The average pond measures about 2.5 x 2
metres, but it can be built to virtually any size.
In some designs, water trickles down a long,
meandering stream before emptying into the
pond. Many smaller ponds, like the kidneyshaped
one shown here, have water running
over a large flat rock and spilling directly into
the pond. This style is easier to build and can fit
into the smallest gardens.
Digging It
Once you’ve chosen a location for the pond, lay
out the perimeter using rope or a garden hose.
Next, mark the outline with ground limestone
and start digging. Excavate to a depth of 40cm,
piling the dirt at the rear of the pond, where
the waterfall will be located. In the centre of
the pond, dig down another 20cm to form a pit
where the pump will go. Now, line the hole and
the pit with fine sand and rake it smooth.
Laying Rubber
Fold the rubber liner lengthwise, centre it over
the hole and unfold it. The liner should overlap
equally on all sides. Using your hands and bare
feet, carefully press the liner into the hole.
Then, use a garden hose to fill the centre pit
with water to hold the liner in place.
Stone Surround
Start stacking stones on the pond floor, also
called the plant shelf (to differentiate it from
the pump pit). Lay the stones in a 30cm
wide layer along the wall. Overlap the stones
between courses and use smaller stones to fill
any sizable gaps.
Position the Pump
Next, set the pump hose in position so that
it extends from the centre pit to the top of the
hole. Carefully lay stone directly over the hose.
Continue stacking stones until they’re even with
the ground. Set a single layer of flat stones
along the plant shelf, aligning them flush
with the edge of the centre pit. Then, place
one flat rock in the bottom of the pit to
serve as a base for the pump.
Set large, flat rocks - called coping stones
-around the perimeter. Stack stones at the
rear of the hole to form the waterfall. A
good rule of thumb is to build it to about
40cm above the water level. Set the
waterfall weir in place atop a large, flat rock
(the spillway stone) that is tipped forward
slightly. Connect the weir’s hose to the
pump’s hose coming out of the pond. Trim
the rubber pond liner to match the waterfall
opening at the front of the weir, then attach
the liner to the weir using its screw-on
faceplate. Backfill around the weir with dirt
and continue piling up rocks around the
waterfall area. Conceal the weir by placing
a rock on top of it.
Plugging In
Fill the spaces between the stones on the
pond floor with small river rock. Then,
take a hose and wash down the stonework
around the entire pond. Pump or bail the
dirty water from the pit.
Connect the pump to its hose and set the
pump on a flat stone in the bottom of the
pit. Check with an electrician to ensure a
safe installation of your pump and power
cord. Use a hose to fill the pond to within
10cm of the coping stones.
Once the pond is filled, plug in the pump. In
a few seconds, water will gently spill out of
the weir.
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