it is a good idea to wait a few weeks before adding them. This will allow the pond to become established and any impurities in the water to be washed away.
16 Inspirational Backyard Pond Photos
1. Pond liner
2. Decorative stones
3. Pond pump
4. Tubing
5. Decorative live plants
6. Decorative ground lighting
7. Pond base lining fabric
Steps to setting up your pond
1. Deciding how you are going to supply electricity may dictate where you build your backyard pond. You should consider digging a small trench to protect your electrical cord from the pond to the electrical source.
2. Although it is not necessary to add fish to your pond most people want to. If you will be adding fish and plants, let the plants settle for about a week before adding your fish. Be careful not to put in too many fish.
3. Avoid placing your pond in a low spot of the yard to avoid runoff water getting dirt in the water.
4. Use a garden hose or some string to measure and layout your pond design before you start digging.
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6. Use caution when digging in your yard. You will need to know if there are any buried lines or pipes where you will be digging. Once you have dug the area you can start placing the parts and drainage system.
7. Check to make sure the filters, lights and water supply are properly placed and working well.
8. When you begin filling the pond you should not leave it unattended. Check for leaks and shifting as the pond fills.
9. Once you have everything set you can add the plants and let them settle for about a week. After the plants have set you can begin adding fish. Take care not to add too many fish and don’t add them all at once.
After everything has been put in place, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy your little slice of heaven. Adding benches, a garden path and perhaps even a gazebo can make that wonderful garden pond even more relaxing and beautiful.