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.
-
Want a Backyard Mini Orchard? Create Your Own Container OrchardEasier to care for in small spaces, a backyard mini-orchard makes sense for busy gardeners and juicy fruit is the reward.
-
Urban Beekeeping Guide: Top Tips For Raising Bees In The CityUrban beekeeping can be a rewarding and appreciated pastime, but first be sure it’s legal in your city and learn the ropes of beekeeping.
-
Flowering Pond Plants - Growing Aquatic FlowersAdding flowering pond plants to natural and manmade water features can be an easy way to quickly beautify a space with lush greenery and vibrant bursts of seasonal color. Read on for more.
-
Full Sun Aquatic Plants - Full Sun Floating Pond PlantsThere are pros and cons to putting a pond in full sun, but it's very doable. Here are some ideas to get you started.
-
Echinodorus Creeping Burhead – Information On Creeping Burhead Plant CareCreeping burhead plants are members of the water plantain family and commonly used in freshwater aquariums or outdoor fishponds. Echinodorus creeping burhead is native to the eastern half of the United States. To learn more about the creeping burhead plant click the following.
-
What Is A Saltwater Aquarium: Plants For Saltwater AquariumsBuilding and maintaining a saltwater aquarium requires some expert knowledge in choosing the right plants. Here are some choices to start with.
-
Outdoor Aquarium Ideas: Putting A Fish Tank In The GardenAquariums are generally made for inside the house, but why not have a fish tank outside? Click here for tips and ideas on backyard aquariums.
-
Fish That Eat Plants – Which Plant Eating Fish Should You AvoidGrowing plants with aquarium fish is rewarding, but if you want to combine plants and fish, learn what aquarium fish to avoid. This article will help.
-
Is Pond Fertilizer Bad For Fish: Learn About Fish Safe FertilizerUsing fertilizer around fishponds must be done with care. Excess nitrogen causes algae, but can also contaminate the water and affect fish. Learn more here.
-
What Is Aquascaping – Creating An Aquarium GardenAquatic gardening can be a rewarding endeavor, especially when aquascaping. Click this article to learn more about creating an aquarium garden.
