Garden Pond Ideas and Design - Building and Installing a Garden Pond

We provide an outline as to the structure of a garden pond below.

Rocks and Foliage at the edge of a Garden Pond add a finishing touch
(Foliage is a low growing or 'prostrate' conifer)

Consider the following factors

• Slope:
  Usually a fall of about 30cm in 3m is enough for a stream to run.
• Water loss:
  Water loss can be minimized by using a good quality pond liner to line both the pond and stream. Streamside planting to provide shade can also help minimize water loss through evaporation.
• Rock:
  Rocks and stones lining the stream help give a natural look. Rocks around a pond also look great.
• Pumps:
  Water flow is important, so a quality pump and filtration set up is essential. Pump suppliers can recommend an appropriate pump for the required water flow.
• Overflow:
  It is essential to make provision for overflow. Connect you pond to an overflow pit or a storm water drain (consult your local council for regulations)
• Plants:
  No water garden is complete without plants.
  Astilbe, Dicentra, Lobelia, Aquilegia, Ferns, Hostas, Rhododendrons, Rodgersia, Water lilies all do well in damp conditions. Plants provide a more natural look as well as protection from sun.
• Koi or 'Nishikigoi'
  Keeping fish in ponds is a popular hobby in many parts of the world, Koi, which are sometimes referred to as the 'Swimming jewels of the Orient' are the most popular od all pond fish. Koi are a small japanese fish used in ponds for the color and movement that they bring.

Garden ponds are a great feature in any garden, and when you use specialist garden pond liners and provide shade for you pond by using appropriate garden plants water loss from garden ponds and other water features through seepage can be minimized. Ponds kits are readily available, these include preformed garden ponds made from UV stabilized PVC or similar products. A waterfall flowing into a garden pond is another element to consider adding to your garden pond design. Fountains can be another very worthwhile feature in any garden pond.

Garden Pond design can be simple, a pond liner with rocks for an edge and a solar powered pump will do the job.

Or you could install a more fanciful design, perhaps a natural woodland setting, with a trickling waterfall, logs and plants to the edge and a misting fountain to create a magical effect.

The trick with pond design is to work on your idea until you have a firm understanding of how it will fit into your overall garden design, and to use quality materials, especially pond liner.