Creating Water Features

CREATING WATER FEATURES: MAKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF PONDS (HALF BARREL, PREFORMED, BUTYL LINER) INSTALLING A FOUNTAIN, AND MAKING A BOG GARDEN (2)

Installing a Preformed Pond

Preformed liners are easy to install, sturdily built, and, if the preparation is done properly, they should last for at least ten years. A pond made in this way may not last as long as a pond made with a butyl liner however, and although preformed liners are available in a good selection of shapes and sizes, it may be hard to achieve the wide range of water depths possible using a flexible liner.

When marking out the site of the pond, use the liner as a template for the outline before excavating the different levels. The hardest and most essential job when installing a preformed pond finer is to make the liner level – if it is at a slant,all the water will run to one end when you fill the pond. Avoid this by using a level and a board to check as you work that the base and planting shelves are level. You can adjust how the pond sits by adding or removing sand and soil as you bed the liner into the ground. Keep the rim at the same height as the surrounding soil level. Once installed, your pond is ready for planting. It is a good idea to soften the edges of a new pond with marginal plants to make it look less stark.

YOU WILL NEED •Bricks •Bamboo stakes •String or rope •Preformed pond •Spade •Tape measure •Board •Level •Sand •Hose

HOW TO INSTALL A PREFORMED POND - STEP 1 Clear and level the site, then mark out the top edge of the liner on the ground. If it is symmetrical, invert the liner. For asymmetrical ponds, position the liner, stabilize it with bricks, then drive stakes into the ground around its edge and mark the outline with string.

HOW TO INSTALL A PREFORMED POND - STEP 2 Dig out a hole to match the shape of the liner, but 2in (5cm) deeper. Excavate the planting shelves, matching the sides to the slope of the liner, and check the depth using a board and level.

HOW TO INSTALL A PREFORMED POND - STEP 3 Remove stones, rubble, or tree roots from the hole, then line it with a 2in (5cm) layer of sand. Lower the liner into position and firm it down. Check it is level with a level on a board.

HOW TO INSTALL A PREFORMED POND - STEP 4 Fill the pond with water to a depth of about 4in (10cm). Backfill the gap around the edges with soil or sifted sand to a similar depth. Firm the soil or sand. Continue in the same way, adding water to the pond, backfilling around the edges, and tamping down the soil. Check the pond is level as you go. Use sod, mortared stones, or paving to hide the exposed edges of the pond.

Choosing a Preformed Pond Liner

Preformed liners are commonly made from plastic or fiberglass; the latter is more expensive but should last longer. Choose one with an unobtrusive color and a natural curved outline that blends in with its surroundings. Plenty of planting shelves will allow you to plant marginals as well as deep-water plants.

PLANTING SHELVES Planting shelves are wide enough for planting baskets.

SIMPLE SHAPE A simple shape is easier to install than one with lots of shelves.

BLACK LINER A black liner blends in well with the color of the surrounding soil.

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