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Pond Planning
by Jeff Salmon, Master Pond Builder Site Selection: 1. Choose a area as sunny as possible.(If your only spot is in the shade don't worry, your plant choices are limited and your leaf maintenance may be higher, but you can have a lovely water feature) 2. Keep away from large trees, or at least stay on the west side of them to keep leaf maintenance down. 3. Near a g.f.i. electrical outlet. 4. Near a water source (you'll need to add water from time to time) 5. A high spot in the yard ( avoid any spot where ground water could seep into pond) 6.The larger the pond the easier to maintain (nice starter ponds are 5 x 12 , 2' deep with a 2.5' overwintering spot in the north) 7.Make sure it is an area you can sit by and enjoy! (Take your garden hose out and lay down the outline of your pond, then get your chair and see how it will be viewed from the patio, the kitchen window etc.) Plan before digging...so we can help you select the right materials the first time! 1.Waterfalls- how many? how high? 2. Streams- how long? 3. Fountain nozzles- what look? 4. Lighting- in the pond and out? Lighting is important to enjoy the water all evening long. we see too many "part-time" ponds because of no lighting. 5. Overwintering fish in the pond? Water Quality 1. Natural filters- plants, plants, and plants. Biological filter. 2. Mechanical filters, pumps to circulate and power filters, UV sterilizers, conditionerss are available to clear water, remove toxins, and control pH. Plants- 1.plants make the pond easier to maintain, add beauty from interesting foliage and blossoms and naturally filter toxins from the water. "The more the merrier." Add plants immediately. Fish 1. Fish help the natural balance of the pond 2. Less fish is better to start. 1" of fish per every 2 sq. ft of surface area is a good rule to use with a average filter system. Landscape- 1. Too often the pond is planned without integrating it with the rest of the yard. Background plantings and tying in naturalizing techniques can make a very simple water feature a breathtaking outdoor area. Suggested Reading: Most pond books are very regional and very out of date - be careful. 1. The Pond Builder or The Pond Doctor by Helen Nash ( real grounded info you can trust) Arbordale offers a complete pond planning and design service including consultations with Jeff Salmon. Call us at 716-688-9125 or visit the Pond Shop open 7 days a week.
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