PONDS

A'S HOME CENTER

514 ROUTE 9, LANOKA HARBOR, NJ 08734

HARDWARE-609 693 3160 GARDEN CENTER 609-693-2673

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Last Updated:09/15/2007

A soothing water garden adds sound and movement to a landscape.

"A garden is where the elements in nature collide, creating a wondrous peacefulness that we gardeners revel in," says master gardener Paul James. "So how do you turn the sounds of silence into a symphony? Just add water."

Chris Moore, owner of Moore Haven Water Gardens, is clear about why she's been water gardening for more than 25 years: "Water gardening is the easiest way to garden. Think of it this way--you don't have to weed." Simplicity is just one of the things she adores about water gardening. "It also brings tranquility to the garden," she says.

But before starting your own soothing spring, there are a few details to consider. Determine the size and shape of your pond to help you select the appropriate plants. Also think about how much light is available. Lots of sunshine can help keep the plants growing, the fish eating, and the algae in check. Plant life does well in a foot or two of water, but if you want fish, you need much more depth to prevent birds from plucking the fish from your pond.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

When choosing plants for your pond (figure A), select varieties that grow best in your climate. Marginal and bog plants do best along the pond edge, while some sink to the bottom. Floaters do just that--float along the top of the water surface.

To plant a water garden, just lay the floaters on the water surface (figure B). Moore recommends dropping the plant in the water in the shallower section of the pond.

Floaters, like this water hyacinth (figure C), play an important role in filtering your pond.

Potted water plants prefer a rich garden soil to the lighter, store-bought mixes. Layer rocks and pebbles along the surface of the pots to help weigh the containers down (figure D). Then slowly submerge the plants into the pond. As the plants become more established, you may want to move them deeper into the pond.

Most plants acclimate without additional fertilizers. Exceptions to the fertilizer rule include water lilies (figure E) and lotus. If you feed these water beauties regularly, you'll be rewarded with a display of delicate floating blossoms.

Water gardens can be relatively maintenance-free. By including fish in your pond, you create your own private ecosystem. Fish provide nutrients for the plants, and the plants oxygenate the water for the fish. Keep in mind that big fish like koi need a large pond, and smaller fish are happy wherever you put them.

"The fish bring the pond to life with their swimming and movements around," says Moore. "Plus, they eat the mosquitoes that find your pond." Since stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquito larvae, mosquito-eating fish can provide a much-appreciated service.

Water plants thrive on the nutrients provided by the fish. So if you cover the pond with about 65 to 70 percent plant material, less sunlight will reach the water, thus discouraging algae growth. Also, pond gardens shouldn't be drained often. Once you find the natural balance of your water garden, nature will take care of the rest.

If you build it, critters will come. From turtles and birds to frogs and bugs, water gardens can be an entertaining creature feature. "Just listen," says James. "The calming force of the water combined with the natural beauty of the plants--now there's a serene symphony that can grow on anyone."

Materials List

	Wheelbarrow Shovel and other digging tools
	Level
	Sand
	Paving or stone
	Pond liner (rubber or hard shell)
	Pump, filter, and heater (optional)

Build a Pond in Your Yard
Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Ponds have become a popular addition to home landscaping in recent years. Available in various sizes and shapes, ponds create a unique focal point for any yard. Once your pond is built, the entire family can enjoy new aquatic and bog plant life and fish. Future additions such as fountains, cascades, or waterfalls can enhance the project in years to come. Here are the basics for adding a pond to your yard.

Step 1. Outline; Remove Sod
Locate pond in a level area, preferably at the lowest point in the yard and with mixed sun and shade. Use a garden hose or rope to outline the perimeter of your pond. Remove and save any sod from the pond area.

Step 2. Excavate
If using a hard-shell liner, dig out the center to full depth and then slope sides. With a rubber or reinforced PVC flexible liner, many people create a shelf for plants around the perimeter of the pond. If you choose to do this, excavate the entire area to plant-shelf depth (typically 6 to 12 inches) then dig deeper (18 to 24 inches) in the remaining area.

Caution :
Before you excavate, be sure to check the area for buried water or electrical lines. To be safe, contact "Call Before You Dig," nationwide at 1-800-922-4455.

Step 3. Level and Smooth Area
Remove all rocks and roots. Line the leveled horizontal surfaces with an inch or two of wet sand. If using a flexible liner, also cushion the walls with long-lasting polyester lining.

Tip :
If rock/plant shelf soil is loose, mix stiff concrete into the top couple inches of soil instead of sand.

Step 4. Install Liner
Drop in hard-shell liner, or drape sun-warmed rubber liner into the hole so it overlaps at least a foot on all sides, and weight the edges with large stones. As you fill the hard shell with water, backfill with sand between the shell and the earth. As you fill the liner with water, smooth out large wrinkles in a fabric liner and trim off excess for a 4- to 6-inch overlap.

Tip :
Use cutoffs of rubber liner for extra padding under rocks or pots that are set on the plant shelf at the pond perimeter.

Step 5. Landscape the Edge
To disguise the hard edge of a shell or to cover the exposed liner overlap, landscape the perimeter with stones and plantings. For a formal edging, called coping, set paving stones in a bed of mortar (3 parts sand and 1 part cement). For a natural look, set stones on plant shelves and overlap; cover the overlap with gravel and mulch for plants or soil for sod.

Caution :
Make sure stones are firmly set and won't shift if stood on. Do not lay stones atop the edge of a hard-shell liner. They may crack it.

Tip :
Incorporate two kinds of pipes - one electrical and one water - in any coping or stone edging, in case you want to add a pump for a fountain or water source at a future date.

Step 6. Plant and Stock Pond
Stocking the Pond you have just built is the best part. Visit A's Home Center and we can help make this a rewarding time for to sit back and enjoy the look you have created.