July 23, 2018 by Cherry Lane
A garden pond is a great way of adding an interesting focal point to your garden and a traditional pond is perfect for classic country style gardens. As well as this, a garden pond can attract all sorts of wildlife to your garden, from amphibians to insects, birds and even hedgehogs. A garden pond is relatively easy to create and won’t require months of upheaval in your garden. Simply follow our steps and you’ll be able to enjoy your new garden pond before the end of summer.
Step one: create the basic pond
First you will need to create a layout of your pond, the best way to do this is by using sand or string. You will also need to layout the shelves inside the pond. Normally it is a good idea to include shelves in the pond as it will allow different sorts of plants to grow, plus will help to create a more authentic looking pond. At this stage you will need to decide how deep you want the shelves to be, as a guideline normally the top shelf will be 15-20cm deep, the middle shelf 35-40cm deep and the middle of the pond about 70cm-1m deep.
Step two: dig the pond
Start digging your pond by digging to the depth of the first shelf. Cut out the turf and keep it to one side for later. Continue digging to the different depths of your pond until you reach the bottom of the pond. It is advisable to create a slope on one side of your pond, reaching the maximum depth of the pond as this will enable different types of wildlife access to the pond as well as creating a more natural look. Once the pond has been dug ensure that all large and sharp objects, such as stones, have been removed from the pond and add a layer of sand.
Step three: line the pond
When lining your pond you will first need to add an under-liner, as this will help to protect the lining of the pond. Ideally it is best to purchase under-liner specifically for ponds for this. Once the under-liner has been added, you can then add the pond lining. Roll out the pond lining over the pond and cut around the edge but still ensure that some of the lining is left at the edges. Secure the pond lining around the edges with stones and partly fill the pond, make sure the lining fits the pond snugly, then finish filling the pond. Once the pond has been filled, cut around the lining but ensure you leave 30cm of lining around all sides of the pond.
Step four: finishing touches
Replace the turf along the edges of the pond to hide the lining and to create a natural look. Then add any finishing touches to your pond, such as aquatic plants or ornaments you want around your pond.
