Installing small ponds in gardens is a great way to add interest and create an amazing natural setting that will invite nature to your background. Installing ponds in gardens is not a terribly different task, but it does require taking certain steps in order to enjoy a successful installation.
Installing Your Garden Pond
The first step in installing a garden pond is selecting the right location. You will need to be able to get electricity to the pond in order to run the filter, so keep this in mind when selecting a location. You should also be aware that extremely sunny locations can be more difficult to keep clear of algae. At the same time, if you plan to put plants in your pond, you want to make certain the pond is located in an area that will allow the plants to receive the amount of sun they need. Putting plants in the pond will also help reduce problems with algae.
Gathering Your Materials and Tools
Now that you know where your pond will be located, it is time to gather the proper materials and tools. Some of the tools you will need include a shovel and a tamper in order to dig the hole for the pond and to backfill the dirt after the pond is installed. You will also need to get either a plastic pond shell or a pond liner, which will hold the water for your pond.
There are pros and cons associated with plastic shells and pond liners. Namely, you are free to create any shape you desire with a liner, but liners are more prone to tearing and are generally considered to be more difficult to install.
Digging Your Hole
If you have selected a plastic pond shell, you should then place the pond where you want it to be installed and then dig out the shape around the pond. Once you have created the outline, continue to dig out the area until it is deep enough for you to insert the plastic shell. Then, begin filling the pond with water before you start backfilling the dirt.
Once the pond has been filled about halfway, you can begin backfilling the hole and tamping down the dirt. It is important to have the pond partially filled before you start tamping the dirt. Otherwise, the pressure you put on the outside of the pond will cause the frame to become distorted.
Get the Water Flowing
Once your pond is completely filled with water and you have refilled all of the dirt, it is time to get your water moving. The exact system you use will depend upon your personal taste, but the main goal is to get a filtration system that will keep the water moving on a continual basis. You may decide to use a fountain that shoots the water into the air, but this is not necessary. So long as the water is moving, you will be able to get enough oxygen in the water to help prevent mosquitoes from making a home in your pond. Furthermore, your pond will be quite inviting to wildlife, particularly to frogs and toads!
