How To Dig A Garden Pond & Install A Pond Liner

A beautiful garden pond is everyone's delight. But how do you begin?

• BEFORE you begin to dig, lay out a garden hose in the proposed shape of your garden pond. This way you can check the sun exposure the pond will receive as well as how it looks from balconies, windows, and other areas of your yard. Remember that light reflects, so consider how this will affect windows in your home.
  
  
• Once you have decided on a shape, it's time to dig. (figure 1) Take into consideration the mature height of your water plants, as well as the depth to which a pond might freeze in the winter when deciding how deep to make your pool. Different levels are always a good idea.
  
  
• Place approximately 2 inches of sand evenly throughout the excavation. This makes a nice, even bed for your pool liner.
  
  
• You can also use underlay on top of the sand to help prevent sharp stones from accidentally poking into the pool.
  
  
• Position the pool liner, and slowly fill with a little water. Make sure that there is more than enough left over on all edges, as it will pull down from the weight of the water.(figure 2)
  
  
• Gently line the bottom with pebbles and planting medium, and then fill the rest of the way with water.
  
  
• Anchor the edges of the pool liner and cover all exposed areas around the edges with stones to prevent the material from weakening due to sun exposure.(figure 3)

Cross-Section Of A Garden Pond

pebbles pool liner pond underlay sand soil pool anchors

Other Water Garden Articles your might be interested in:

• Water Gardens - the basics of water gardens
• How to install a pre-fabricated plastic or fiber-glass pool
• Pond Kits & Water Garden Accessories - all those bits and pieces that you need for the creation and maintenance of a beautiful water garden.
• Fountains - from tiny to grand, here's a great selection
• Sundials - a unique addition to the water garden setting