The spectacle and sound of the water gives a sense of peace to the courtyards and gardens. If you don't have a natural water spring on your property, consider building an artificial pond. Artificial ponds are practical and beautiful: when done right, they represent a habitat for the wildlife of your region. Read the article to understand how to build an artificial pond to encourage wildlife or to beautify your garden.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Planning and Placement
Step 1. Decide what kind of pond you want
What function will it have to perform? Think carefully about the features you like before planning the construction. The most common types of artificial pond fall into one of the following categories.
- An artificial wildlife pond is perhaps the easiest type to build. It doesn't require a pump, so it doesn't need an electricity source. An artificial pond of this type is constructed to appear as an integral part of the natural landscape. Since it is not populated by fish, it becomes welcoming to frogs, snails, water turtles and other animals who can use it for drinking or bathing.
- An artificial garden pond has a more ornamental function. These ponds have water lily leaves and other aquatic plants and are designed to enhance the aesthetics of a garden. Artfully arranged stones, small waterfalls and some goldfish are typical features of this type of pond.
Step 2. Choose a location for your pond
Most ponds work well if they are placed in areas with both sun and shade, as similar environments promote plant growth and keep algae in check. Chances are you want to place the pond so you can see it from home, so you can enjoy the view even when it's cold or raining.
- If you are building the pond in the backyard, the first thing to do is to contact the gas company and ENEL and ask to come to your home, in order to indicate where the pipes and the electricity line pass and so you will avoid dig into those spots.
- If your property is much larger, there may be other things to consider. For example, you should find out if there may be protected species on your property and if there are local regulations that you should be aware of before you start digging.
- Do not choose an area close to trees, as digging could damage their roots.
Step 3. Consider the size and depth of the pond
If you live in a humid area, the dimensions can range between 60 and 90 cm in width and depth. Conversely, if you live in a dry area, a shallow pond will evaporate quickly, so you'll need to carefully consider the appropriate size.
- Artificial ponds of good extension are the easiest to maintain. They are more stable, so plants and wildlife will have a better chance of survival.
- Use a rope to draw the shape of the pond. Always keep an eye on it and use it as a guide when you start digging.
Part 2 of 3: Building a Wildlife Pond
Step 1. Excavate
For a small pond, digging with a shovel should suffice. Keep the following factors in mind as you dig:
- Since you want to facilitate the development of wildlife, the pond will need to be deep enough not to freeze over during the winter. If you live in a frost-prone area, you will need to reach a depth of at least one and a half meters so that the animals can survive the winter.
- One side of the pond must have a minimum slope, to mimic a small beach, so that the animals that enter can then go out on their own. If each side is steep, the animals can drown.
- Set aside some earth from the excavation. You can use it later, to level the edges of the pond.
- After you've finished digging, remove any rough-surfaced stones from the cavity.
Step 2. Line the pond
First, put a layer of sand to fill each gap, then overlay a layer of biodegradable material, such as newspaper or jute. Cover this layer with a waterproof coating.
There are several types of waterproof coating, available in hardware stores and garden supply stores
Step 3. Fill the pond
Use a garden pump to fill the pond to the brim, taking care not to spill the water. You could also fill the pond with rainwater if you don't feel like using mains water.
Trim the excess edge of the waterproof liner so that it does not exceed 12 cm
Step 4. Create a groove around the edge of the pond
Tighten the edge of the waterproof lining well and use a spade to make a groove in the earth about 16 cm wide all around the pond. Insert the spade a few inches into the furrow and bring it to ground level, then gently lift the grass surrounding the furrow, creating a raised tab of grass all around the furrow. Keeping the grass raised, tuck the edges of the liner into the furrow and replace the turf clods as you go, hiding the furrow. This way, you will give the pond a "natural" edge, which will be inviting for wildlife.
Step 5. Add water from a natural pond
Take a few tens of liters of water from a natural pond. Look for a pond that is several years old, i.e. don't take into consideration the artificial pond in your neighbor's yard. Fill your bins with pond water, avoiding catching fish as well. Add this water to your man-made pond to enrich it with bacteria and other microscopic creatures and help populate wildlife.
Step 6. Watch your pond go wild
“Your pond will change over time, attracting insects and other creatures as nutrients build up.
- Do not mow the grass in the area around the pond; on the contrary, let it grow.
- Wait a few years before putting fish in the pond. Their presence will prevent the pond from becoming populations of frogs, snails and other forms of wild life.
- Create a muddy bottom for the pond by pouring some of the dirt you removed into it. You could plant bamboo canes and other natural aquatic plants, such as water lilies, to help develop other wildlife.
Part 3 of 3: Building a Garden Pond
Step 1. Dig the pond
A garden pond often has multiple levels, to be able to add a waterfall and to be able to house a pump. If you intend to install electrical equipment, the pond must be located close enough to the house so that you can supply yourself with electricity. Use a spade to dig a large trench according to the extent and depth you have chosen.
- If you plan to install a pump, dig a second ditch, at least 20 centimeters deep, in the center of the pond.
- Create a second tier for the aquatic plants by digging a ditch around the perimeter of the pond
- You could also use a pre-made pond, available at garden stores. They are usually shaped like a bean and have multiple layers. If you decide to use one, take its size into account when digging the ditch to house it.
Step 2. Line the pond
First, put a layer of sand to fill each gap, then overlay a layer of biodegradable material, such as newspaper or jute. Cover this layer with a waterproof coating. This should cover the entire pond and its perimeter.
Step 3. Install the pump and other equipment
If you plan to put a pump, place it at the deepest point, so that the jet of the pump reaches the surface of the pond. You could also install a filter or bubble generator. Request detailed instructions from the manufacturer on how to install.
Make sure you raise the pump about ten centimeters to prevent dirt and debris from building up
Step 4. Create the edge of the pond
Cut out the liner so that it extends approximately 12 cm over the edge of the pond. Dig a small ditch below the edge of the liner, in which you will need to stretch it out, then block the edge with flat, heavy stones. River stones are perfect for the purpose.
- Make sure that the stones sink into the ground for a few centimeters, so that they are at the same level as the water of the pond.
- If the stones are large and heavy, there is no need to add anything else. If you are using smaller and lighter stones, it would be wise to add concrete to prevent them from being lost when there are people at the edge of the pond.
- If you install a fixture to make a waterfall, you will get a remarkable aesthetic effect by surrounding it with stones.
- Let your creativity run free: you can create designs with stones or use stones of different shapes, sizes and colors to embellish your garden.
Step 5. Fill the pond
Use a pump to fill the pond until the water reaches the edge and prevents it from spilling out. Test the pump and other equipment you will need to use to make sure they are working properly.
Step 6. Create a water garden
Add water lilies, reeds, and other aquatic plants. Each plant has specific needs, so make sure that the environment you have created is able to support the growth of the plants you have chosen. For example, some plants do not develop well if the environment is mobile, so they should not be placed near the waterfall.
Step 7. Add some goldfish
Go to a pet store and buy some goldfish to put in the pond. Look for information to find out which plants they can coexist with. Do not put too many, otherwise they could damage the plants.
- If you can strike the right balance between plants and fish, you don't need to add a filter to your pond. On the other hand, if you have a lot of fish, you will need a filter to be able to manage their droppings.
- Koi fish are different from goldfish and require a special pond.
Advice
- Water hyacinths, once they have rooted well, are excellent at absorbing those nutrients that allow algae to grow and therefore keep the water very clean.
- Add fish to the pond only after a few days have elapsed to allow the pH and temperature of the water to stabilize.
- Keep in mind that in fish ponds, wildlife will develop with difficulty; fish will eat frogs, toads and newt eggs, so it is important that you decide what type of pond you want to get.
- A nursery is typically a good source of aquatic plants, stones, statues, and fountain kits to place in ponds.
Warnings
- When buying plants, make sure they are not toxic to fish or other animals.
- Learn about the rules and regulations regarding pond safety. For example, for deep ponds, it may be necessary to install a fence.
