Gardening Article:

Turn Your Yard into an Oasis by Adding a Pond and Waterfall

The soothing sound of water is a magical source of inspiration for young and old alike. Every garden can be enhanced by the addition of a water feature. Ponds are probably the single most important wildlife feature that can be added to a garden, attracting a host of creatures from birds, to frogs and beneficial insects. Adding a pond, with or without a waterfall, to your garden is also an investment that will enhance the curb appeal and value of your property should you ever decide to sell your home. 

Keep in mind that the larger the pond, the better water quality and fewer problems resulting from temperature variances and toxin buildup you will have. Plan to create the largest possible pond you have space and funding for since once you install a pond it is almost impossible to enlarge it later without starting completely over. You will also need to decide whether you want your pond to be home to fish, plants, or a combination of the two. If, for example, you want to keep Koi in your pond, you will not need to plan or budget for many plants. However, if you want a water garden with lots of plants, you'll need to plan for a pond with "shelves" (terraces).

After you've chosen your pond size and general style, you'll need to select the required basic equipment - a liner, filter, pump, and plumbing parts to connect your system.

Another alternative that is becoming increasingly popular is to utilize an all-inclusive pond / waterfall package or kit. Later on we will discuss the advantages that the current generation of pond kits offer.

Common mistakes that are made when building a pond / waterfall:

• Too Small: 80% of first-time pond builders say they built their pond / waterfall too small
• Don’t put rocks on the bottom of the pond
• Planting under a tree: Litter and too much shade
• Allowing landscape runoff to drain into the pond
• Inferior Materials: Once your pond and waterfall are finished the last thing you want to do is dig it up to replace or patch a cheap liner or replace an inferior pump. Quality parts and materials will cost more initially, but will save you money and labor in the end.

Styles of backyard ponds and waterfall:

There are two main styles of water features or ponds, formal and informal. The style of your water feature or pond, which best fits your garden is dictated by the design of your garden and you own personal style choice.

• Formal ponds: Formal ponds or water features possess symmetry, geometric shapes and clean lines. Formal ponds are typically centered on a main architectural feature in the garden such as a pergola, patio, view, or symmetrical plantings. Formal ponds or water features can be as small as a water spout centered in a geometric shaped container to as large as your space allows.
  
• Informal ponds: Informal ponds and waterfalls are typically free-form and natural in manner. Babbling brooks, thundering waterfalls, high mountain streams and tranquil ponds are all examples of informal ponds. Informal ponds can be any size or shape and adapt well into just about any garden. By using a heavy duty, quality liner, you can design streams and waterfalls limited only by your imagination and available space.

Pond Equipment Basics:

The first crucial measurement in pond design and building is to know how many gallons of water your pond will hold. This number is critical when purchasing pumps, waterfalls and fittings. Here are some handy calculations: 

• Gallons in pond: Length X Width X Depth (in feet) X 7.5 = Gallons  (7.5 gallons per cubic foot)
• Liner Size: Width = Overall length + twice the maximum depth. Length =Overall length + twice the maximum depth. (Then add another foot!)

Pond Filtration Basics:

When it comes to filtration, don’t be cheap! There are many options to choose from, with a direct correlation between effectiveness and price. The three basic types of filtration systems are:

Internal filter

• Internal filters are relatively inexpensive to purchase.
• Internal filters are placed directly in pond.
• Best for small to medium ponds with a low biological and debris load.
• Easy to clean (but may prove more difficult if placed far from the edge of your pond).
• Pump output can also be connected to tubing to run a waterfall, or a diverter can be added to run both a waterfall and fountain.
• Filter is easily hidden since most parts are black and blend in with a black liner.
• A UV sterilizer can be added with additional plumbing.

External filter

• Medium priced filter system.
• Large variety of sizes and features fit nearly every budget and pond size
• Easier maintenance than internal filters because it is located outside of the pond. Also, when filter is paired with a pump that will transport large debris, you won't need to clean a prefilter.
• More plumbing and plumbing parts are involved in the assembly.
• Will require a little creative effort to disguise filter with landscaping.
• Some have built-in UV sterilizers or two outputs so half the flow can be directed to a UV unit.

Skimmer/falls Filter System:

• Best all-around filtration system regardless of pond size.
• Provides the overall best water quality since the debris is caught before it sinks into pond.
• Requires minimal maintenance - just lift lid from skimmer, dump debris out of mesh basket, then rinse mechanical media with a hose if needed.
• Installs in the ground, right next to the pond.
• Easy to disguise - cover skimmer with a large flat rock and disguise waterfall bio-filter with rocks and plants.
• More plumbing involved in assembly but some can be avoided is you purchase a pond kit by a quality manufacturer such as Savio.
• More expensive than most other filters, but the end result is well worth the cost!
• A UV sterilizer may be added with additional plumbing.

After you have decided on your filter, you'll need to find the size that will work best for your pond. You'll see much better results if you choose a filter recommended for a pond slightly bigger than yours.

Choosing a Pond Pump:

The pump you choose will depend on the volume of your pond and other factors such as waterfall lift. When in doubt, go larger on your pump size.

• Absolute minimum pump flow rate should be ½ the pond volume. Ex: 1000 gph pump for 2000 gallon pond.
• For waterfall: 150 gph per inch width of weir
• Use flexible PVC to minimize friction loss
• If you plan to stock your pond with several fish and just a few plants, your pond's flow rate should be greater than the pond volume.
• If you plan on creating a Koi pond the recommended flow rate should be equal to twice the pond volume.

Do pond kits or packages really work?

Yes, if you purchase a pond / waterfall kit or package from a quality, professional manufacturer such as Savio. Steer clear of pond packages assembled by third parties or discounted ponds at box stores. If the price for the pond package looks too good to be true, then it probably is!

The water feature or pond and waterfall industry have evolved in the last few years to the point where quality manufactures such as Savio have created professional pond packages and kits that any DIY homeowner can successfully install in a weekend. At Stargazer Perennials / Hardy Gardening we have been installing and building ponds both for ourselves and clients for years. During that time we have migrated almost exclusively to Savio products based upon our own experience with using them in the field. Savio products really do work and last in the landscape. Hardy Gardening and Stargazer Perennials are now able to offer Savio pond and waterfall kits and products directly to you.

The advantages of using a pond kit:

All necessary parts, materials and fittings are included. This means no running out to the hardware or pond store five different times to try and get everything you need.

Purchasing a pond kit is actually more cost effective than buying parts and equipment individually, so you SAVE MONEY!

The pump and fittings are already correctly sized to operate the pond and waterfall properly. Properly functioning ponds and waterfalls mean a cleaner, happier pond!

Savio Pond packages and kits come with detailed, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.

Questions about installing a pond or waterfall in your yard or garden:

If you have questions about pondfree waterfall kits or other questions related to building a pond or water feature, email us at info@stargazerperennials.com and we will be pleased to assist you with your question.