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How to Build a Water Garden and Waterfall (page 2 of 3)

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Maintenance

Flexible plastic liners are also available. They’re made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and HDPE (high-density polyethylenes). These liners aren’t as flexible as rubber liners. Plastic liners are often used on large holding ponds when economy is a concern and flexibility is not. The preformed liners found at many home and garden centers are less desirable. These are essentially large plastic or fiberglass tubs. At first glance, these seem easier to install, but this usually isn’t the case. Preformed liners can be difficult to handle and level and, when lined with rocks and boulders, aren’t as forgiving as flexible ones.

• Most professionals use a 45-mil EPDM liner. (A mil is a thousandth of an inch.) It’s strong, yet flexible enough to handle easily.

• If you plan to have fish, make sure your liner is stamped “fish-safe.” Roofers often use a type of EPDM that’s been treated with chemicals that can harm fish.

• Purchase your liner in one single sheet, large enough to cover the entire pond bottom and sides. Liners are commonly cut and sold from 100-ft. rolls with 10- to 20-ft. widths; you can custom-order liners up to 45 ft. wide. Liners can be spliced if necessary, but it involves more work and provides an opportunity for a leak. If your waterfall or stream requires extra length, use a separate piece of liner. You don’t need to glue the two liners together as long as the stream or waterfall liner is higher than the water level of the pond.

• Calculate the dimensions of the liner by measuring the maximum length and the maximum width of your pond, then add three times the depth measurement to each dimension. Better a bit big than a bit small.

  Make Your Pond Hospitable to Plants and Fish
  A pond is just a hole filled with water. Add plants and it becomes a water garden. Add fish and your pond comes alive. You’ve got an entire aquatic ecosystem right in your back yard. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning for plants and fish.

  • Before adding plants or fish to your newly filled pond, wait a week for the chemicals in the tap water to neutralize. To accelerate the process, you can add a dechlorinator to the water. Consult your water garden supplier for more info on this chemical.

  • Anchor plants in pots or baskets designed for aquatic plants. A third option is to place the roots of each plant in “root balls,” a mix of gravel and soil in nylon stockings tied with soldering wire. Root balls are cheaper than pots or baskets and are easier to move. They also keep fish from disturbing the soil.

    Mistake: Don’t use standard potting soil in your pond. The high nutrient content encourages algae growth. Ordinary garden soil is just fine.

  • If you plan to stock your pond with fish, part of it must be at least 18 in. deep.

  • If you plan to leave your fish in year-round, keep a spot open in the pond by running an aerator or fountain all winter. If your climate is so cold that the pond still freezes, purchase a floating heater (less than $50). Keeping your pond open provides needed oxygen for the fish and allows gases to escape.

  • For convenience, leave hardy water plants in all winter. Bring tropicals or water plants from warmer plant zones inside for the winter. See “For More Information” for storage techniques.

  • Fish, like teenagers, need their space. One inch of fish for every square foot of pond surface is a good rule of thumb. For example, a 4-in. fish needs 4 sq. ft. of pond surface.

  • Hardy fish -- goldfish for example -- don’t require much attention. You don’t even need to feed them once they’re established, as long as your pond isn’t overstocked. Hardy ones can survive by eating insects and the plant life in your pond. They actually help keep your pond clean. If you plan to stock your pond with more exotic species, you’ll have to domore to ensure their survival.

  Simplify Maintenance With a Skimmer and Filter
  Keeping your pond clean isn’t difficult; once you get it down it’ll be as routine as taking a bath. Your pond has two sources of pollution: debris that falls or blows into the water and algae. Pick up leaves other wind-and blown debris with a fine-mesh net. The type used for skimming swimming pools works great. Skim daily to prevent the material from sinking to the bottom, decomposing and creat ing sludge.

• • Landscaping
• • Gardening
• • Backyards

• Step-by-Step Instructions and Pictures of How to Build a Water Garden and Waterfall
• Learn how to build a 10 x 16-ft. pond and waterfall using a flexible pond liner. Read an overview on how to build a water garden and waterfall.
• 
• How To Build A Water Garden and Stream
• How to build a pond and waterfall using preformed shells.
• 
• How to Build a Bamboo Water Feature
• Add the soothing sound of running water, using mail-order bamboo.
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• How to Install Deck Lighting
• How to install low-voltage lights for your deck.
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• Planning A Deck
• Building a decks is great because it can extend your living space. In these settings, entertaining can be gracious, informal, and lively.
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• Planning A Patio
• Build your dream patio with out handy planning tips.
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• Revitalize Your Garden!
• Enrich your garden with homemade, non-toxic soil, fertilizer, and pesticides.
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