Join us as we explore water gardens and ponds, aquatic plants, pond construction, water garden pumps and the basic considerations. Water gardens can not only add beauty, but also the sights and sounds of tranquility. The benefits of adding water to a garden or landscape can be enjoyed by everyone.

History

Water gardens have been used for not only practical purposes, but for beauty, decoration, religious, festivals, and recreation. For over 3,000 years, even since the Egyptians incorporated water into their lifestyle, it has played an important role.

The ancient civilizations used garden ponds and pools to stock with fish and aquatic plants. Water Lilies were very popular as they were harvested for use in medicines. The design of early Egyptian and Muslim water gardens were small in size and resembled geometric designs in contrast to early Chinese and Japanese cultures that recreated nature with their water structures, pools, and ponds.

Persian gardens were influenced by the Islamic religion, and historical documentation shows that Muhammad communicated that “water be kept in motion” and so ingenious ways were developed to move water down chutes, create jets of water, and display water in many fountain applications.

Many of todays water gardens have been influenced by the Moorish people who designed thousands of villa and courtyard gardens in Spain, around the 13th century. Modern day water gardens and ponds are not usually designed with clay and marble as our ancestors did, but our designs whether formal or not still attracts us as a place to meditate and enjoy the sights and sound of nature.

Choosing a Location  

Correct placement of a pond or water garden should be well thought out and several considerations should be designed into choosing the correct location before pond construction takes place. The elements of a water garden, both included in and surrounding the pond, include rocks, shrubs, trees, flowers, available sunlight and shade,  and  can greatly influence the location of a water feature.

One of the best characteristics of a pond is the reflection off of the water. To get full benefit from this choose a location where the pond can be seen from strategic viewing points; a deck, garden bench, your home, etc. Do you want the reflection to be blue sky and clouds, trees, flowers, or an unsightly nearby telephone pole? Location will also help determine the types of plants and shrubs that you’ll want to surround your water feature with.

The amount of sunlight should be considered in regards to the types of plants that will be used both in the water as well as those that surround the pond. One of the most popular water garden plants is the Water Lily and the tropical varieties will require up to six hours a day of sunlight, so be sure your location will provide that. Avoid placing your water garden under trees or too close to your house or a building. If you plan on having fish, be sure your pond is not directly under deciduous trees as their leaves can accumulate, rot and possibly produce gases that could harm your fish.

A good idea in the design and location phase is to mark the area with rope or garden hose where the approximate size and shape of your pond will be. Leave it there for a few days and check out any debris that has fallen from nearby trees and shrubs or have blown in from the wind. This will also give you a chance to check how much sunlight your future pond will receive. It’s much easier to move a piece of rope at this point rather than to move an established pond that already has been constructed and excavated.

Reflection Pond Considerations

To capture the full enjoyment of a reflection pond, try deciding on the location of your pond as well as stationary strategic sitting areas around your pond. You can in fact place a mirror in the area where the water will later occupy. The mirror will show you the trees, shrubs, blue sky, etc. that will later be reflected in the pool from different viewing points.

Most garden pools are generally shallow. A small reflection pond will only require a few inches of water while a pond 10 feet by 10 feet that will contain fish and plants will require 16 to 18 inches in depth. Larger water gardens can be several feet deep but be sure to check local ordinances as safety requirements like fences and posted notices may be necessary.

For reflection ponds preparing the bottom is very important. Light colored or a sky blue finish will give the effect of a sparkling sun but will not reflect as well as a dark gray or black finish. The dark color will also give the illusion of a deeper pool. Natural stones when added to the bottom can also help in giving a more natural appearance.

Pond Basics and Installation

To add water to your garden, two things are needed, water and a container to hold it. The containers come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Also, many ponds come in complete kits where all necessary items, pumps, tubing, container or liner, are included. We would recommend this type for the beginner due to ease of installation, and not having to shop around and match different components to the requirements of your water garden.

Preformed shells require a hole to be dug and they are available in many sizes and shapes. They are usually constructed of a durable plastic reinforced with fiberglass. These are easy to install and usually can be done in only a few hours. They also are very desirable because they can endure very cold temperatures. When installing these, be sure to dig at least 6 inches beyond the width, diameter, and depth of the shell. This will allow for 3 inches of sand to be placed in the underneath and around the shell. The sand will help in leveling the shell as well as aid in drainage of any ground water during winter.

Level the shell container, fill with water, and complete filling around the outside of the container with soil. This gives support for the pressure that is caused by the water. Finish filling the shell with water and maintain the level to about 3 inches from the top with a garden hose to compensate for evaporation. If plants and rocks will be added, they should be done before the final water level is established.

When installing a plastic liner, finished size should be a major consideration when purchasing your liner. You should buy one large enough so the edges will extend 2 feet around the outside of the waters edge. A good rule of thumb is to buy one that is at least twice its maximum depth plus the surface dimensions.

Once your hole is dug, remove all rocks, sticks or anything sharp that could puncture the liner. Put at least one inch of sand in the hole and along the sides where the liner will rest. Spread the liner tight over the top of the hole and form the liner to the bottom and sides of the hole. The sun will cause the liner to slightly become more flexible and make it easier to adapt to the hole. A good tip is to lay out the liner before you’re ready to use it so the sun and warm temperature will allow the liner to be ready to use when you need it.

Once in place, use rocks around the edges to hold the liner in place. Fill the pond to within several inches of the top. It’s best to let this set for several days to allow for settling of the liner. Trim any excess liner beyond a 6 to 8 inch edging and add your plants, rocks, decking, or other landscaping materials to create a natural or formal water garden.

Pumps

Pumps are a good choice when it comes to options for a water garden. They not only keep the water aerated, they will prevent the addition of chemicals from the garden tap or faucet as well as cut down on water usage if you’re using a faucet as a means to create water movement.

They come in many capacities as well as models that are submersible and others that can be mounted outside of the pond. . For submersible pumps, just support the pump with rocks or bricks and extend the waterproof electrical cord to a nearby grounded electrical outlet and plug it in.

Aquatic Plants

Among the numerous varieties of water plants are the true Water Lilies. They come in a number of varieties themselves; some so hardy they can survive harsh winters in a frozen pond and yet others are so fragile that if the water temperatures are not kept within a certain range, they won’t survive. Be sure that you know the limitations on the specific variety that you plan to purchase.

The best way to plant them is in a basket or container that is weighted or supported in the water. To plant a Water Lily in a basket, place a burlap liner in a plastic laundry basket. Mix moistened loam and aquatic plant fertilizer and fill the basket. Place the plant in the soil mixture with the tip of the plant exposed, and add one inch of coarse sand. Next add a stone or brick for weight and submerge the container until the level of the sand is approximately 6 inches from the surface. You may need to support it on bricks to achieve the correct water level.

As the new growth of the plant reaches the water surface, gradually remove the support bricks until about 10 inches of water covers the sand. This is the depth that you should maintain.

Of the many varieties of aquatic plants available, listed below are only a few:

●    Water Lilies
●    Yellow Marsh Marigold
●    Papyrus
●    Umbrella Plant
●    Dwarf Bamboo
●    Cattail
●    Wild Rice
●    Dauben
●    Gloriosu
●    Mary Margaret
●    Tropical Water Poppy
●    Horsetail Rush     

Summary

With the introduction of a water garden or pond into a waterless landscape, the addition of the sights and sounds will completely change the atmosphere. Your garden has come alive by not only providing tranquility and serenity, but a place to meditate, relax and enjoy nature.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our article and that you’ll take time to browse the ponds and water features that we have to offer. We have a variety of complete, easy installation kits as well as beautiful hand carved fountains that your sure to enjoy.

Thanks for visiting our Mysterious Garden.

Best Regards!