Guide To Adding A Pond To Your Home's Landscaping

Home & Garden Blog

A great do-it-yourself project involves adding a pool to your property. Not only is this easy and low-cost, it can make a dramatic difference in the look of your property instantly. Gather what you need from your favorite home improvement store and plan to spend the weekend creating a pond.

Follow these steps:

Dig the hole.

Before you start digging your pond's hole, it is important to check with your utility providers to be sure you are not going to be interfering with any existing lines or cables. Dig your hole the recommended depth for whatever liner you are planning to use, leaving approximately one foot of the liner's rim above the surface of the ground. Check your hole for sharp rocks or roots and get rid of them.

Line with sand.

Line your hole with an inch or more of sand in the bottom. Check to make sure it is level and adjust the sand as needed.

Place your liner.

Set the pond liner in the hole and make sure that it sits level on the sand. Fill the pond with a few inches of water, tamping the bottom before adding a few more inches of water. Continue to do this until your pond is full.

Install your pump.

Be sure to buy a pump that is submersible, often at pet stores in the aquarium section or at home improvement retail venues. Be sure that the pump is positioned firmly and securely on a rock or concrete tile. Plug the pump in to the recommended receptacle only to avoid damage or injury.

Border with stone.

It not only looks nice to border your pond with stone or tile, it also helps to camouflage and cover the edge of your pond liner. Use concrete tiles found widely, or tamp the earth and set beach stones around your pond.

Plant some foliage.

Be sure your pond does not contain chlorine from the water supply before planting anything in your pond. You may spread pebbles or aggregate in the bottom of the pond, and adding foliage creates a very natural, attractive appearance.

Try the following plants in your pond:

• Submerged plants are good for ponds with fish and for keeping the water filtered and clean. Plants should be at least three feet apart.
• Floating plants have roots that extend under the water, with a blossom or bloom above the surface. Don't smother your pond with too many, however, as it may prove damaging to the ecosystem to cover more than half of the pond with these plants.
• Deep-water plants are those that remain in their containers or pots, but are set down in under the water, nestled in the bottom of the pond.
• Marginal plants are potted plants that sit in the more shallow parts of the pond, including the border. These add even more cohesion between your pond and the natural surroundings.

A small pond is a great feature to add to the yard of your home, and with some supplies, can be done by most homeowners independently. If you do decide to hire a contractor to help install your pond, ask about unique shapes and fun features that can be added. This may include fountains, lights, or fish.

For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, visit http://www.cnclawncareinc.com or a similar website.

2 February 2015