Creating a DIY raised pond is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your backyard. Aside from enjoying the benefits of having a beautiful garden pond, you will also enjoy the added benefit of saving a lot of money. This is because most backyard landscaping ponds are constructed using high quality pond liner materials that can cost several hundred dollars.
Installing a garden pond is much easier than the average homeowner anticipates. There is less preparation involved, and the work doesn’t take as long. Most landscaping projects only take about three to four days from start to finish, while a koi pond can take a little longer due to the length of the digging process. Regardless of how much prep time is involved, though, most homeowners see immediate results after their project is complete.
A major benefit of having a DIY pond is the fact that many landscaping ponds have a built-in water pump. If this is not installed, you may need to purchase a water pump to keep the pond’s water moving. A water pump helps keep the pond’s environment healthy by circulating the clean, oxygen-rich water through your plants and koi fish.
The first step in setting up a DIY fish pond is to create a landscape layout plan. This will determine the size of your pond, as well as where it’s located in your front yard. Landscape ponds are usually placed near a structure such as a house, so plan accordingly. Keep in mind that larger structures can pose a challenge when installing a pond. Before starting on the installation process, consider the edging and other features of your landscape, including nearby trees, doors and other openings.
For many people, the main attraction of a DIY pond is the fish. There are many types of koi fish, so it’s important that your water plants compliment your pond. While some plants cannot handle too much light, there are others that can be extremely destructive. Plants that need more sunlight include magnolia, grape hyacinth, morning glories and boxwood. It’s important that you research which plants can handle your pond before you choose.
Water features have a tendency to attract unwanted visitors, so you should probably consider putting in a fence or wall to confine your koi pond ideas to indoors. If your koi fish get out, it can seriously harm them, so consider closing the space off until they’ve grown accustomed to their indoor environment. Koi fish can be territorial, so a fence or wall may keep them in, where they’re safer.
Water lettuce is one of the most popular plants for a DIY pond because it’s easy to maintain and is less invasive than many other aquatic plants. Water lettuce will grow almost anywhere, but it’s best in areas where they like the shade. Fruits and vegetables are popular plant choices for a koi pond, but if you have live plants in the water, you have to remove them occasionally to avoid koi jumping on them. This is a common problem with plants that grow near the edge of ponds, as they’re often accidentally cut off. You should consider growing more ornamental plants or flowering plants in a larger container to avoid this problem.
Waterfalls can really add character to a backyard setting and can also be a great place for koi ponds. Waterfalls can provide the relaxing sounds and sight of rushing water, but they must be properly positioned so that they won’t be drowned out by overhanging leaves or grass. The water from a waterfall can also drown out other, less pleasant sounds, such as the chirping of birds, so you should position the waterfalls at least 5 feet away from the pond. Building a DIY waterfall is relatively easy, but you’ll need the right plans and equipment to make it work properly.