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Information
about fountains, ponds, water gardens, garden
ponds and fountains with details of garden ponds
and fountains for your garden and other garden
water features.
Build
your own garden ponds and fountains
Anyone
can create their own personal oasis of garden
ponds and fountains.
Plan
for Safety - garden ponds and fountains
Safety
is the most important factor in planning a water
garden. One of the biggest concerns about garden
ponds and fountains is the safety of small children.
Never leave children unattended, even around shallow
water. There may also be rules concerning its
placement and size. Always check with your local
authorities.
Selecting
a Site for garden ponds and fountains
The
best location for a pond is on level, well-drained
ground. Plan the most direct line possible between
the house and the pond for electrical wiring.
Also a proper balance of sun and shade is essential
for successful garden ponds and fountains.
Steps
for Building Garden ponds and fountains
Koi
garden ponds and fountains
A koi pond is different from a water garden because
koi limit the amount of plant life available to
be grown. A koi pond should also be larger because
koi get quite large despite the size of the pond,
it is recommended that a koi pond be no less than
1000 gallons in volume, the bigger the better.
It also needs to have an area of the pond at least
3 feet deep, 4 - 5 may be better.
Water
garden - garden ponds and fountains
A water garden typically contains both goldfish
and a variety of aquatic plants. Water gardens
in moderate climates usually need the pond to
be at least 2 feet deep. Colder climates require
a depth to provide at least 12" to 16"
of water below the freeze zone.
Location of garden ponds and fountains
Select
an area where you can see the pond year round.
Ponds are great attracters of wildlife including
birds and butterflies. Position the pond where
runoff from rain will not flow into the pond.
This may carry fertilizers, chemicals, and organic
debris into the pond. Position your pond where
it will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct
sun if you want grow water lilies. Shade is fine
for fish-only ponds.
Size
of garden ponds and fountains
A
pond for goldfish or water lilies need be only
about 2 feet deep. Ponds built in colder areas
may need more depth to keep the pond from freezing
solid. Ponds built for koi should be close to
three feet or deeper to allow these larger fish
enough space. After you have laid out the shape,
measure the maximum length and width. Add the
depth twice to these measurements plus a foot
or two for overlap and this will give you the
pond liner size.
Dig
out your garden ponds and fountains
Dig
the water gardens and fountains pond or water
garden to the desired shape and dig a shelf around
the perimeter of the pond about one foot deep
and one or more feet wide. Dig the remainder of
the pond with a slight slope to the end opposite
the waterfall if one is included in the design.
Filters
for garden ponds and fountains
Position
any external pond filters or pond skimmers and
level these in their proper location. Pond skimmers
should be buried to the proper level beside the
pond. A ditch should be dug for the plumbing from
the pond to the waterfall or external pond filter.
If a pond skimmer is being used, dig a ditch to
the external pond pump and from the pump to the
external pond filter or waterfall. If you are
using a submersible pump in the water gardens
and fountains pond skimmer then the ditch will
be from the skimmer to the external pond filter
or waterfall.
Liners
for garden ponds and fountains
Line
the pond or water garden excavation with Pond
Underlayment. This can be cut with scissors or
a utility knife. You may want to tape any small
pieces together to keep them from moving when
the pond liner is placed.
Place the rubber pond liner into the excavation
and unfold. Position the liner evenly in the pond.
Try to minimize folds and wrinkles but some will
be necessary. After the water is added the folds
should flatten out.
Add
stones, edgings and plants to garden ponds and
fountains
Place
the stone or other coping around the edge of the
pond or water garden. Arrange the copingstone
around the edge of the pond and fold the pond
liner up behind the stone to slightly above the
water level. Back fill with soil to hold the pond
liner against the stone. Fill the pond with water
to within a few inches from the top and then make
corrections if necessary to ensure that the pond
is level. As the water gardens and fountains pond
is filling remove wrinkles and make folds as necessary.
Add
aquatic plants as soon as possible after constructing
the pond or water garden. Add a packaged bacteria
to seed the pond filter and pond. Fish should
be added a few at a time over several weeks to
allow the bacteria to establish in your water
garden.
Types
of Fountains for garden ponds and fountains
There
are two basic kinds of fountains: sprays (or fountain
jets) and ornamental statuary. If you choose a
spray type fountain, place it in a sheltered area
so that wind gusts don’t disrupt the spray
pattern or blow the water outside the fountain
receptacle. Fountain jets come in a wide variety
of ornamental spray patterns. Statuary fountains
range in design from classical Greek figures to
modern art forms.
Choosing
a Pump for garden ponds and fountains
Still
water in a garden pool is beautiful, but moving
water adds excitement. Pumps make fountains spray,
ponds drain, and water recirculate.
To determine the size pump you need, first calculate
the volume of water in the pond. Choose a pump
that can move half the total volume in one hour.
When in doubt, buy a more powerful pump.
Filtration
for garden ponds and fountains
The
purpose of a filter is to trap floating matter,
including fish waste, decaying organic matter,
floating algae, and leftover fish food. Some types
of filters also remove ammonia and other toxic
chemicals. Filters help maintain a healthy, balanced
pond and significantly increase water clarity.
Garden
Fountains
- Their Garden Fountains are a popular amenity
for gardens large and small. The pleasant flow
of water helps block background noise and enhance
the tranquility and peacefulness of your outdoor
areas. Includes beautiful fibreglass wall mounted
fountains.
more
information about fountains
more
about water gardens
Water
Fountain information
end
of garden ponds and fountains information page
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