Ponds not only look great, but they are actually good for your garden as they can help to keep the surrounding area hydrated. They are also a haven for wildlife such as fish, birds, and frogs, which are wonderful to watch and desperately need safe spaces in which to live in our increasingly urban world. If you are installing a pond, be sure that you plan it out carefully in order to get the most from it. Here are some tips to consider when investing in a pond.
Tips for Installing Your First Pond
Planning
Before you start digging, stop to think about where would be best to position your pond, how big you want it to be, and what shape it should be. Consider the following:
- Your pond should be placed in a sunny spot as this will attract the greatest amount of wildlife, and will also help to keep the water clear. It’s best to dig it away from trees and shrubs as they can drop debris, which will make the water murky. If you are looking to attract amphibians then cultivate long grass nearby, as they love to head for the cover of long grass after a swim.
- If your pond is purely for decorative purposes (that is, you aren’t planning to have fish) then it should have a minimum depth of 0.6m. If smaller decorative fish are being added, the depth should be around 0.6–1m. If you are keeping koi carp or large fish, then the depth should be at least 1–1.5m.
- The only limitation to the shape of your pond is the type of liner that you intend to use. If you use a flexible rubber liner then this limitation is removed as they will be able to fit practically any shape.
Digging
Before you start digging, mark out the shape of your pond with a rope or hosepipe and check it from all angles to make sure that you are happy with it. You could even leave it overnight to ensure that you are still happy with it after a day.
Once you are sure of the placement, start digging. Be sure to keep all sides of the hole sloped to avoid collapse. If you plan to add a shelf for planting, this should be 30cm deep in comparison to the edge of the pond. Once you have your hole, remove a strip of turf from around the outside to allow for liner placement.
Liner
Use a string or tape measure to measure the length and width of your pond, including all of the contours. These measurements will tell you how much liner you need.
Pump
If you want to ensure that the water in your pond stays fresh and clear, it’s important to install a pump and filter. There are a lot of options when it comes to pumps and filters, and the best one will depend on your location and the usage of your pond. You may also need to install a pond aeration system to prevent algae growth and balance the bacteria levels within the water.
Plants and Lighting
Adding plants to your pond helps it to look great, and also removes excess nutrients from the water. Water lilies are an excellent choice if you want to add plants to your pond.
Lighting can make your pond look particularly spectacular at night, and has the added bonus of acting as a safety feature, so you don’t accidentally fall in when it’s dark!
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