Everyone loves being near water. It’s just one of those things. However, not all of us are blessed with lakefront property. Luckily, if you have any space at all, you can build your very own water garden with some pretty basic pond construction supplies. Keep reading to learn about backyard pond equipment and supplies for water gardens.
Water Garden Supplies
If you don’t have much space, or if you don’t have any soil, an actual pond may be out of your reach. Don’t worry -- any container that holds water can be turned into a small water garden and kept on a patio or balcony. If you’re looking to actually dig a pond, get a sense ahead of time of how big you want it to be, as well as how big your local laws will allow. Often a body of water deeper than 18 inches (46 cm.) has to be surrounded by a fence. The ideal depth of a pond with plants and fish is between 18 and 24 inches (46-61 cm.), but if you can’t or don’t want to build a fence, you can go shallower. Try to find a location that receives at least five hours of sun per day. Pond construction supplies include, of course, something to dig your hole with and something to line it with. Concrete lining can last a lifetime, but it’s difficult to install correctly. Easier and still durable alternatives include PVC, rubber, and fiberglass. If you’re planning on having fish in your pond, make sure to get a fish grade lining.
Equipment for Backyard Water Gardening
Beyond the lining, there are some more water garden supplies that are just as much about aesthetics as necessity.
- An accent around the water’s edge helps highlight it and separate it from the yard. This can be done with bricks, rocks, wood, or even a row of low plants.
- Another useful piece of backyard pond equipment is a layer of rocks or gravel on top of the lining. It’s not necessary, but it makes the pond look more natural and protects the lining from UV damage.
- If you want to add fish, be careful about the species you get. Will they be able to survive the winter? Not if the pond freezes solid, which could easily happen if it’s small and your winters are bad. Koi are popular, but they need an air pump to add oxygen to the water, and will have to be fed every day.
- Finally, don’t forget plants for your little garden pond. There are a number to choose from depending on its size.
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