Organic Gardening

Building a Garden Pond

The addition of a pond to a garden is nothing to sneeze at, the workload can be arduous, but if you’re avid about wildlife then there is no surer way to attract it close to home.

As with any major construction the success of a pond is determined before your spade ever bites into the Soil, in the planning phase.

As always, your first consideration should be the garden as a whole and what, if anything, a pond could add to it. With this mind it is paramount you consider the dimensions of both carefully. While, in theory, a water feature teeming with life might seem an attractive prospect, it can easily become an eye-sore if incorrectly proportioned or styled to the space surrounding it.

In other words, the garden you saw atChelsea, complete with miniature waterfall and rustic rocky outcroppings, while gorgeous atChelsea, may not fit in with the formal or contemporary garden you have at home.

Another thing it is important to note is the future presence of children or small animals – even an inch of water still poses a threat if underestimated. Also consider the current role of your garden, if you have children of an age that a pond is no danger, question whether they’d appreciate its presence. A medium sized body of water is no kind of football net!

The most effective way of siting your pond should be based on where it can be viewed from – ideally an area with clear visibility from the most popular areas of the garden and house. This will also provide visibility when a child or pet is near the pond site.

During the winter months your water and plant life will fall prey to prevailing winds and in the summer to evaporation, so you should perhaps site it near to a hose pipe, but away from raised areas.

Another note, one oft overlooked, is to avoid siting under deciduous trees, as their foliage will settle on the surface and rot, ultimately fouling the water.

Next you must decide on the general structure, as, depending on your preference, certain flora and fauna will require different conditions in order to sustain themselves. For example, if you wish to cater to water-life, then you should forget a sustained wildlife, as the former will make prey of the latter! A fresh water pond populated by Koi carp would provide no safe haven for frogs or their offspring, similarly an amphibian population would require different climate conditions to a family goldfish.

Thus, it is important to tailor your initial dig with an eye to what it is to support. If frogs are to spawn there, then it is necessary to provide them with varying depths of water as they prefer to spawn in the shallows while tadpoles and fledglings will require deeper water to mature in. If fish are the primary concern, then a depth of at least of two feet should be observed so that in a harsh winter there will be sufficient depth of water that the whole pond does not freeze. The same goes for unusually hot summers – so that there are cooler depths  for them to retreat to.

If you wish to attract smaller land/air based animals such as hedgehogs and birds, the incline of your pond edge will also dictate how hospitable it will be to those who need somewhere convenient to bathe and drink. A pebble ‘beach’ also gives your water based creatures somewhere to bask.

Also remember, if you wish to pursue a fish rich pond, then be prepared for the costs of meticulous filtration.

For marginal plants to integrate the land/water border, a shelf 30cms wide by 30cms deep is suggested for lining with planting baskets, this will also provide a secondary site for frogs to lay their spawn. Remember only to use aquatic compost as normal compost will encourage algae growth.

The inclusion of pond plants is essential to the aesthetic success of your pond. Without them, algae will take over the waters surface and turn the pool into a soup of dead plant life, not to mention strangle the surrounding the area of the garden. Take care to avoid invasive species though. We’d recommend the introduction of marginal plants such as the Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), with its yellow buttercup flowers, and Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) with its arrow-shaped leaves and large white flowers. To provide some height and places for dragonflies and damselflies to perch, the Sweet Flag (Acorus) genus would be good, together with the Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudocrorus). Water lilies are the quintessential pond plant and their large leaves provide shade and shelter for fish and other pondlife. Include some oxygenating plants too, such as the Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) or Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis) to keep the water clean.

Now we’ve covered the why and what of your pond, let’s talk about how it will be built. One of the primary decisions you make will be what type of lining to use and this is pivotal as the lining will provide the pond’s shape and stability, make it waterproof i.e. prevent leaking, and also decide which species of plant and animal life it will be able to support. Simplicity is key for whatever size and shape lining you decide on as you’ll have to this match in your dig!

The three most popular options are cement, preformed moulds and waterproofing material (butyl liners), each with various pros and cons. Cement is obviously the most sturdy and will guarantee longevity in the shape of your pond as well protection against the elements. However, it is hardly the most attractive way of lining your pond, nor the easiest to remove later on. Also, while it will be delayed by the strength of the initial material, inevitable degradation of the concrete by plant roots will be difficult to maintain and more time consuming than a plastic liner. The plastic shell would be the most attractive option to a novice pond builder as it guarantees a shape, a static structure around which to base the rest of your design, however for a first timer I would not recommend this option. The preparation of your hole must be nigh flawless to ensure its continued integrity, however the variety of shapes and sizes that these come in do give a wide variety of habitats, as they will provide built-in artificial land slopes and shelving.

The third, and most flexible option of lining, is butyl, as it can be trimmed to any size and shape by hand. However, as always, quality will be dictated by price. It should be noted that the ground needs to be very carefully prepared by removing all stones and a good sandwich layer needs to be laid between the soil and the liner, such as sand or, as a more cost effective means, recycled carpet. As a final insurance against leaking it is imperative to wait until the entire pond is lined with a good overlap and filled with water before trimming it to size.

As I said before, the amount of space required for your pond entirely depends on your preference and, as many experts would say, the size of your pond should be dictated only by your space and budget – the wildlife will grow to fit whatever space you give them!

About the Author

Written by Joshua Ellison of Floral and Hardy Gardens, who specialise in Garden Design Chislehurst

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Front Gardens $3.98 Front Gardens, takes six very different but typical styles of house — from the Victorian terrace to the new estate — and shows how, with the help of Gay Search and six leading garden designers, the owners of these houses created beautiful front gardens.

How Did They Build That? House $27.48 Every town or city is filled with houses of all shapes and sizes, but we don x2019;t often stop to think about how they are built. Readers will learn all about the construction process, from foundations to roofs.

The Sharing Solution: How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life & Build Community $20.98 From cars and tools to housing and childcare, many people would like to share resources but don’t know how-or where-to start. "The Sharing Solution" is a timely practical and legal guide that explains how to create and maintain successful sharing arrangements while addressing common concerns about liability, communication, and more. This book will help anyone share: Meals and food, through bulk buying clubs, meal-sharing arrangements, community gardens, neighborhood fruit harvests, and more Household goods, from tools and toys to appliances and exercise equipment Cars, by sharing a car with a neighbor, starting or joining a car-sharing group, carpooling, or ride-sharing Caregiving, whether for pets, children, older family members, or relatives with disabilities Business resources, such as office supplies, equipment, space, and even employees Housing, whether by sharing a house, retrofitting a home to accommodate two households, or joining a cohousing community "The Sharing Solution" speaks to Americans’ growing desire to not only live more sustainably, but also save money and create stronger communities. Sharing is a simple step anyone – young or old, rich or poor – can take, right now, to make a difference. Who can benefit from sharing? Busy parents looking for help with meals or pet care Retirees who are looking to share needed services Anyone concerned about the environment and wants to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Anyone who wishes to purchase property but can’t afford a single-family home Professionals who work in community development Low-income families or those who require – or desire – a purchase that they cannot single-handedly afford The authors, attorneys Janelle Orsi and Emily Doskow, bring a visionary spirit to developing practical, logistical, and legal frameworks for many types of sharing arrangements. In the book, you will find: Sample written agreements for many kinds of sharing arrangements Step by step instructions for creating a sharing plan and sorting out logistics Legal explanations that are clear and accessible Ideas and examples of the creative ways that groups around the country have formed successful sharing arrangements Tips for communicating with your sharing partners and handling disputes Resources to help you find sharing partners, join existing sharing groups, and learn about helpful groups and organizations Useful checklists, charts, tables, and much more The ultimate beauty of sharing is that it’s a solution we create for ourselves. It’s not a government program, nor is it the "latest and greatest" product marketed to us on billboards. It’s a solution based on our own needs and lifestyles, in our own communities. It’s a way for each of us to shape our own lives in positive ways and simultaneously benefit the world as a whole. In that respect, sharing is more than a simple trend: Some might e

How to Build an Astronomical Telescope $23.98 By Rob Smith ISBN: 978 1846930430 Published: 2007 Pages: 120 Description This book is based on a GCSE course, and is very popular The view through the eyepiece of a good Telescope is an experience which often marks the turning point from an interest in telescopes to an overwhelming urge to own one. However, a visit to a telescope supplier and a study of the prices, can deter all but the most passionate of Amateur Astronomers. However, the remedy is a simple one; almost anyone who wishes to may build a Telescope capable of studying the surface of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the brighter Moons of Jupiter, Nebulae and Double Stars. About the Author Rob Smith graduated in Electronics, Physics and Mathematics and then spent some years working for large electronics companies and restoring Astronomical Observatories. After his first wife suddenly died he picked up the pieces of his life and married again, this time to a lady from Russia. Having lived for some years in Spain he and his new family returned to Hampshire where he now works as a Lecturer.

How to Build Dioramas $15.98 Learn everything you need to know about making your dioramas look real This fantastic revised edition will show you how with new projects, new photos, and expert tips. Includes painting, weathering, and detailing tips for figures, aircraft, vehicles, and more

How to Build Your Own Country $11.98 "How to Build Your Own Country" is an interactive and totally original learning experience that shows kids how to build their very own country from scratch. This book, the only one of its kind, offers children the expertise and advice they’ll need to plant their flag in the backyard, in the bedroom or online. Kids will be amazed to discover that anyone can do it. Nation-building advice is peppered with examples of events that have shaped countries throughout history, teaching young readers about government, elections, geography and global issues. Backed up with lots of amazing examples of real micronations – some established or ruled by kids – "How to Build Your Own Country" promises to inspire, entertain and inform young nation-builders. Want to build your very own country from scratch? It’s easy: Step 1: Stake Out Your Identity … with a flag, money and a national anthem. Learn how to put your country’s name on the map. Step 2: Run the Country … with a government, constitution, laws and an economy. Step 3: Meet the Neighbors … and join other nations on the big issues that face the whole world, such as poverty, global warming, security and international aid. "How To Build Your Own Country" is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

How to Build a Killer Street Machine $23.98 "How to Build a Killer Street Machine" gives you the knowledge necessary to build the ultimate multipurpose muscle car. There’s much more to building a competent street machine than simply bolting on a bunch of cool-looking parts. You must carefully consider each component’s function and how it will impact the other choices you have made. Author Jefferson Bryant provides the information necessary to help you modify your car for improved performance on the street, drag strip, and even a road course. Major topics covered will include engine, transmission and drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and wheels and tires.

How to Build a Person: A Prolegomenon $26.98 Building a person has been an elusive goal in artificial intelligence. This failure, John Pollock argues, is because the problems involved are essentially philosophical; what is needed for the construction of a person is a physical system that mimics human rationality. Pollock describes an exciting theory of rationality and its partial implementation in OSCAR, a computer system whose descendants will literally be persons. In developing the philosophical superstructure for this bold undertaking, Pollock defends the conception of man as an intelligent machine and argues that mental states are physical states and persons are physical objects as described in the fable of Oscar, the self conscious machine. Pollock brings a unique blend of philosophy and artificial intelligence to bear on the vexing problem of how to construct a physical system that thinks, is self conscious, has desires, fears, intentions, and a full range of mental states. He brings together an impressive array of technical work in philosophy to drive theory construction in AI. The result is described in his final chapter on "cognitive carpentry." "A Bradford Book"

Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Projects: Plan, Design, Build $17.48 Thre are many ways a homeowner can improve the usefulness, value, and design of their outdoor living spaces and The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Projects brings the most popular of those projects together in one complete book. Created to both inspire homeowners by showing the possibilities as well as providing the instruction to build the project, The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Projects covers everything from building fences, to planting a lush, green lawn. Projects include the tools and materials readers will need, as well as photographs or illustrations to show them how to do the job right. Projects include patios and walkways, stone walls, garden sheds, pools & spas, raised planters, trellises & arbors, perennial borders, lawns, and much more.

Nine Motorboats and How to Build Them $27.48 Title: Nine Motorboats and How to Build Them: a Book of Complete Building Plans and Instruction, Which Contains All Necessary Information for the Amateur Who Wants to Build His Own Boat Publisher: New York: The Motorboat publishing co. Publication date: 1913 Subjects: Motorboats Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there.

The Meaning of Gardens $5.48 Gardens reveal the relationship between culture and nature, yet in the vast library of garden literature few books focus on what the garden "means" – on the ecology of garden as idea, place, and action." The Meaning of Gardens "maps out how the garden is perceived, designed, used, and valued. Essays from a variety of disciplines are organized around six metaphors special to our time – the garden muses of Faith, Power, Ordering, Cultural Expression, Personal Expression, and Healing. Each muse suggests specific inspirations for garden and landscape design.

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