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There's serenity in the sight and sound of water, especially when it is in your own garden.
A Garden Water Feature adds a cool, lush look and feel to a garden with overall less effort than a normal planted garden twice the size.
Water gardens can be of any size. You can grow a small garden in any suitable waterproof container. You also can buy molded fiberglass ponds with or without waterfalls and fountains, in a myriad of shapes and sizes.
Garden ponds can also be constructed using liners. Pond liners are reasonable in cost and offer a quick and easy solution.
Another option for ponds is to use concrete. Take care to plan well beforehand as changes are a major undertaking if you change your mind later.
Whatever the size and shape of your water garden feature, if you are also installing a pump for a fountain or waterfall, select a low flow pump, a small one is all that is needed because most water plants require slow moving or still water.
Here's some tips to get you started:
- Regulations. Before installing an in-ground pond, check with your local building department. You may need a permit in your area.. Check with your local utility companies for the location of underground lines before you start digging.
- Sunlight. Most water plants need to be located where they will receive approximately 5 to 8 hours of sunlight. A shadier spot can be OK, but it will limit your choice of plants somewhat. Smaller ponds will benefit from afternoon shade.
- Drainage. When building an inground pond, the soil should be well drained to avoid shifting or settling that can crack or break the lining. Avoid spots that receive water runoff from the surrounding areas.
- Trees. Reconsider locating a pond under overhanging tees as falling leaves can decay in the water, harming fish and plant life. Clogged pumps and filters will also become a problem and it is possible that the tree's roots may be damaged.
- Water and electricity. Evaporation will occur periodically so plan the location of the water garden within reach of a garden hose. If you are using a pump for a fountain, waterfall or filter, you will need access to power nearby.
- Visibility. Your water garden should be located where you will be can enjoy it every day, near the house and where you can see it from a window.
- Size. The size of your pond should be suited to the size of your garden. A large pond in a small garden will not look attractive, keep it in proportion to the rest of your yard.
- Maintenance. Although your water garden feature is a self-contained ecosystem, it will still require some maintenance at different times of the year. This will include clean-up in the spring, periodic removal of debris and replenishing of the water, plant care, protection from leaves in the fall and preparation for winter.
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