Ponds
Construction
Bog garden
Alternatives for water gardens
Bubble feature
Dry water feature

Water Gardens

Water in a garden holds its own attraction, whether it is a stream, a pond or a fountain. Many people feel that to bring water into a garden can be both expensive and troublesome, but here we suggest some exciting and economic ways of building a water feature.

Ponds

These are the most common and most versatile ways of bringing water into the garden but before you dig the hole there are a few points you need to keep in mind.

Siting

The siting of a pond or water feature is a major determinant for its use. A water feature that has to support plant and animal life should be sited in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Sometimes shelter from the sun during the hottest part of the day will be needed by the fish. Try to provide this by planting suitable specimen plants in and around the pond. Do not site your pond too near overhanging trees especially deciduous trees. This not only provides too much shade, but can be very harmful. Some leaves, when rotting in water can produce gasses which are harmful - even fatal - to fish. Also, the removal of the fallen leaves is a tiresome job. If it is likely that during the autumn leaves will blow into your pond, put netting across it.

Access

Poor access to a water feature can put a limit on the amount of enjoyment you get from it. Think about the surrounding area. If it is all grass, you may find access difficult if you use a wheelchair or walking aid. Is there a site in your garden that will enable you to have access all the way around your water feature? How near will you be able to get in safety?

A raised pond could be a better choice than one set in the ground, for, not only do you want full access for enjoyment, you will also need to do a bit of maintenance at least annually.

If you have a ground-level pond, try not to build the surrounding banks too high. Leave suitable areas between planting for access right up to the water to save having to lean or bend over too much to get a good view. You could have a slightly sloping beached area. If you had the time, and were so inclined, you could put a boardwalk going into the pond. A handrail on one or both sides and a gate or a bar at the end of the boardwalk will give aid and support for the unsteady and stop people going off the end.

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Construction

The choice is almost limitless. The main factors to consider are costs and time to build. These will depend upon the type of materials used to construct the feature.

There is also another type of liner available, called Bentonite clay. Many garden centres, especially those specialising in water gardens, will be able to advise on the best type of liner for your pond and pocket. Many recent developments in the manufacture of a better quality PVC liner give greater scope when choosing the liner. Often garden centres will recommend a popular liner, but try to shop around or send off for a few brochures before making your final decision.

Polythene

Polythene is the cheapest type of liner on the market. It is available in different colours and is readily available from larger stores, DIY merchants and garden centres. The life of polythene is relatively short as it deteriorates in the ultra-violet (UV) rays of the sun. This can be reduced by purchasing polythene that contains a UV inhibitor. In all cases the smallest amount of polythene should be exposed to direct sunlight by keeping the water topped up and the edges covered by stones, shingle or soil, etc.

PVC

PVC liners are more middle-of-the range in price. They have a much longer life than polythene - usually the top range of PVC is guaranteed for ten years.

Butile

Many people still opt for butile rubber liners. They are very strong and usually have the longest guaranteed life of about fifteen years. However, they can be quite costly.

Concrete

This is considered by some to be the best type of lining for a pond. Concrete is quite versatile and can be moulded into just about any shape. If the mixture and the laying of the concrete are done correctly, the lining will last for a long time and can be compared with butile in this respect. It can be a bit expensive and don't forget that although mixing concrete is quite straight forward, it can also be very hard work.

Bentonite clay

This could be called a 'living' liner. It comprises small particles of clay, which have the ability to absorb six times their own dry weight. In doing so, they swell to become twelve and a half times their original size. When mixed correctly and applied to the site, the clay blocks up the gaps between the soil particles and forms a natural seal. The big advantage with Bentonite clay, is that if the seal is punctured at any time, the clay expands and gels together and repairs the puncture. Unfortunately, Bentonite clay is not widely available, but you can get further details from Steetley Minerals Limited, who market Bentonite clay in the UK.

Pre-moulded ponds

These come in all shapes and sizes, and with ready-made shelves at different depths. When considering a premoulded pond, there are a few points to take note of. Firstly, decide what you want as your end result. If, for instance, you want a waterfall or rock pool surrounded by plants, you may be limited in the type of plantlife and fish that you can have. Some pre- moulded pools are too shallow to support fish or plantlife. You may want the very pleasing sight, sound and feel of moving water. However, if you would like a pond for plants and fish, then still water may be better.

In any large garden centre you will find a range of pre-moulded ponds. Choose one to suit your own garden. Check the width of the shelves. Sometimes in mass production, this is not always considered and the shelves can be too narrow to take plants.

If you are including moving water, make sure you get the right pump for the size of your feature. You can get a range of attachments for pumps to produce almost any fountain type you want. What you have to remember is that most pumps will need an electrical supply for them to work. This means that the cable has to be laid from the electricity source - usually the house - to the pond. If the pond is some distance form the house, then this can be a problem. You can overcome this by using a solar powered pump, which relies on sunlight to make it work, and no cable.

For details on constructing a pool do refer to books on water gardens.

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If you have the room and want something that is a bit more down to earth, how about a bog garden? This is simply a saturated area of soil. A little different, it will give you plenty of interest as well as providing a new habitat in your garden. It is also very easy to construct. This may be a consideration if you have difficulty in movement.

This is what you do. Choose site and rough size. Take out soil to a depth of roughly 45cm/18inches. Remove any obvious sharp stones, glass, etc. Line the hole with plastic sheeting, liner, etc. Fill with equal parts of peat and loam. Allow this mixture to settle for a few days before planting.

You can, of course, extend your pond to include a bog garden at the edge. All you need to do is use a larger liner than you need for the pond repeat the above process. With a ridge below the liner between the pond and the bog garden at the right height, water will seep from the pond to keep the bog garden suitably boggy.

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Bubble features are a way of having water in your garden without all the worry of keeping the fish and water plants alive. You can buy a 'sump' for a bubble feature in any good garden centre. It is very similar to the pre-moulded ponds but has a lid with it. You lay it in the ground as will the pre-moulded type, put the pump in, the lid on, with the pump-head pointing out, and then place cobble stones over the lid. This gives you a pleasant feature where the water bubbles up and over the stones.

A dry-water feature

If you want a low-maintenance 'water' feature, you do not necessarily have to have permanent or running water. A 'dry stream' of pebbles can create an interesting effect and water can be added if desired, rainwater will give temporary variety before soaking away or evaporating. Many stones come to life when wet, colours shine out from what can look drab, grey stones when dry.

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Some alternatives for water gardens

One of the most popular alternatives to building a pond is the half beer barrel. These are now available from most garden centres and range in price and size. Your may even be able to get an old one from a local brewer.

Remember that the barrels need to be thoroughly clean and watertight. Fill the barrel with water and keep it topped up until the wood swells. It will save time and mess if you test the barrel first. If you buy the barrel from a garden centre, but have difficulty in transporting it home, they can usually make arrangements for delivery - but there may be a delivery charge.

Once the barrel is clean and water tight, place it in situ. Put in about 13cm/5in of a heavy loam. Create different levels in the barrel by placing in large stones or bricks, in-filled with the loam. Topdress the loam with shingle or pea grit to stop fish burrowing for food and fill nearly to the top with water. Do this with care to prevent the water going cloudy. Allow any residue in the water to settle before putting in water snails and fish.

A less expensive version of this is to use a plastic drum. Again, make sure it is clean, free from chemical residues and does not have any cracks in it. You may need to cut it down to a size that suits you better, particularly if you need to sit down to garden.

The outside of the drum can be disguised with a textured paint or an all-weather coloured paint. Then proceed as before.

Don't forget that a water garden can be made out of just about any watertight container. However, try to use a container that is at least 8-12 inches deep.

A pond in your garden will greatly benefit wildlife, attracting birds, amphibians and insects, many of which, such as toads and dragonflies are dependent on water for part of their life cycle.

By careful planning, planting native wild flowers, shrubs and small trees near the margins (but be aware of the leaves), you will provide a haven for animal and plant life, as more and more natural habitats are lost. It is certainly true that what is good for wildlife is good for people too.