Water Gardens - Plan Before You Dig

Across North America there are more and more homeowners desiring to add a water garden or backyard pond to their landscape. While this may seem like a great idea, it takes time and planning to get it right. Depending on the area, the size, and the budget of the homeowner, exceptional quality back yard ponds can be created. Be careful, though. Poor planning and poor installation of any pond may end up costing a lot more than original expectations and can also have a long term negative effect on your landscape. The process to design a garden pond or water garden can be tricky. You can not just go out there and dig it out. No, instead, you need to properly prepare the dimensions and plan how you will accomplish this. It is important to consult a contractor if you do not think you can do all of the work yourself. But, before you get to that, let's design your garden pond first. Here are the basic considerations you will need to plan for when you design a garden pond or water garden. What atmosphere or ambiance do you want to create with the water feature and how will the water garden fit within your landscape? What do you want to accent through the water garden; a small fountain, a waterfall, colorful pond plants, pond fish or koi? Do you want that soothing sound of running water or just the gentle contact of the water within your existing landscape. You will find it much easier to choose your design and to make your purchases if you really know what your ultimate goal is. Basically, begin with the end in mind. Once you know what you want go and find out how to create it. Take the time to scour the many magazines, books and websites out there and see your options. There is ultimately no end to the possibilities or creativity, but don't feel it all has to come from you. Don't reinvent the wheel. Get out there and find what you like that has already been created. Take your digital camera and visit your local nursery or public parks. Walk through your neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon and ask people if you can take a look at their yards. Many people are more than happy to show off their efforts and even more willing to give you advice on how to build it. Also, inquire with any local water gardening or koi clubs or associations. Again, these people are part of these organizations because they share a love for their hobby and they would love to share their knowledge and experience with a novice. When you face any landscaping project it is important to create the outcome in your mind's eye and then recreate it in reality. Be proactive to get out there and explore your options. When it's all said and done you'll be glad you took the plunge and entered into another world you likely never knew existed.