Simple Steps for Creating Beautiful Backyard Ponds
Backyard ponds can be easy to plan and excavate, and – with a little imagination – they can be made to look like a natural feature of a landscape. The only additional material you may need for a basic design, aside from a shovel, water, and some muscle power, is a pre-formed or flexible liner and a pump, if you plan on adding a fountain effect.
Begin by choosing a site that makes sense in terms of the overall layout of your landscape. Are there areas where water naturally collects after a rain shower? Digging your pond in such a place can solve poor soil drainage problems while at the same time alleviating your need to manually fill your pond as often – or at all. You can even utilize rainwater by channeling it from your roof gutters down the spout and into a low-lying part of your yard where you’ve dug your pond, thus keeping it naturally filled throughout much of the year. Consider also the presence of trees in the area. Falling leaves can be a boon to a mini ecosystem if you plan on utilizing your pond as a habitat for amphibians. But they can be nuisances if you’re envisioning, instead, a pristine and quiet water garden. Finally, make sure that you aren’t planning on digging over any water or power lines.
