How to Build a Garden Pond (DIY Project)
Pond 11 years ago 518,337 views
My DIY Garden Pond Project Beginning to Completion. You can also see many other videos on my Youtube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ww2dynamite Main reason is because you want one! Benefits are: its very soothing to look at and interesting to see all the wildlife it attracts - frogs, dragonflies, newts if you're lucky and much more. You need to decide whether you want a natural wildlife pond or a formal one - I reckon formal ones are easier to build, but if you go for that option make sure there is somewhere that tiny froglets etc can climb out - a basket of eg water iris in one corner would do nicely. Down side is occasionally you may need to empty it, especially if it isn't big enough - you really need a minimum of about 8 x6 feet for the water to stay balanced well. You will need to put a net over it in autumn if there are trees nearby, to prevent a lot of leaves blowing into it. Digging the hole is hard work and you need to put the excavated stuff somewhere. Get some books from the library about garden ponds - you will find heaps of helpful information. Better than looking on the net as you can keep referring to them. Before you start It's easy to create a simple pond in your own garden. Always consider the following: •The view of the feature from every angle of the garden and house. •The type of pond - will you use a liner or a preformed pool? •The size of the pond. •The type of plants you wish to grow. Different plants require different depths of water. •Avoid shady areas, especially near deciduous trees. •Seek professional advice when constructing complicated designs and using electricity to operate pumps. What to do Time needed Depends on the size of the pond You will need •Craft knife •Hose - for marking out shape •Plank - long enough to reach over pond •Spade •Spirit level •Wooden pegs •Butyl liner •Pond insulation liner or old carpet •Canes •Paving or turf for edging •Soft building sand Marking out •Define the perimeter of the pond, either with string, a length of hosepipe, or by trickling a layer of dry sand through your fingers. • Remove the turf from the area and stack neatly away from the working place. Digging •Excavate the area with a spade to the depth of the first shelf. Mark the outline of the shelf with sand or string. •Dig out the centre of the pond and either add additional shelves, or dig until the required maximum depth has been reached. •Check each shelf is level. Wildlife in mind •Move the dug-out soil to another area of the garden. •Check the sides of the pond following the profile you intended. It's a good idea to give one side of the pond a gentle slope to offer animals, such as hedgehogs, a means of escape if they fall in. Lining the pond •Remove any lumps or sharp stones from the hole. Then spread a 3cm (1.2in) layer of soft builder's sand over the area. This will help protect the butyl liner being punctured. •A layer of pond underlay or old carpet above the sand will provide additional protection. •Get a friend to assist in unfolding the butyl liner. Spread it evenly over the hole taking care not to damage it by dragging it on the ground. Secure the sides of the liner with bricks. Filling up •Start filling the pool with water and pull the edges of the liner so that it fits neatly over the contours of the pond. •Continue filling the hole with water until the pond is full. •Trim the sides of the liner leaving a 30cm (12in) overlap around the sides of the pond. •Cover these with paving slabs, or if you want to create a more natural effect, lay turf up to the water's edge. •The liner should be covered to prevent sunlight causing it to perish. Position plants and add oxygenators. If you want to add fish wait six weeks until the plants are established. Pond safety According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), children below the age of five are most at risk of drowning in garden ponds. The only way to avoid potential disasters is to not have a pond. There are, however, precautions that you can take to significantly reduce the chance of accidents. Rigid steel mesh frames can be positioned securely over ponds. These can be obtained from security grille suppliers and metal stockholders who should be able to cut the mesh to size. Mesh should be heavy duty, ideally made from 6mm to 8mm diameter wire. Secure it firmly and it should support the weight of a young child. Ideally the mesh should be positioned above the water level.
around the base, yes she dug out a place for the pond to set in then filled in around it.and it looks really nice she is going to put some decorative rock around to hide the cement blocks
10. comment for How to Build a Garden Pond (DIY Project)
20. comment for How to Build a Garden Pond (DIY Project)
Edit: From what I understand baby turtles will eat Mozzie larvae but adults may not so much. Not really sure.
30. comment for How to Build a Garden Pond (DIY Project)
I'm just starting most of mine on digging by shovel with my 3 boys.
But so far it 8 foot deep at its deepest 15 wide and 20 ft across . All this is at the highest measurements. Curving here and there. Going to connect a stream. That will curve around the yard . That will be about 18 ft long if straight. With all that dirt I am making a six foot water fall that will spill out four times on each side. Future plans is to have stream connect to a half in ground and out of ground 12 by12 . 6 ft deep pond. Should have all yard covered and have sitting areas with a small patio to cook and sit too. Fish will be koi, sunfish , walleye , perch minnows. And whatever comes to live. Should be done in 2 years if we do it ourselves .might use some of my retirement money to hire pros.
I just was looking at ideas of a bunch of ponds . I will be using 2 150 gal Rubbermaid tubs and 2 Bakki systems . Also 4 gravity feed 50 gallon trash bins. All those will be hidden in shed. Maybe 3 skimmers but at least 2.
Yes I do plan on eating the pan fish.
If you think I'm going over board I might be but if you have more ideas or helpful info just let me know. Thanks.
50. comment for How to Build a Garden Pond (DIY Project)