- Begin with learning as much as you possibly can. Become a “know-it-all” even before you start. Read books and catalogs, check prices, call water garden suppliers and ask questions about their products and if possible, visit some local water gardens in your area.
Location, Location, Location
- Pick the right location and you will have thriving, healthy fish and plants, pick the wrong spot and you may risk diseases of fish and plants along with some maintenance problems. That is why picking the right location is so important.
- Most water plants prefer a sunny location. So if you desire plants, choose a site receiving at least 4-6 hours of sun per day. Though, try to avoid sun-baked spots, they quickly heat the water which causes evaporation and algae.
- Also, you should locate your water pond away from any tall plants and trees that may cast shade upon your garden. Plus, their leaves and berries fall into the water to create problems for your fish and filters.
- Additionally, site your water garden several feet away from landscape features like fences and buildings. This way you will have ample room to maintain your pond from all sides.
- Position your water garden so it is sheltered from the wind. Wind distorts the pattern of a fountain, damages the stems of a succulent plant and speeds up the evaporation of water.
- The last key point is to decide on a location with utility access. Place your water garden near a readily available water source and an existing outlet. An electrical outlet near your pool is necessary to supply power to your pumps.
Size & Shape, Depth and Type of Pond
Size & Shape
- The bigger you build your pond the better, keeping in mind that larger ponds are often easier to maintain for reasons such as temperature fluctuation, chemical levels and fish and plant stocking.
- Use a hose or rope to simulate your pond’s size and shape. Experiment with the outline by moving the rope around and viewing the design from all angles until the desired shape, size and site are attained. Then, by looking at the outline from different angles, you can adjust the size and shape accordingly.
Depth
- A depth of 3′ is often recommended to keep plants and fish over winter. Varying depths is also important to provide different levels for your fish to swim and your plants to grow.
Type of Pond
- There are different types of ponds available: Liner, preformed plastic or fiberglass, and container gardens.
- Liners allow the pond builder the most flexibility for size, shape and depth. Since liner is flexible material, it will conform to most pond shapes. It will also expand and contract due to changes in temperature or pressure. Ponds liner sheets are made of very thick plastic that fits like a glove into the excavated pond site. They are easy to handle, durable and can be shaped into any size or form.
- Preformed ponds are more resistant to puncture than liners, but are not as flexible to different shapes. They’re easy to install, and the least subject to damage. Most ponds are less than 2′ deep which may cause problems in our area where freezing temperatures occur. They become particularly useful when a smaller pool is desired.
- Container gardens are the perfect solution for water gardeners with space limitations. Any type of container will work, as long as it is water tight and stable.