Add beauty and tranquillity to your garden with a pond

Building a garden pond can create a little ecosystem in your garden that will attract wildlife and pondlife and will add beauty and tranquillity to your outdoor space. Before you start, you should check with your council to familiarise yourself with any local regulations, permits, and safety guidelines regarding the construction of garden ponds. 
  
Here are the general steps involved in constructing a garden pond: 
  
Planning and Design: 
Determine the desired size, shape, and location of the pond in your garden. Sketch a design plan that includes the layout and depth, consider factors like sunlight exposure, nearby trees, and accessibility for maintenance. 
  
Marking and Excavation: 
Mark the outline of the pond on the ground using stakes and a string, a garden hose, or grass marker paint. Excavate the marked area, removing the topsoil and digging to the desired depth. Remove large stones or tree roots that might damage the liner. A minimum depth of 300mm is recommended but you might want a variety of depths to create a range of habitats. Create shelves or ledges in the sides of the pond for plants or decorative elements. 
  
Installing the Underlayment and Liner: 
Lay down an underlay such as pond-specific fabric to protect the liner from punctures. Carefully place the pond liner over the underlay ensuring it covers the excavated area with some overlap on the sides. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds in the liner and press it into the contours of the pond. 
  
Adding Rocks and Edging: 
Place large rocks or boulders around the perimeter of the pond to create a natural-looking edge. Arrange rocks within the pond, both on the shelves and at the bottom, to provide habitats for fish and other aquatic life. Secure the rocks in place using mortar or by stacking them strategically. 
  
Installing the Filtration System (Optional): 
If desired, install a pond filtration system to help maintain water quality and clarity. Connect the filtration equipment, such as a pump, filter, and UV clarifier, following the manufacturer's instructions. 
  
Filling the Pond: 
Begin filling the pond with water gradually to prevent displacement of rocks and liner. While filling, adjust the liner as necessary to maintain a smooth appearance and prevent folds or creases. 
  
Adding Aquatic Plants and Fish: 
Once the pond is filled with water, introduce aquatic plants like water lilies, floating plants, and marginal plants. If desired, add fish or other aquatic creatures, considering their compatibility with the plants and climate. If adding fish, remember that their waste can increase nutrient levels in the water and that they will prey on smaller wildlife. 
  
Topping-up your pond: 
Your pond will be happiest with rainwater and a rainwater tank is the perfect accompaniment to a garden pond. Tap water contains nitrates and other chemicals that encourage weed growth and may upset the balance of the ecosystem. Harvesting natural rainwater will provide a reliable, healthy and chemical-free source of water. 
 
During the summer months in regional NSW, evaporation losses will exceed rainfall gains and your pond will need topping-up. Even a small pond will probably need upwards of 2,500 litres in the summer months and a rainwater tank will be the perfect source of water. 
  
Maintenance and Care: 
Regularly check and maintain the water quality by monitoring pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels. Clean out debris like leaves, twigs, and algae from the pond regularly. Prune and divide aquatic plants as needed to prevent overcrowding. 
  
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Ready to find out more? Talk to our expert team about your specific needs and how we can help you. Call our team on 1800 816 299 or email sales@rapidplas.com.au with your enquiry.