How to make a pond in your Garden

[shahwon]

Here are some tips to keep in mind when digging that new
Pond:

* The first consideration is the location of the
water feature. It will become a focal point of the
garden and should be easily viewed from as many
angles as possible and be visible from inside the
house (especially during the winter months).

* The next step is deciding the shape of the
garden pond. Almost any shape is acceptable, but
care has to be taken that the chosen shape does
not include small corners where the water cannot
circulate properly. The basic shape of the pond
can be determined by using a garden hose; it is
flexible and can be moved easily until the final
form of the water feature is determined.

* Make the pond as big as your space and budget allows.
It is very hard to make a pond larger later and
there is always another plant or another fish to add.

* The pond should be at least 18 inches deep in most
areas of the country, but 2 - 3 feet is better. The recommended
depth for ponds that will be home for Koi is 3 feet.

* Breaking the often hard packed clay of
the garden is often the most difficult part
of installing a pond. This task can be made easier
by using a tiller to loosen the dirt a layer at a time,
before shoveling it out.

* Incorporate plant shelves all the way around the pond
to allow maximum flexibility for placing plants.
Shelves should be between 6 and 12 inches below the water and
10 - 12 inches wide.

* Slope plant shelves slightly to the outside of the
pond so that plants will slide against the wall of
the pond instead of into the pond itself as the
liner gets slick over time.

* Slope the bottom of the pond slightly, so that all
debris collects in one area. This will make
cleaning the pond much easier.

* The top edges of the pool need to be absolutely level so the
liner will not show on any side when it is complete.

* Use a quality liner of at least 45 mil to prevent
future problems. EPDM is the most recommended material.
Excess liner should not be cut off until it is well anchored
all around the perimeter and the pond is filled with water.
The liner should be cushioned by a 2 inch layer of sand or
other soft, protective material.
The liner is more flexible and easier to install if it is warm,
so it is a good idea to let the sun shine on it for a few
minutes before unrolling it.
Complete Pond Kits for a beautiful Pond or Water Garden are
available in our safe and secure online catalog, just click here
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