A water garden is not only a decorative feature, it is a living environment in which plant and fish life can flourish. The following tips will help to get them established and provide you with pleasure throughout the seasons.
Plants are essential to help keep the water clear and well oxygenated. They should be planted in suitable pond compost in a planting basket lined with hessian squares. Pond plants are best purchased and planted between March and September. Most marginal plants need around 20cm of water, Deep marginals and lilies need 45cms of water or more, oxygenating plants will usually grow in any depth of pond water.
Fish should be introduced approximately 2 weeks after your pond is set up and only once the pond water has been treated with a de-chlorinator. Most fish will live together and all need atleast a depth of 18". Koi carp require deeper ponds of 36" and good filtration.
Installing Your Pond...
1 Excavate hole for liner to required shape. Ideally the sides should be sloping inwards rather than vertical. Provided your excavation is carefully levelled around the top edge the liner can be concealed by a decorative edging. To work out the size of liner required use the following calculation:-
length + (2 x depth) + (2 x overlap for edging)
x
width + (2 x depth) + (2 x overlap for edging)
= liner size length x width
2 Remove any sharp stones or roots and spread a good layer of sand over the base of the pool. We strongly suggest that an underlay (e.g Gordon Low Underlay) be used to protect the liner. Do not drag thre liner into position but unfold it carefully as sharp stones may cut it. Anchor the edge of the liner with smooth sided rocks or bricks, taking care that they are evenly distributed.
3 Gradually run a little water into the pool, pleating and tucking the liner into shape as necessary to give a neat finish. At first the liner will stretch, then as the volume of water increases the liner will move inwards to the shape of the side. Fill completely with water. Check all round for close fitting. Trim off surplus liner with sharp scissors allowing sufficient overlap around the pool perimeter for anchorage.
4 Finish the edges of the pool with paving slaps as shown in the drawing allowing an overhang. If preferred, turf can be layed to the edge of the water.
All images Copyright 2009 Gordon Low Products Ltd
