From The Hammock

The H²O Feature

BY ROBIN LOCKWOOD

Water features in the landscape provide a soothing, cooling element. The sound of cascading water makes for a relaxing afternoon. Creating a water feature in the yard is very simple. Most hardware stores now sell water garden pond kits. If you have never installed a water feature before, it’s best to buy the kit.   

Location is everything! You will want your pond where you will be able to enjoy it, so be strategic in your location. Some shade is preferable to full sun in order to stop algae growth but leaves will break down in the water.

Mark your area with string or water hose in the general shape you want the pond. Make sure you know where your gas lines, electric lines and other such utilities are before digging.

Excavate your pond with several tiers so that your pond has strong walls. This creates healthy environments for a variety of aquatic creatures that require different depths and it simply looks better. Once everything is level, add a layer of sand to protect the liner. Add a protective underlay over the sand.

With some help, take the liner out to the yard and carefully unfold it. Pick it up and carry it to the excavated pond. DO NOT DRAG IT. Lay the liner in the hole and fit it carefully into all the areas, making sure the liner is resting completely on the bottom of the hole and against the sides.

After the liner is in, install the pump and filter. Now it’s time to decorate around the pond, fill it with water, and add aquatic plants. If your water is chlorinated, you must use a de-chlorinator. Wait two weeks to add fish in order to let natural cycles begin in the pond and if algae does develop, buy a barley ball. They work great!

Robin Lockwood lives in the southwest section of Williamson County and is a founding member of the Leiper’s Fork Garden Club. She is also well known as an herbalist and for her column “Robin’s Remedies.”