Installing a Water Garden Checklist
Table of Contents
Introduction
Features
If you have a small yard or you are renting your home, consider a barrel pond in a large half wine barrel.
If your yard contains formal hedges and plantings, try a geometric pond.
If your garden is more naturalized, an irregular-shaped pond would look lovely.
A small fountain would be ideal next to your patio or outdoor seating area.
Small ponds require less care and large ponds make ideal habitats for fish, salamanders, and frogs.
Location
Flowering plants like water lilies are stunning in a backyard setting, but they require six hours of sunlight to thrive.
If you plan on digging a pond in your yard, be sure that the area is not in a low spot so it will drain properly.
Placing your pond near large trees will mean digging around roots, which can be significant obstacles.
Children safety issues surrounding water features.
If you are going to create a fountain as part of your water garden, you will need to install your water feature near a source of electricity.
Find your Container.
A half wine barrel.
Livestock trough.
Prefabricated rigid pond liner.
Flexible pond liners.
Dig your pond (if using a liner):
For flexible liners.
For rigid liners.
Use a level throughout the digging and placement process.
Remove stones, sticks or other debris from the bottom of the pond so your liner doesn’t get punctured.
Add two inches of damp sand to help create a nice level surface for your liner.
Put your liner into the leveled hole.
Use decorative stones to cover the edges of your liner.
Install a pump for a filter, fountain, or waterfall.
Select the right size pump for your pond.
Position the pump on top a concrete block on the bottom of your pond to minimize debris in the filter.
Wire the pump underground to a nearby outlet.
Attach flexible tubing to the outflow of the pump to create movement.
Choose your plants and animals.
Water lilies, cattails, and other water plants are becoming more common.
Plant water-loving perennials around the edges of your garden for a naturalized look.
Goldfish and koi fish will thrive in your outdoor pond, at least during the growing season.
Frog eggs and tadpoles.
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Presented by:
Tara Schatz
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Details
Tips for Installing a Water Garden Checklist
- Add a bucket full of water from a local wetland, pond, or lake. This water contains thousands of beneficial bacteria and organisms to help create diversity in your water garden.
- If you have algae in your pond, add a small square of barley straw. This is a natural way to limit algae growth.
- Chemical fertilizers and pesticides can wreak havoc on your pond. Do not use chemicals on your plants or lawn if you want your water garden to thrive.
Who it's for
This Installing a Water Garden Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Installing a Water Garden essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Installing a Water Garden structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Installing a Water Garden Checklist
- Save Installing a Water Garden Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Installing a Water Garden (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.