Building a water garden or garden pond

Getting Started

Additional Water Gardern Information

What is a water garden? Simply it is plant life located within water. It can be above ground or below the surface. It will consist of the elements that you feel will bring out the beauty and tranquility that is desired in your landscape or wherever you choose to place it. That is where we should begin – location.

The first and foremost step in building a water garden or garden pond is finding the right location. You will want to test the work area before going full swing into your project. This can easily be done with some rope or the use of a garden hose. Take your rope or garden hose and place it around the perimeter of the area in which you may want to place your water garden. View it from different angles. Ask yourself, is this a good accessible area to place your garden or pond? Weigh the factors that might make the difference. A low lying area in your yard may not be a good idea because of the rain run off. You don’t want to flood your garden by making this mistake. Yard chemicals that flow into your garden pond from rain run off can harshly affect your fish and plant life. Go for a good level spot just a little higher than the lowest area in your yard. Try to stay clear of large trees to avoid leaf clean-up in your garden pond.

Depending on what type of plants you have in your water garden, the sun and shade is always a factor for plant survival. Sunlight will encourage plant growth, but also encourages algae growth. Your plants will have instructional care, so be sure you know what the plants need to keep your maintenance down to a minimum. Always double check that you are getting the right type of plant for the location that you have chosen for your garden pond.

Let’s not forget, that before you dig in any area that you should always have it checked for buried utility lines and to make sure that you have the electrical access needed to hook up your pumps and filters. You don’t want to find out after you have started digging that you may have to relocate your water garden. Why create more work? The key to this project is minimal input to a beautiful output. You are trying to accomplish serenity while not overwhelming yourself.

1. Finding the location.
2. View the designated area from different angles. Make sure it is easily accessible and where you want your water garden to be located.
3. Keep in mind the life sustaining plant factors of sun and shade.
4. Stay away from low lying areas and large leaf bearing trees.
5. Always have the designated dig area checked for buried power lines.
6. Make sure you have electrical hookup access for pumps and filters.