How To Make A Garden Pond

Eleni
by Eleni
4 Materials
$200
3 Days
Medium
Garden ponds are a beautiful feature in any garden and the soft tinkling sound of running water in the background is really peaceful, soothing and cooling in the summer. A garden pond is really a much easier DIY project than you might think.

So, how do you go about making a small garden pond on your own?

There are basically two ways to build your garden pond.

The first is to draw the shape you want for your pond on the ground and then dig a hole in this shape which you will line with a special pond liner before filling it with water.

The second way which is the one I opted for and which I think is easier, faster and more reliable is to buy a plastic garden pond and landscape around it. Here is how to do it:

Step 1
The first step is to choose your garden pond from the many sizes and shapes available.

After you have chosen and bought your plastic pond, the second step is to find the spot in your garden where you would like to place it. There is no general rule on that, but as a garden pond is likely to be a focal point in most gardens, you should try to find a rather central spot, in full view from both the garden and the house. It should also be near a power outlet in order to accommodate the pump and lighting, unless you are using solar power.

Step 2
Place the plastic pond on the ground and draw a rough outline around it. Dig a hole deep enough and large enough to accomodate the pond, without worrying too much about getting the shape perfect. Just dig an oblong hole a little larger and slightly shallower than the pond. You want the rim of the pond to be just above ground when you put it in.

Place your pond inside the hole and start filling the space around it with earth, making sure that you have the pond level. Now slowly fill the pond with water, packing some more earth around it if needed. Place the pump and lights on the bottom and connect to the power outlet. Add a few aquatic plants and even some fish (e.g. koi or other types of goldfish) if you like.


Step 3
You can place some rocks or colored pebbles around the rim of the pond to make it look more natural or even build a rock garden around it. Plant the surrounding area with flowers and small shrubs, making sure that you choose plants that won't grow too tall and bushy and hide the pond from view.


Fish are a wonderful idea for a garden pond as well. Some large goldfish species like Koi are perfect for garden ponds, although you should take care to prevent your pond from freezing over in winter.


Placing a pump in your pond not only keeps the water clean but with the various fountain heads provided in the kits, you can have beautiful waterfall patterns in your pond. A submersible light is also a great idea, as it will light up your pond at night and provide you with an extremely beautiful and soothing sight.
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3 of 4 comments
  • William William on Jun 22, 2018

    Beautiful pond! Only I think the pond liner should be deeper in the ground. The curved lip should be level with the the ground and stones laid to cover the lip to make it look more natural.

    • Eleni Eleni on Jun 23, 2018

      Thanks. I think you may be right. The problem is if I put it deeper, earth tends to fall in when I work in the garden and plants around the pond, or when it rains really heavily

  • William William on Jun 23, 2018

    Once it's level with the ground build around it with flagstone or any flat irregular stones. Will look less than a man made pond and should keep the soil out.

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