Ponds are beautiful features in any backyard space, but having them in the right place is key. You want to be able to see it first and it would be nice if you could also enjoy it from inside the house. Second, you want it to be in an area close to a grounded outdoor outlet so you can easily plug in the pump. Third, you want to avoid areas with significant root systems that you won’t be able to get through. Fourth, and probably most important, call before you dig! You don’t want to be digging and come across a gas or sewer pipe!
Once you have your perfect area, you can lay out your pond in the shape and size you want with string. If you don’t like it, you can move the rope until everyone is happy. Experts recommend you make a 7′ x 4′ pond to keep the water clean and they also say you should dig on a slope so that if the water freezes it will push up and not against the liner which can damage it.
Now it’s time to dig! First dig 3″ into a one foot wide ring. This will be the edge of your stone shelf. Next make a plant terrace, one foot wide shelf that is 8″ deep within the outline of the stone shelf. rope. After this step, you can dig out the rest of the pond, inside the plant terrace shelf. Experts say you should dig at least 18″ with a slight slope, but if you plan on raising fish, you’ll want to dig even deeper.
The next step is to level the edges and then it will be time to cover the entire bottom with a 1″ layer of sand and to that add a layer of newspaper. If there are any rocks or roots that are causing the paper to bulge, this is time to remove them.
After the base is ready, you can lay the lining. Remember to keep smoothing it out as you go and when you start to fill the pond, keep gently tugging on it to keep it snug. Now your pond is full and after you have installed the pump, it is time to beautify it. Start with flat rocks in a layer that holds the siding in place and then add another layer that staggers the edges to create an attractive border. Viola, your own pond!
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