Construction of a Water Garden

Choosing the best location is the first step. Provide as much direct sunlight as possible, blooming plants require 5 – 6 hours per day. Avoid low lying areas and areas with trees that shed their leaves.

Material Lists

• Pond material (liner, preformed plastic, or fiberglass)
• Pump
• Filter
• Underlayment
• Stone and gravel material

 

Calculations

Length of liner = length of pond + (depth X 2) + 2’

Width of liner = width of pond + (depth X 2) + 2’

Capacity (gallons) = length (ft) X width (ft) X depth (ft) X 7.5

 

Construction

• Outline the desired shape & size with a hose, rope or marking paint.
• Excavate the area so that the pond will have a flat bottom, sloped sides (70-90 degrees) and a planting shelf approximately 12-16” below water level & up to 12” wide. A good pond depth is 24” or more.
• Check the levelness of the pond (use a 2 X 4 to span & place 4’ level on the 2 X 4)
• The excavated pond should then be covered with a cushion layer (damp sand, carpet, or underlayment fabric)
• Drape the liner as evenly as possible, working out creases.
• Fill with water.
• Place stones on shelf & edges and finish filling.
• Use a combination of stone, gravel & plants to finish off the pond.

Tips

If you must build the pond around trees that drop their leaves you can protect the pond with netting in the fall to keep the leaves out.

Call OUPS, Ohio Utilities Protection Service, at 1-800-362-2764 before digging.

There may be local building codes regarding depth of water. In some areas ponds deeper than 18” require fencing.

If adding a water fall, upsize pump at least 25%.

Plants are necessary to balance the pond’s eco-system.