Ponds and Waterfalls

Now that we are saving water due to our Xeriscape landscape, we can put that water to a better use. If you spend much time in your yard, whether it is front or back, there is nothing like the sound of running water and the sight of your own pond. Put in a pond is not nearly as difficult or expensive as it may seem. Essentially we're talking about a big hole, water, pump and hose. The Garden.com web page has some great information on how to install one of these ponds and/or waterfall.

We installed a pond and waterfall in our backyard a while back. It is on the opposite side of the yard from some large trees that were perfect for a hammock. We set up the pump on an outlet that was wired to a switch. As you walk out the sliding glass door you can just flip the switch and its on. It is wonderful to turn it on, walk across the yard and lose yourself in the hammock and the sound.

My recommendation is that you use a pond liner inside of a hard pond shell. By using a liner you have more flexibility on how deep and wide you make your pond. A more inexpensive option for a pond liner may be a water bed liner. A queen size liner or mattress should be plenty big for your pond.

Keep in mind that your waterfall does not need to be very tall to have the right impact. In fact, for plants and fish, it is better that it not be a large drop. A wide trickle will have a wonderful effect.

Check with your local nursery on rules for water plants and animals for your area. No matter what you do you will have to clear the screen of your filter every so often so keep it fairly close to the each that is most easily accessible. You may want to dig down a little farther in this area so your filter isn't right near the top. Fish will help keep the bug population down but the moving water will help with that as well.

Remember that if you don't spend too much money, it will be a lot easier for you to feel OK about changing it sometime down the road. Go simple to start with and expand later if you want. Happy watering.

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