DIY Network

Planning and Preparation Planning and Preparation From "Hardscapes" episode DHSC-104

A pond or water garden can enhance a landscape of almost any size or style. Here, learn how to build one yourself -- with just a little imagination and some basic tools and planning....

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Tools and Materials:

Spade
Shovels
Wheelbarrow
Carpenter's level
Rakes
Hand tamper
Utility knife and scissors
Gloves
Safety goggles
Rope or garden hose
Landscaper's spray paint
Expanding foam sealant
Sand
Pre-formed rigid pond liner
Flexible creek liner
Pump
Tubing
River Rock
Pea gravel
Flagstones

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• Call your local utilities and find out where power cables, gas and water lines are buried. Look at the contours of the landscape. Use spray paint to mark the outline.

• With a rigid, pre-formed pond liner like we're using, you can see how it's going to look in place (figure A). You can move it around and figure out the best position.

• The liner has a plant shelf. The shelf needs to be supported by solid ground, so you can't dig out a big hole and back-fill under the shelf. First measure from the rim to the shelf.

• Add two inches to that and dig out the entire pond area to that depth (figure B).

• The extra two inches leave room for a layer of sand between the earth and the liner. The sand helps protect the liner from wear and tear as it settles into the ground.

• Since the ground here is pretty barren, we're not concerned with saving the sod. To begin the excavation, use a spade to mark a clean, cut line around the perimeter. Then switch to round tipped shovel and dig in.

• As you excavate, periodically check your progress. When you reach the depth of the first shelf, check to make sure the surface is level.

• If the depth and level are right, you're ready to dig out the next section. Again, you need to mark the outline of the dig area. Measure the width and length of the shelf and mark the ground, based on those measurements. Remember to measure the depth of the shelf and add two inches for sand (figure C).