"In the beginning..." Once you have decided on the shape and size (bigger is better!) you begin digging. This step is the most difficult as you have to be so careful to remove all roots and rocks - not to mention the back breaking job of shoveling dirt. Notice the pile of wood. It isn't firewood - it is the roots that were removed. After the hole (9 x 15 x 2) is completed you must make sure it is level and yet built up around the edges so rain run-off from the yard will not flow into the pond and pollute it. Our backyard needed landscaping help and putting in this pond was the best thing that could have happened to it. The only drawback is the huge 200 plus year oak over it but I'm still glad we added the pond.
"It's taking shape..." Now it is time to lay the felt down. A thick grade of felt purchased from a garden center was used. This felt liner protects from future root growth and prevents the roots from piercing the rubber liner. Some people use newspaper to line the bottom and others use sand. The felt liner is recommended. The pile toward the rear is the dirt that was removed from the hole and was used to make the waterfall base. Excuse the mess, construction can be very disorganized!
"Almost ready for water!..."The 45 mil rubber liner is now in place. Don't worry about the wrinkles - it adds character :) and are impossible to get out anyway. The landscape rocks are placed around the edges to hold the liners in place. The waterfall has both liners also with the rubber liner overlapping the pond liner. All that is left is to fill it with water and add a declorinater as well as something that removes cloramine. It is best to wait at least 48 to 72 hours after that to add fish and plants. We experimented with feeder goldfish as they are very inexpensive (12 for a buck!) and hardy. After about 3 weeks we added Orandas. Even though many people say you don't have to have a filter and pump to have a healthy pond, we preferred to place a biofilter and pump in. Also, in order to have a waterfall you have to have a pump to circulate the water!
"Completed!" Our pond was built in February 1998. The day it was finished turned out to be a cold cloudy day even for New Orleans standards. Our pond doesn't look like much in this photo but it has anachris grass, a potted iris, and a potted umbrella palm. Later we added hyacinth, more anachris, and floating lettuce plants. Later came the snails, frogs, and of course the fish. At the end opposite the waterfall is an island of rocks with driftwood strategically placed. The rocks are a hiding place for the fish; the driftwood is a place for the frogs to give their performance. Compare this photo with the next and you will see how a little time and effort has paid off.
Below is a picture taken in April 1998. Our watergarden slash pond has given us many hours of pleasure and has more than paid for itself just in the relaxing atmosphere is has created. There is nothing like having fish eat out of your hand or watching birds drinking from the waterfall pools. Or hearing frogs and toads serenading at night during the summer from their secret hiding places among the rocks or driftwood. We watch dragonflies and butterflies settle delicately on the plants, and listen to the soft splash of the water as it flows over the rocks. It has more than paid us back with the serenity it has given.