Creating Water Features

CREATING WATER FEATURES: MAKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF PONDS (HALF BARREL, PREFORMED, BUTYL LINER) INSTALLING A FOUNTAIN, AND MAKING A BOG GARDEN

The allure of water is unmistakable, and for 1 many people, a garden is not complete unless it has a pond. Certainly, adding a water feature allows you to try a whole new type of gardening and a new range of plants, and water is excellent for attracting wildlife.

Even if space is at a premium, you will probably be able to make the room for a smaller feature, such as the pond in a half barrel described on this page, or a small fountain or bubble jet, which will introduce a new dimension to the atmosphere of your garden. If you do have the space for a pond, you will need to decide whether to construct it using a preformed pond liner (shown on these two pages) or a butyl liner (shown on the following two pages).

Preformed liners are not as long-lasting or as flexible as those made from butyl, but they do provide the quickest and simplest way to create an attractive pond in your garden.

MAKING A POND IN A HALF BARREL

A miniature pond in a half barrel is simple and quick to establish in a garden of any size. It has the additional advantage that it can be positioned as a focal point when it is looking its best, and then moved to a less prominent position as the leaves of the water plants die down in autumn. Choose small aquatic plants for a pond in a barrel, and be prepared to trim them back as necessary.

By selecting native plants, you will also-be able to attract some local wildlife on a small scale. As in larger ponds, you will need to remove blanket weed and algae regularly. Most barrels need to be treated to ensure they are watertight. Check that the sealant is not toxic to fish or plants before applying it to the clean, dry, inner surface of the barrel. Leave the barrel for a day or two, and once the sealant is dry, fill the barrel with water. Allow it to stand for a few hours, then discard the water and refill with a fresh supply before adding plants.

You Will Need: •Half barrel •Scraper •Wire brush •Sealant •Paintbrush

SEALING THE HALF BARREL Coat the inside with sealant, being careful not to leave any gaps.

INSTALLING A FOUNTAIN

A gently trickling fountain brings a pond to life, and its sound is refreshing on a hot summer's day. It also helps to oxygenate the water and improves the environment for fish, although if the fountain is very vigorous, it may prove disturbing rather than beneficial.

Installing a fountain, either in a new or existing garden pond, is not difficult. For all but the largest fountain, use a submersible pump; these are easy to obtain from garden centers or water-garden suppliers. The pump or fountain you choose should be fitted with armored cable – if in doubt always check with the supplier before you buy. When you lay the cable, make the trench as deep as you can to prevent possible damage if the area is forked over for planting. It is essential to use a ground fault circuit interrupter as another safety precaution.

Installing a Fountain Keep the apparatus raised, using bricks if necessary, so that it doesn't get clogged with debris. Hide the cable in a deep trench to the nearest electrical source, concealing it at the edge of the pond using carefully positioned stones or slabs.

ELECTRICITY IN PONDS

Electricity and any kind of moisture is a lethal combination so, for safety's sake, it is essential that you buy a good quality pump or fountain with waterproof fixtures and armored cable. Follow instructions when installing a feature that uses electricity, or leave it to a professional.

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