Water is one of the most desirable features you can add to a garden, not only for its intrinsic appeal, but also because it attracts wildlife and allows you to introduce fish and a range of interesting aquatic plants to your landscape. The surrounding plants will benefit too: as water evaporates, the immediate area will be cooled, and moisture-loving plants will respond happily and thrive in the slightly higher humidity that is created.
A pond also takes up little space and can provide a wonderful display of aquatic plants. Choose a sheltered garden area with filtered light, add a little landscaping (perhaps with rocks) and some specialised planting and you can create an individual garden feature.
The right pond in the right place can be exceptionally appealing in any garden, and the wide range of pond types and sizes allows you to select one suit your particular situation.
Choosing the site
If you plan to keep fish or grow water-lilies, site your pond where it gets at least five hours of full sun a day. Otherwise, its position should be influenced by the slope and style of your garden. Water will naturally flow to and collect in the lowest part of the garden and a pond will look most natural there. If that site is inconvenient, however, place the pond where it will be seen to best advantage. If you want to incorporate a fountain or cascade, or if you want to filter the water, a conveniently located power point will be needed.
Choosing size and shape
When it comes to ponds, the bigger and deeper the better. Small pools evaporate quickly and the temperature of the water fluctuates too widely for the comfort of fish and many plants. While areas of shallow water at the edges will allow you to grow interesting marsh plants, be sure that at least two-thirds of the surface area has 600 mm of water below it. This will enable you to grow deep-water plants such as water-lilies and lotus and it will also help protect fish from cats, birds and sunburn.
Two possible pond styles are the natural and the geometric. Both have their place, but naturally, you’d choose the one which best fits its immediate surroundings and/or the style of your garden.
Building a pond (liner)
Begin by laying out the plan. For an irregular, natural-looking pond, establish the shoreline with a long piece of rope or garden hose. IF you want a square or rectangular pond, use a stringline stretched taut between stakes. Be realistic about the size of hole you can dig. If you try to create a lake and then can’t finish the digging, you’ll end up with an undesirable, large, shallow area of water.