Types of ponds
Types of ponds
Discover everything for the perfect pond: from construction to design and maintenance. We offer expert advice for a self-regulating and biologically balanced pond. From a swimming pond to sleek mirror pond: select your type of pond or choose by water content if your pond is not listed.
Since 1986, we have been the bridge between pure nature and your garden. With a focus on natural beauty, we provide not only hardy pond plants with 100% growth and flowering guarantee, but also expert advice for a maintenance-free pond. Whether you are looking for ecological pond supplies or a complete planting plan, with us you will find everything for a natural pond.
5 tips from pond specialist Simon for choosing your pond
1. Swimming pond is win-win
A pond in the garden is popular. It is wonderful to look out from your home on a beautiful pond that attracts animal life. Any pond is also a very good contribution to biodiversity; you help many insects with it, but amphibians and birds are also happy with a water place to find cooling or even a habitat. If you have the space and the means, choose a swimming pond, where there is room for a nice plant filter as well as for swimming. This is a very good choice if you ask Simon, because this is a win-win option: nature and you both enjoy the pond.
2. Mirror pond with aquatic plants
When you think of a mirror pond, who thinks of a rectangular, black tank of water in which nothing grows? Right. But such a garden pond won't stay clear for long if you don't provide some pond plants. This can be done modestly with oxygen plants that grow exclusively underwater. They don't touch the surface and the mirror pond remains intact. However, Simon favors dressing even such a tight pond with the necessary pond plants. Floating plants are a good option, and water lilies can also look wonderful in the reflection pond. This does not have to be the entire length, you can also choose to use just one corner for this so that the rest of the surface remains nice and tight and you can see the passing clouds reflected in it.
3. Think carefully about your koi pond
A koi pond is the odd man out when it comes to garden ponds. Where almost all ponds revolve around the water feature, plant filter or the complete appearance, this is different with a koi pond. Eyecatchers are the beautifully colored koi, often placed in a pond with a dark background. It is advisable to think carefully and read up on this type of pond. An example are the pond plants; the koi like to eat them so it is important to place them fish proof in your pond. This can be done with a floating plant island or simply by placing lots of plants, so that it is less of a problem if your koi eat some of them.
4. Plenty of sunlight in your garden pond
Whatever garden pond you choose, the location of your pond is important. aquatic plants and also some animals need it to get enough sunlight for healthy growth. That's why Simon recommends placing a pond in a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. That way, you give the pond plants that grow both below and above water the best chance to make your garden pond a beautiful biotope that you enjoy.
5. Tasty pond plants in the garden pond
For any pond, whether large or small, it is necessary to put in enough and also varied pond plants. A mix is best, think water lilies, oxygen plants, marsh plants and floating plants. Simon advises his customers to place at least 1 pond basket for every m2 containing 4 plants. Do not place more than 4 of these baskets (i.e. 16 plants).
Frequently asked questions about ponds
- Terrace pond/mini pond: Suitable for small spaces such as balconies.
- Organic plant pond: Promotes biodiversity and is self-sustaining.
- Pond: Combines swimming fun with a natural ecosystem.
- Koi pond: Specifically for colorful Koi fish.
- Natural Pond: Let nature take its course without pond liner.
- Mirror Pond: Reflects the surroundings with a sleek design.
- Small pond: With a capacity of less than 10,000 liters.
Preferably choose a location that receives 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Do not place the pond next to trees that lose a lot of leaves. As for size, there are numerous options. A larger and deeper pond has the advantage that the water does not heat up as quickly, giving algae less chance to grow. However, it is essential to also have shallow areas in the pond for oxygen and other aquatic plants, since many species cannot grow deeper than 20 cm.
For a plant pond, whether you have fish or not, it is advisable to have a depth of at least 80 cm. However, 100 cm is optimal. This advice also applies to smaller ponds. With insufficient depth, fish risk freezing and the water can heat up faster, which promotes algae growth.
To make a small or large pond, first dig a hole with different depths for various pond plants. Then cover the pond with pond liner, place a layer of pond substrate on the bottom and add the desired pond plants. For detailed tips and tricks, consult Simon's guide to building a pond.
An organic plant pond with sufficient plants and bacteria requires minimal maintenance. However, the presence of fish, nearby trees and the number of plants can affect maintenance requirements.
vdvelde.com - Everything for a natural pond
For a sparkling, natural pond, you need the right products and advice. Here you will discover all about pond construction and an appropriate planting plan. And good news: with the right approach, a pond pump, filter or water improvers such as KH and GH are often unnecessary. We offer only hardy pond plants and the essential supplies for a biologically balanced and low-maintenance pond.
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Garden pond
Types of ponds to consider
- Organic Plant Pond: Ideal for gardeners who enjoy aquatic plants.
- Swimming pond: A pond for swimming; combines the functions of a swimming pool with those of a garden pond.
- Koi Pond: Especially for lovers of these graceful fish.
- Natural Pond: A pond that mimics the natural landscape and requires minimal human intervention.
- Mini pond: Perfect for those with limited space but still want to enjoy a pond.
Garden pond construction & landscaping in 10 steps
- Determine the location: Ideally a spot with 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Plan your pond: Draw a plan with zones for plants.
- Dig and line: Check the groundwater level before you start digging and make sure you have a solid pond liner.
- Choose the right plants: Plants serve as natural filters and add aesthetic value.
- pond substrate: Forms the base of your pond and helps with filtration.
- Oxygen Plants: Crucial to maintaining a healthy pond environment.
- water lilies: Add beauty and provide shade.
- aquatic plants: Help filter and purify water.
- Sumpfpflanzen: Purify water by absorbing waste products.
- pond bacteria: Support a healthy pond ecosystem.
With this guide, you'll be ready to build your own natural garden pond and enjoy the peace and beauty it brings.
Creating a natural pond
Build your own pond
Small garden pond
Constructing a small pond
- Choose Location: Select a spot with adequate sunlight and away from trees to avoid leaf fall.
- Dig the Pond: Dig a hole with different depth levels for various aquatic plants and animals.
- pond liner Application: Cover the hole with a firm pond liner to hold the water.
- Water and Plants: Fill the pond with water and add aquatic plants such as water lilies and reeds.
- Natural Balance: Allow the pond to develop naturally without chemical additives, use only substrate, ample aquatic plants and pond bacteria to achieve biological balance.
