Ponds

Ponds are a beautiful addition to any yard and offer so many options. They can have fountains, attached streams, waterfalls and fish. Even specific plants are offered for placement both in and around these water features.

Depending on the size, there are pre-cast plastic types offered at most home improvement stores or you can create it from scratch and use a rubber liner. I prefer using the rubber liners since they tend to be more permanent and in cold weather climates they will not heave.

They also require a good filtration system to keep the water healthy, these can also be purchased at most home improvement stores. If you can't find what your looking for at the store, you can always try the internet for a much better selection.

There are natural ways to help improve water quality as well. A waterfall spilling into the pond helps to filter the water as the water rushes over the rock and stone. Also, plants can help filter the water and their roots actually eat certain bacteria. Even streams can help to clean the water especially if the water is directed through the stream and recirculated back to the pool.

Creating a water feature from scratch is not that hard as long as your willing to dig and lift a lot of stone. First dig your hole and be sure to step it up to the surface so that stone can be stacked. Once your stepped hole is dug, you can purchase your liner making sure it is large enough to lay flat along all the steps and still have enough to lay on top the ground. Install your filtration system before filling with water. Then fill the pond with water while stretching the liner to remove all wrinkles. Once your hole is full of water you can begin placing your stone, the stone should be natural and more rounded to prevent liner puncture. Stack the stone, on the shelf created inside the pond, until it is at ground level.

Once the hard part is done, the fun begins. You can add fountains or fish and plants, just create whatever makes you happy. Adding waterfalls and streams can always be done at a later date. My base pond always stays the same but I am always changing the waterfall or fountain just to add new interest each year.

These water features can be a lot of work so be prepared to constantly maintain it or budget enough money to hire someone for maintenance. They are well worth the effort though, they provide so much interest and relaxation. The eco systems they create are amazing, I have frogs, dragonflies and birds I have never seen before.

When designing your outdoor paradise, consider a pond for all its beauty.