Hints and Tips

A garden pond can transform the atmosphere of a garden, bringing differing colours, light and movement. By adding a pump then you can enjoy the wonderful sound of moving water also. In a small garden an area of open water can actually increase the sense of space. On of our customers in Kingston boasts three ponds, one small and two large, each of them differing greatly. The largest has many fish of differing types with wonderful fountains containing seven mallards swooping toward the water, whilst ‘dirty duck’ is quieter and has a stream running gently into it. The small pond separates the filter system from the main pond and delivers water to the largest of the ponds via a small stream.

There are several different styles of garden pond; which you choose and how you stock the pond will depend on the style of your garden and the space you have available. Square, circular and rectangular ponds are ideal for formal gardens, while irregular-shaped ponds, suit less formal settings.

It is essential that a pond is sited correctly from the start; it is very difficult to put things right later on. If you get it wrong it will require a lot more looking after in order to keep it looking as you would like to see it. Choose an open, sunny site that is not exposed to the wind and avoid areas that are in deep shade or near overhanging deciduous trees. If the pond is to be sunk into the ground, you must check for underground pipe work, cables and tree roots as these may cause problems now and in the future. Very quickly, the pond will integrate into the garden so always try and leave space to plant a border along at least one side of the pond as this will help to provide a natural transition into the rest of the garden. Also consider what the reflection in the surface of the water will be like particularly in the summer months.

In general, the larger the pond the easier it will be to look after provided it has been sited in the right place. If you want a traditional feature, filled with aquatic plants and fish, a pond with a surface area of around 5m² (that's about 7x8ft in old money) will be large enough to be self-sustaining. The deepest area should be about 60cm (2ft), with 15-cm (6-in) deep shelves running along the edges where shallow-water marginal plants can be grown. It is important to have deep-water areas in a pond to prevent rapid fluctuations in water temperature that can put fish under stress.
If you want something smaller, then be prepared to maintain your pond regularly or forget about stocking it with fish. Plant-only pools can look very attractive and still be home to a wealth of wildlife. Indeed, if you want a wildlife pond, it is important not to add fish to the water because they will eat many of the creatures you are trying to encourage.
Calculating the size of liner If you have decided to use a flexible liner for your pond you will need to work out which size of liner to buy. The easiest way to do this is to use the following formula:
2 x maximum depth of pond + maximum length of pond = length of liner required
2 x maximum depth of pond + maximum width of pond = width of liner required
So, for a pond that is 4x3m with a maximum depth of 50cm you would require a liner that is at least 5m by 4m.

Edging Your Pond

A pond needs a neat and practical edging to make it an attractive feature. You can edge a pond in a range of different materials; which one you choose will depend on the style of pond you are trying to create.

Formal ponds

These require a formal edging. This is easiest to achieve using paving slabs bedded on mortar, trapping the edge of the liner underneath. For best effect, make sure the paving overhangs the edge of the pond by about 5cm (2in) to help hide the liner from view.

Informal ponds

Irregularly shaped pools look best using paving of different sizes or bricks that can be laid on edge to follow the sweep of the curve. You can use pebbles and or cobbles which run down into the water and can be left loose. If you use paving slabs or bricks you will have to bed the edging material on mortar, trapping the liner underneath. If you want a more natural look, the pond can be edged as described in the wildlife ponds section.

Wildlife ponds

A wildlife pond needs a natural-looking edge that allows easy access for the resident and visiting wild creatures. We have customers who have asked for a beach effect and pebbles are the best for this. Turf can also be laid up to the edge of the pond but it must not be treated with any chemicals and that grass cuttings will fall into the water which will need to be removed! It is worth including a safe place along one edge to view the wildlife – timber decking is a good choice because it blends in well, but assorted paving or bricks can also look effective.