Putting the Garden Pond Plan into Action
Garden Pond Construction
Years ago the popular television program The Beverly Hillbillies featured the character of Jed Clampet. Jed consistently referred to the swimming pool behind his mansion as the cement pond. Today it’s not a joke or a running gag since pools are out and ponds are in. It is however, the least desirable pond liner. Cement is subject to freezing and thawing and can crack. It does have its place though for more elaborate pond construction in large landscaping plans.
For smaller water gardens fiberglass ponds can be purchased and easily installed with minimal skills and hand tools. Larger constructions will probably use durable vinyl sheets which will be placed in the cantilevered excavation that has been dug out previously. Other lining materials like ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM) can also serve to line the pond in order to keep the water in a closed system.
Before beginning any construction project check with the municipality to see what regulations require of the type project under consideration. A building permit and various inspections may be needed for something as simple as a garden shed. Remember that this process exists for the protection of the public even though it may seem like unnecessary red tape. Next be 100% certain of the location of all underground services including gas lines, buried electric conduits, cables for television, farm drainage tiles, leach beds, water and sewer lines. Anything overlooked spells disaster.
Also be sure that the landscaping plan doesn’t interfere with ditch lines or natural storm water sheds. If working in an area that isn’t perfectly level there may be flooding issues that will turn a lovely landscape plan into a cesspool under the right set of the wrong conditions. In areas where garden ponds aren’t advisable; rain gardens might work very well and even serve practical watershed concerns. Bog gardens which remain constantly wet are possible alternatives. When all prudent measures are satisfied it’s time to begin.
Collect predrawn plans, tools and materials. Be sure that adequate time and weather conditions exist to allow for the initial installation. If more than one day is allotted be prepared to cover bare earth and store any animals that may have arrived before the pond is completed. If a backhoe or other substantial equipment is rented make provisions for its safe storage and timely return. When a contractor or workers are hired do all preliminary steps so that billable hours aren’t wasted.
Construction should proceed along orderly steps as follows:
- Measure distances between features. Outline the location of each item with chalk lines or rope.
- Dig to the precise dimensions and terraced shape checking for level periodically.
- Line the pool with fine pebbles, sand and geotextile as needed. Line the pool.
- A licensed electrical contractor may be necessary to install pumps, filters and lighting.
- Surrounding plants can be added.
- When constructions are completed fill the pool. Place marginal and submersible plants.
- Wait two weeks; use chloramine remover; add fish. Check pH in two months keeping it between 7-10