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Editor's note: We are starting a collection of articles all about building and maintaining water gardens. These articles will eventually be made available on our website and on request of our members who do not have web access.
So you want to have a water feature...
You've been bitten by the pond bug and now you want to have your own water garden. What do you do? First, you plan. You need to figure out the best location, the size you can afford, and the type of water garden you want.
Location considerations. The placement of your pond depends on several factors. Where do you spend your leisure time? You will want the pond located where you can enjoy it while you're relaxing in your yard. It will have visual appeal with the plants in and around the water, reflections on the water surface, and fish in the water. The sounds of water falling down a stream or out of a fountain are very peaceful. If you plan to have lights or a pump (as most of us do), you'll want to locate the pond relatively close to a power source.
The pond needs to be located where it will receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day. Your plants need the light, of course. However, you'll want to shade the pond with plantings so the sun does not stress your fish during the hot summer months. Shading with aquatic plants also will help control algae. Trees are bothersome as shade since their leaves will fall into the pond in autumn.
Locating your pond so you can see it from inside the house will help you monitor the pond. You'll be able to see wildlife visiting the water (ponds are a magnet for birds), as well as human visitors (especially young children). If small children will be frequent visitors, be sure you take precautions to ensure their safety.
For ease in digging, do not locate your pond under trees (roots are hard to dig around) nor over utility lines (call Iowa One Call first).
The size of your pond also has some things to consider. You'll want the biggest pond you can afford. So you'll have to do lots of planning before you buy.
The depth of your pond depends on whether or not you'll be overwintering plants and fish in the pond. A pond of 18-24 inches deep may not support fish and plants in our climate without a heater during the winter months. Most ponds should have a portion at least three or four feet deep. This is deep enough to allow most fish to overwinter and also provides a cool spot in the hot months for fish to enjoy. If you want koi in your pond, you'll also need to allow enough room for them. A future article will address the needs of koi.
The types of construction material varies. You can choose from flexible liners, fiberglass or plastic preformed ponds, and concrete. You can choose an above ground or in ground pond. You can construct a waterfall or a stream between ponds. All of these have advantages and disadvantages related to their cost, durability, and depth. Many commercial outlets sell the different types so you can learn about them while you shop for the best prices.
Next month will feature the equipment choices for construction, stocking, maintenance, and decorating for your water feature. Remember our December meeting will be a discussion on intakes for water pumps which should provide you with more information.