Enhance Your Yard By Adding A Pond

For an instant focal point to your rear garden, think about building a pond. The soothing sounds of water cascading from a fountain will be sure to help you relax. Here are a few tips to help you build a perfect pond that will become the landmark of your garden. 

The first step you should do is to contact your municipality to ensure that there are no gas or electric lines buried underneath the spot you have selected for your pond. Mature trees will have major root systems so try to stay clear from them. Select a location that will be viewable from most of the backyard for everyone's enjoyment. Alternatively, you can tuck it away in a corner and heavily landscape the pond so that it becomes a little retreat.
Mark the contour of your pond with a string. Shapes are restricted when using a pre-formed pond. When using a liner you can allow your imagination run wild. When you start digging, keep in mind the plateau for the plant terrace which will be about eight inches down and one foot wide for liners or determined by the size of your pre-formed pond. You should now make sure that your pond's edges are balanced. Unless you have a power outlet near the pond, remember to dig a shallow trench to bury the PVC pipe that will house the electric cord.
To prepare the base of the pond, fill it with about one inch of sand. Also pour sand on the terraced steps. You can now lower your pre-formed pond in the hole. Otherwise, commence placing down the liner. Trim four feet longer and wider than the actual pond will help. Push the liner down and flatten out any folds. 
You can now start to fill the pond. As the pond fills, backfill the extra space around your pre-formed pond and try to time it so that you are finished at about the same time the pond is filled. In the option of a liner, keep in mind to keep pulling the liner taunt. If you are using a pump to operate a fountain or waterfall, install it at the bottom of the pond and hide the cord. 
Now comes the fun part - decorating up your pond. Arrange flat rocks along the edge of your pond and add a second layer in a offset pattern. Let the rocks hang a bit over the water. Hide your water pump cord in between rocks and place a third rock on top being careful not to crush the hose. 
Take your time when planning how you will plant around your pond. Determine if you want your pond to be easily visible or should it harmonize with the rest of your backyard? You should maintain at least one side clear of plants to make it accessible. Creating a feature on one side and one end while leaving the rest of the pond bare is a popular landscaping option. Also remember to choose plants that will thrive in a  wet environment. 
You can now sit back and appreciate the fruits of your labor. In most cases, ponds can be one weekend projects. So go do it. Include one to your backyard and be ready to receive lots of praise. 

Article Tags: Pre-formed Pond

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