Creating a Water Garden

Installing a water garden is very rewarding. The sound of running water is soothing after a hard day in the garden or at work. Discovering the wildlife that will come to your pond is exciting. Below are the basic steps for installing a water garden:

Step One: Choosing A Location

Locate the water garden near an electrical source. It should be away from trees as their roots and leaves may cause problems. The water garden should be located in an area which receives 5 - 6 hours of sun a day and be in a protected area. Too much sun and wind can cause rapid water evaporation. Do not locate your garden in a low lying area because chemicals used on the lawn can run into the water. If possible, make one edge slightly lower so that excess rain water is allowed to run off. View the chosen site from different areas of the yard and from inside the house. You’ll want to be able to see and hear it from the house. Mark out the shape of the garden with a hose or rope. Check with your city hall to learn what types of restrictive codes there are when installing a water garden. You may be required to install a fence if there are children in the neighborhood. Remember to always call the GOPHER ONE LINE at 454-0002 in the metro area before digging. Outside the metro area the number is: 1-800-252-1166.

Step Two: Excavating the Site

When digging the site, it is important to remove all stones and tree roots. These can puncture the liner. As you dig, keep in mind that you will want shelves for your plants. It is easier to firm up the shelves as you dig down. The sides of the pond should slope downward at about a 20 degree angle. Keep the edges of the pond level. The minimum depth of a pond is 18 inch. If you are planning on adding fish, you will want to go deeper. Firm and tamp down all the soil when the digging is done. An underlament should be used to protect and cushion the liner.

Step Three: Installing the Liner

You will need to calculate the amount of liner that you will need. A simple formula is: Length of the liner is the overall length of the pool plus twice the maximum depth. Width of the liner is the overall width of the pool, also twice the maximum depth. Once you have the liner, you can install it. First, fold and center the liner in the pond. Second, unfold the liner and weigh it down on the outside edges of the pond. Thirdly, gradually fill it with water. As it fills and the liner is pulled downward, gradually remove the weights. Even out the creases and trim the edges of the liner. Lastly, you will need to disguise the edges of the liner with some form of edging. This edging should project 2 inch over the water.

Step Four: Stocking the Pond

At this time, you can add a pump with a decorative fountain head, sit back and enjoy the pleasures of moving water. It is necessary to wait a few days before adding any plant material. The chlorine in the water needs to disperse. Allow four weeks between adding plants and adding fish. This will permit the plants time to establish. It is normal for a new pond to go through a green water stage after start up.