Ponds

Safety: Make sure that any electrical supply is safe.

1) Do not locate the pond under trees, as the leaves will cause problems when they fall into the water.

2) Locate the pond in partial shade as sunlight promotes the growth of algae.

3) Decide if you want a flexible liner to make a hole in the ground watertight or a pre-formed pond.

4) If using a liner, use a soft underlay under the liner to prevent sharp objects in the soil puncturing the liner.

5) Run the electricity and a water supply to the pond. Plan to add a filter if the pond does not clear within a few months.

6) If designing a pond for a flexible liner, make sure it is deep enough for the fish to over-winter (this will depend on the size and number of fish you have ? over winter is where the fish go to the bottom of the pond).

7) Make sure there are shelves about 250mm (10 inches) below the surface and large enough for the plant baskets to rest on.

Pond care

Safety: Fence or cover the pond so that children cannot fall into it.

1) Water needs oxygen to support life. This can be achieved by using a fountain, plant life or a mixture of both.

2) Decide what you want the pond for. If you want wildlife etc. do not put fish in the pond, as they will eat the frogspawn.

3) It is not essential to have the fountain running all the time, therefore a timer switch can be used to allow the fountain to run for a few hours a day.

4) It takes time (usually a few months) for the pond to find its natural balance. The pond will gradually become clear if left alone.

5) If the pond does not become clear, add a filter so that the water is pumped via the filter to the fountain and back into the pond.

6) Add oat straw or an ultraviolet clarifier to help remove green algae.

7) It is not a necessity for the pond to have lights, however, they look attractive and bring life to the pond - a few low voltage ones.