How To Build A Garden Pond

A garden water feature makes a great, year-round attraction in any outside space.  This project requires a little basic DIY knowledge and can be completed over a weekend.  Read on to find out more.

What you'll need

• string
• garden canes
• shovel
• edging boards
• retainer boards
• spirit level
• wooden pegs
• butyl pond liner
• decking planks
• drill
• long, brass screws
• textile underlay (offcuts of old carpet are fine for this job)

Everything you need can be obtained from good DIY stores and garden centres.

How to do it

1. First of all, choose a good, flat spot for your pond.  Avoid areas underneath trees so that you don't end up having to dredge out fallen leaves in the autumn.  Use garden canes and string to mark out the area.  
2. Dig out the area to a depth of about half a metre.  
3. Knock the pegs into the soil around the pond's perimeter, and screw them onto the retaining boards.  
4. Take the edging boards and screw them to the peg tops to create a frame.  Make sure the sides are level using your spirit level.  
5. You'll need to create a sloping shelf on one side of the pond to accommodate potted pond plants.  To do this, use the soil from the excavation and tread it down well.  Rake the remaining area of the pond so that it is level.   
6. Remove any sharp stones, and then line the pond with the underlay.  
7. Remove your shoes to avoid damaging the liner, and then position it into the hole, making sure that it is pushed right into every corner.  You may need to pleat the liner here and there to ensure it fits in tidily.  Allow a small overlap at the edges of the pond.  
8. Now you need to fill the pond with water.  If you're using tap water, you'll need to allow it to stand for a week or so to permit chemicals in the water to dissipate before you can introduce any fish or plants.  If you have a water butt, you can use the water from this to fill your pond, or simply allow it to fill naturally with rainwater.  
9. When the pond is full, trim the liner of any excess, but leave a small overlap.  
10. Next put the decking planks over the pond's edges to conceal the overlapping liner and form a neat finish.  Drill through the decking edges into the frame and screw them firmly into place, ensuring that the liner is pulled tight so that it's secure.

Your garden pond water feature is now complete and ready to be planted up. For more information about adding garden water features to your yard, contact a local landscaping company or garden centre.