I’ve always loved the idea of having a little pond in my backyard. However, I had limited budget and I didn’t want to spend that much on it, so I thought it would remain a dream forever. But recently, I got thinking, can I make one myself?
After all, it would be a small space; I don’t need a swimming pool to splash in. But a small watery space with a few plants around it – you know, just for aesthetics.
After some reading online and talking with friends, I realized it was totally achievable. And I achieved it! Here’s how I created a little pond that gives a Zen feeling to my garden. Following the steps I took, I think you can do it too!
1. Finding the Perfect Spot
I wanted something sunny yet with some shade during the hottest part of the day. After all, nobody wants a pond soup! I also made sure it wasn’t too close to any trees with aggressive roots, and that there was easy access to a hose for filling.
2.Gathering Tools & Supplies
What do you do before cooking something? Yes, you gather ingredients. Now, here I as about to cook something even cooler for for my garden, so I had to make sure I had everything I needed.
I already had a shovel for digging. For the Zen touch, I collected some interesting rocks and round stones I could find from around the yard. Now there were two things I had to buy from the market – a liner to make the border and a bag of grovel.
3.Digging the Hole
Digging the hole was a bit of a workout, but hey, free exercise! Since I was going the DIY route, I kept the size manageable – around four by four feet.
My pond was by the wall of my house, so it took a semi-circular shape. I made sure to create some variations in depth, with deeper areas in the center for plants that like to be submerged.
4. Lining the Pond
Lining the hole was another crucial step. I used a high-quality liner, ensuring there were no tears or punctures.
Some folks recommend using underlayment for extra protection, but I skipped that for this project (told you, didn’t want to spend that much). But if you want to be extra sure, I’d you should use it. Once the liner was in, I secured it with the edging and some of the larger rocks.
5.Finishing Touches and Decoration!
Filling the pond was a moment of truth! I did it slowly, checking for leaks as the water level rose. Thankfully, all good there.
Now came the best part – adding life and beauty! I did my research and chose plants specifically suited to small ponds. Water lilies provided gorgeous shade for the deeper areas, while creeping jenny added a lush touch to the shallow edges.
The rocks I collected came in handy here too. I arranged them around the perimeter, strategically hiding the liner and creating a natural look.
6. Maintaining the Pond
It’s been two months since I made the pond. I skim the surface regularly to remove debris. Plus, I keep the water fresh, and top it up often due to evaporation. Keeping the pond balanced is important, but that’s a whole other blog post for another day!
So, I now have a tranquil little escape right in my backyard. The sound of the water trickling (thanks to a small solar fountain – another optional addition!) is incredibly relaxing, and the constant buzz of the visiting dragonflies is pure joy.
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add a beautiful pond to your outdoor space, don’t hesitate to Do It Yourself! For me, it was a rewarding project, and could be for you too!