Garden pond construction step-by-step plan
Constructing garden pond with Simon
Quacking frogs in summer, birds coming to bathe; there is always something to experience with a pond in the garden. A pond brings you peace and enjoyment, which is why many people want one in the garden. We help you on your way with a handy step-by-step plan for building a pond with preparations, and we give you step-by-step instructions on how best to set up your pond. With Simon's advice you can do this without any filter or pump. Pure nature.
On this page you will find:
Part I. Building a pond step-by-step plan >
- Step 1. Determine pond type and proper location
- Step 2. Create a floor plan
- Step 3. Excavating and lining the pond
- Step 4. Make sure you have a good pond planting plan.
Part II. Setting up a pond in 6 steps >
- Step 1. Pond substrate
- Step 2. Oxygen Plants
- Step 3. Water Lilies
- Step 4. Aquatic Plants
- Step 5. Marsh Plants
- Step 6. Bacteria
- Complete pond plant kit
- Simons Pond Advice book
Part I. Pond construction step-by-step plan
By listening carefully to the prospective pond owner, Simon can provide customized advice on how to best design the water feature. But getting started with building a pond yourself is also possible, of course. If you want one with pond liner, follow this step-by-step plan.
Step 1. Determine pond type and proper location
A good start is half the battle. Think carefully in advance about what kind of pond you want and where it will be located. If you dig your own pond, you can do so without a permit. However, you may need a permit for a construction such as a reflection pond. Find this out in advance. Furthermore, a spot in the garden is suitable where there is four to six hours of sunlight a day. This allows the pond, filled with the right plants and bacteria, to maintain a constant temperature and biological balance.
Step 2. Create a floor plan
In the next phase, we recommend making a floor plan and a cross-section of the pond. On this you will indicate the different zones where the aquatic plants will be placed. A pond can contain up to five zones. If you are going for a small pond, keep two to three zones to place plants. The pond should be at least -80 to -100 cm deep. The most important zone is the swamp zone (-10 to -20 cm) where many plants will be placed. Be careful not to make the zones too narrow, because then there won't be enough room to place aquatic plants.
Step 3. Excavating and lining the pond
Good, the dimensions and shape of your pond are determined, the execution can start. Before you start digging, check the groundwater level. Drill a hole at the deepest point of the pond. Will this stay dry? Then you can excavate a pond at that spot. Keep in mind that there will be a lot of soil coming out of the hole that will need to be drained. If the pond hole is ready, then it is time to line it with pond liner. Before you start laying, remove protruding stones and sharp points. Simon recommends finishing the edges by laying stones on top or screwing the liner against a wooden edge.
Step 4. Make sure you have a good pond planting plan.
With a well-developed planting plan, there is no need for a filter or pump in the pond. The natural plant filter, proper bacteria and location together do the job. Water improvers become unnecessary and maintenance is minimal. For a medium-sized pond, pond owners spend an average of €200 to €300 per year on water testing and on KH and GH products, in order to get the water values even. You don't need all this if you use enough and the right aquatic plants. On the map you can indicate where you want to place which plants. In Part II on this page we explain which aquatic plants you need for a healthy pond.
Step 1. Determine pond type and proper location
A good start is half the battle. Think carefully in advance about what kind of pond you want and where it will be located. If you dig your own pond, you can do so without a permit. However, you may need a permit for a construction such as a reflection pond. Find this out in advance. Furthermore, a spot in the garden is suitable where there is four to six hours of sunlight a day. This allows the pond, filled with the right plants and bacteria, to maintain a constant temperature and biological balance.
Step 2. Create a floor plan
In the next phase, we recommend making a floor plan and a cross-section of the pond. On this you will indicate the different zones where the aquatic plants will be placed. A pond can contain up to five zones. If you are going for a small pond, keep two to three zones to place plants. The pond should be at least -80 to -100 cm deep. The most important zone is the swamp zone (-10 to -20 cm) where many plants will be placed. Be careful not to make the zones too narrow, because then there won't be enough room to place aquatic plants.
Step 3. Excavating and lining the pond
Good, the dimensions and shape of your pond are determined, the execution can start. Before you start digging, check the groundwater level. Drill a hole at the deepest point of the pond. Will this stay dry? Then you can excavate a pond at that spot. Keep in mind that there will be a lot of soil coming out of the hole that will need to be drained. If the pond hole is ready, then it is time to line it with pond liner. Before you start laying, remove protruding stones and sharp points. Simon recommends finishing the edges by laying stones on top or screwing the liner against a wooden edge.
Step 4. Make sure you have a good pond planting plan.
With a well-developed planting plan, there is no need for a filter or pump in the pond. The natural plant filter, proper bacteria and location together do the job. Water improvers become unnecessary and maintenance is minimal. For a medium-sized pond, pond owners spend an average of €200 to €300 per year on water testing and on KH and GH products, in order to get the water values even. You don't need all this if you use enough and the right aquatic plants. On the map you can indicate where you want to place which plants. In Part II on this page we explain which aquatic plants you need for a healthy pond.
Part II. Setting up a pond in 6 steps
After your pond is dug and the liner is laid, it's time to start decorating the pond. Simon's step-by-step plan ensures that you can enjoy a clear, biologically balanced and low-maintenance pond all year round. All required products are listed by step so you can easily put together your own pond kit.
Step 1
Provide a layer of pond substrate at the bottom of the pond. Apply these porous stone granules in an 8 to 10-inch layer to the bottom of the pond. The bottom is the foundation of the pond, so don't skimp on this. The bottom with pond substrate ensures that any pump and filter need to be cleaned less often, because they are hardly burdened. This is because the substrate acts as one large filter.
Read all about the benefits of pond substrate >
Simons consulting
Minimum 1.5 bags of 20 liters per m²
Pond substrate
Step 2
Sufficient oxygen plants are vital for natural balance and clear water. They also provide shelter for marine life and block out sunlight. Many oxygen plants take root in the pond substrate and absorb silt. They use this as nutrition so that these aquatic plants grow better.
Read more about oxygen plants >
Simons consulting
Minimum: 5 to 6 loose oxygen plants per m³ ( 1000 liters of water) and 1 basket with 4 plants per m²
Loose oxygen plants
Planting depth pond: 0 to -120 cm
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Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Waterweed - 10 bushes - Elodea Densa
€34,95 -
Float plants, Float plants, Float plants, Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plantsCrabbear - 6 plants - Stratiotes Aloides
€19,95 -
Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Hornleaf - 6 bunches - Ceratophyllum Demersum
€19,95 -
Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Waterweed - 5 bushes - Elodea Densa
€19,95 -
Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Marimo Moss balls - 5 pieces -Chladoflora Aegagropila
€14,95
Oxygen plants in baskets
Pond planting depth: -10 to -40 cm
-
Baskets oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Needlewort - 4 plants - Crassula Recurva
€14,95 -
Baskets oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Lid Stem - 4 plants - Hippuris Vulgaris
€14,95 -
Baskets oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Earsweed - 4 plants - Myriophyllum Brasiliensis
€14,95 -
Baskets oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Needlegrass - 4 plants - Eleocharis Acicularis
€14,95
Step 3
It is important to provide the pond with plenty of water lilies. The plant species provides shelter for the fish and other animals present. The water lily foliage also blocks the sun, reducing water heat and algae growth.
Check out our advice for water lilies >
Simons consulting
At least 1 water lily per 0.5 to 3 m²Â
Large water lilies
Pond planting depth: -20 to -100 cm
-
Large water lilies, Large water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Red Water Lily - Nymphaea Attraction
€19,95 -
Large water lilies, Large water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
White Water Lily - Nymphaea Albatross
€19,95 -
Large water lilies, Large water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Pink Water Lily - Nymphaea Pink Opal
€19,95 -
Large water lilies, Large water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Yellow Water Lily - Nymphaea Marliacea Chromatella
€19,95 -
Large water lilies, Large water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Dark Red Water Lily - Nymphaea Black Princess
€39,95
Small water lilies
Planting depth pond: -20 to -40 cm
-
Mini water lilies, Mini water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Dwarf water lily - Salmon - Nymphaea Aurora
€24,95 -
Mini water lilies, Mini water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Dwarf water lily - Yellow - Nymphaea Pygmaea Helvola
€24,95 -
Mini water lilies, Mini water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Dwarf water lily - Red - Nymphaea Pygmaea Rubra
€24,95 -
Mini water lilies, Mini water lilies, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water lilies
Dwarf water lily - White - Nymphaea Pygmaea Alba
€24,95
Step 4
Aquatic plants with a good root system will filter the water while reducing the amount of waste in the water. Thanks to our experience, we know exactly which plants work best and are also hardy. We have selected the right species for you.
Simons consulting
At least 1 basket with 4 plants per 1 m²
Aquatic Plants
Pond planting depth: -10 to -40 cm
-
Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants
Pikeweed Pink - 4 plants - Pontederia Cordata Pink Pons
€14,95 -
Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants
Pikeweed - 4 plants - Pontederia Cordata
€14,95 -
Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants
Japanese Hollow Pipe - 4 plants - Equisetum japonicum
€14,95 -
Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants
Swan flower - 4 plants - Butomus Umbellatus
€14,95 -
Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants, Water plants
Pikeweed White - 4 plants - Pontederia Cordata Alba
€14,95
Step 5
Bog plants also have a function of their own. They absorb waste products, reducing nitrate and nitrite concentrations in the water. In our assortment we have included only the strongest hardy species.
Simons consulting
At least 1 basket with 4 plants per 1 m²Â
Marsh Plants
Planting depth pond: 0 to -20 cm
-
Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds
Water mint - 4 plants - Mentha aquatica
€14,95 -
Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds
Yellow Lis - 4 plants - Iris Pseudacorus
€14,95 -
Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds
Black Lis - 4 plants - Iris Louisiana Black Gamecock
€14,95 -
Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds
Blue Lis - 4 plants - Iris Kaempferi Blue
€14,95 -
Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Marsh plants, Pond, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Ponds
Dwarf glade - 4 plants - Typha Minima
€14,95
Step 6
Bacteria are added to give a new pond a good start. In addition, an existing pond gets another boost each spring by adding good bacteria. The bacteria attach themselves to the pond substrate present and excrete enzymes that filter the organic particles in the water. Thus, they contribute to clear water
Read more about pond bacteria >
Simons consulting
1 bottle of Bacta Clear from 1 to 20 m³ (1,000 to 20,000 liters of water).
Complete pond plant packages
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Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Mini pond kits, Mini pond kits, Mini water lilies, Mini water lilies, Swamp plants, Swamp plants, Pond, Pond soil, Pond soil, Pond bacteria, Pond bacteria, Pond Supplies, Pond Supplies, Pond Kits, Pond Kits, Pond Plants, Ponds, Pond Plants, Pond Plants, Pond Plant Kits, Ponds, Pond Substrate, Pond Substrate, Water Lilies, Water Lilies, Water Plants, Water Plants, Oxygen Plants, Oxygen Plants
Starter Pond Plant Pack - White Water Lily - 19 plants + substrate and bacteria - For a pond of 500 - 1000 liters of water
€109,95 -
Large water lilies, Large water lilies, Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Mini pond kits, Swamp plants, Swamp plants, Pond, Pond soil, Pond soil, Pond bacteria, Pond bacteria, Pond supplies, Pond Supplies, Pond Kits, Pond Kits, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond Plant Kits, Ponds, Pond substrate, Pond substrate, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water plants, Water plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Starter Pond Plants Package - 36 plants + substrate and bacteria - For a pond of 1500 - 2000 liters of water
€229,95 -
Large water lilies, Large water lilies, Loose oxygen plants, Loose oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Baskets oxygen plants, Mini pond kits, Swamp plants, Swamp plants, Pond, Pond soil, Pond soil, Pond bacteria, Pond bacteria, Pond supplies, Pond Supplies, Pond Kits, Pond Kits, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond plants, Pond Plant Kits, Ponds, Pond substrate, Pond substrate, Water lilies, Water lilies, Water plants, Water plants, Oxygen plants, Oxygen plants
Starter Pond Plants Package - 93 plants + substrate and bacteria - For a pond of 4000 - 5000 liters of water
€494,95
Prevention is better than cure.
Simons pond advice book
Simon has written a pond advice book. Through his practical experience, he knows the pitfalls that come anyone's way when it comes to setting up a pond properly and creating a biological balance so that the water in a natural pond remains clear.
By purchasing the book, you can save hundreds of Euros by following Simon's many tips when considering building a pond. This 120+ page book discusses all the facets that are important to making your dream pond a reality.
Should you wish to purchase Simon's book, because of his 35 years of experience, you will receive a lot of valuable information that will allow you to save a nice amount of money when building and planting your pond.
