As we move through the nearly always cold month of January it is time to start planning the next garden project. This coming year we have decided that we are going to install a couple of small garden ponds. One will be selected from a range of preformed garden ponds, which are readily available from your local pond specialist retailer. The other will be a garden pond and waterfall construction using a rubber liner and our skill.
Let us start, out with pencil and paper and commence planning this important set of features that will enhance your garden for a long time to come. First we need to decide where we are going to locate the two ponds and mark out on the ground using hosepipes to give us an indication of the size and shapes. One is going to be the small garden pond and waterfall version and as such we are going to use a rubber liner which is easily purchased from a reputable company and are not that expensive.
We need now to work out how deep we are going to make this particular pond. We are going to utilise the excavated spoil to add the desired height for our waterfall feature. The deeper we make it the more spoil we will have and the larger the waterfall element of our project. We now need to dig a small trench around the outside of our hose pipe approx. Twelve inches wide and about three inches deep. Into this trench we are going to pour a mix of mortar which will be the collar of our pond. Once the mortar is dry excavation can take place to the desired depth taking care not to move it too far away as it will form the foundation of our waterfall.
It is an excellent idea to line the excavated area with sand so that any sharp stones will not puncture the liner when the weight of the water is added. Lay the liner over the site and then slowly start to add the water. As the water level rises try to keep the liner as neat as possible. When the pond is filled to the desired depth do not forget to fold the liner over the collar on the outside of the pond. You are now in a position to set about constructing your waterfall element of this project but if you would like the waterfall feature to be a little larger wait until you have excavated the preformed garden ponds element as you will also have some spoil from here.
On the excavation part of the preformed garden ponds element turn it upside down on the ground and this will give you a template to mark out so that a collar can be made for this one two. This pond is far easier to install but I would still recommend the use of sand to line the interior of the excavation. Once in situ fill with water and let it settle for a day or two before you do anything else.
Back to the garden ponds and waterfalls site and with the extra spoil that we have at our disposal we do have quite a large and impressive waterfall. We now use our rubber liner to create our channel back to our pond and install the pump that will power the water feature. On a safety point here please ensure that a trip switch is installed at the end of the power supply.
Leave for a couple of days to allow everything to settle down, after which you can now give yourself an attractive finish around the edge of both ponds making sure that it is wide enough to walk round easily. Plant up your waterfall area and enjoy watching it grow over the coming years. Your small garden pond project will mature over time and it's up to you if you wish to put plants and fish in your ponds. Fish really do enjoy gardening ponds and waterfalls the waterfall increases oxygen content in the pond and the fish get quite excited.
The preformed garden ponds do make an excellent formal plant display area as they normally have shelves at various depths to suit all planting. I hope this has been helpful and you have enjoyed completing your springtime project.
