Garden pond | All the tips for creating a natural pond in the garden

A pond in the garden, In the summer, croaking frogs and bathing birds provide liveliness around a garden pond or natural pond. It is no wonder that many long for a pond in their garden, as it brings peace and enjoyment. To help you build a pond, we offer a handy step-by-step plan including preparations. In addition, we provide step-by-step instructions on how best to set up the pond.

All about the garden pond

• What is a garden pond?
• What types of ponds are there?
• What does the construction of a garden pond cost?
• Cost saving tips for garden ponds
• Garden pond construction in four steps
• Garden pond landscaping in six steps
• Garden pond maintenance by season

What is a garden pond?

A garden pond is an artificial water feature that you can create in your own garden. But a garden pond is more than just a pool of water. If you design the pond the right way, you can keep all kinds of wonderful pond animals attract, such as colorful butterflies, fluttering dragonflies and graceful damselflies. And let's face it, who doesn't like a little biodiversity in the garden? A garden pond not only brings a piece of nature to your outdoor space, it also brings a sense of accomplishment and pride in creating something beautiful and vibrant in your own backyard. So, what are you waiting for? After reading this blog, it's time to get out that shovel and start creating your own mini-oasis today.

What types of ponds are there?

Ponds come in different shapes and sizes, this makes a pond of interest to many people. The different types of ponds out there are: organic plant pond, swimming pond, koi pond, natural pond and the swimming pond. And rest assured, for people who have a somewhat smaller garden or only a balcony or terrace, a mini pond is a nice alternative, because here you need very little space because the pond, as the name suggests; "mini".

What does the construction of a garden pond cost?

The cost of building a pond can vary greatly depending on the size of the pond, the material used, the complexity of the design and any additional features such as a waterfall. In general, building a small simple pond can start at a few hundred dollars, while a large and complex pond with sophisticated features can cost thousands of dollars. Of course, you can make this as crazy as you want. But there are also some handy tips that can save you a lot of money.

Cost saving tips for garden ponds

Many people think when building a pond that buying a pond pump or pond filter system is necessary, but nothing could be further from the truth. Besides being expensive to buy and using a lot of electricity, pond pumps can also disrupt the natural balance in your pond. For example, a pump can suck up valuable small animals, and filters to clean the water of fish droppings and waste products are not always necessary if you reduce the number of pond fish in your pond. The same goes for UV lamps against algae growth: a natural balance in your pond can keep algae from having a chance to grow. But let's face it, a fountain or lighting near your pond can be appealing. If you want to use these devices, consider opting for solar power or a timer. This can prevent lighting from disturbing the nightlife in your garden and also ensures that the fountain and light are not left on unnecessarily. This way, you can enjoy the beautiful aesthetics that these devices provide without compromising the natural balance of your pond.

Garden pond construction in four steps

Step 1: Determine the location of the garden pond

A smart start is half the battle! So think carefully about the size and location of your garden pond before you begin. If you dig yourself, you won't need a permit. Also, choose a spot in the garden where the pond gets four to six hours of sunlight a day. This way, with the right aquatic plants and pond bacteria, maintain a stable temperature and biological balance.

Step 2: Create a floor plan

Time for the next step! Make a cool floor plan and cross section of your pond and draw the different zones where you will plant aquatic plants. A pond can have as many as five different zones! But if you have a small pond, it's fine to use two to three zones for plants. The pond should be at least -80 to -100 cm deep, so that will be digging. The marsh zone (-10 to -20 cm) is the most important zone for many plants. But remember that the zones must be wide enough, or there won't be enough room for aquatic plants.

Step 3: Garden pond excavation and lining

It's time to roll up your sleeves! Before you start digging, check the groundwater level. If everything is fine, the digging can begin. But beware, there will be a lot of soil that you will have to dispose of. And then comes the fun part: lining the garden pond with pond liner. But before you start laying the liner, make sure there are no sharp stones or pointy objects in the way. Pond specialist Simon recommends finishing the edges of the ornamental pond with stones or a wooden border. That way your garden pond will look spick and span!

Step 4: Provide a good pond planting plan

With the right pond plants in your pond, you can avoid those expensive and annoying filters and pumps. The plants act as natural filters and together with bacteria and the right location will get the job done. This way you save not only on maintenance, but also on water improvers that cost an average of €200 to €300 per year for a medium-sized pond. With a well thought-out planting plan, you don't even need to buy water tests or KH and GH products to keep the water values up. In Part II, we explain what plants you need for a healthy pond and where best to place them. Goodbye filters and pumps!

Garden pond landscaping in six steps

Step 1: Pond substrate is the foundation of the pond

Give your large pond a solid foundation with a layer of pond substrate at the bottom. These porous stone granules provide a strong foundation for your pond and reduce the maintenance requirements of your pump and filter. The substrate acts as one big filter, so let it do the work for you and save time for the real fun: enjoying your beautiful pond!

Tip from pond specialist Simon: at least 1.5 bags of 20 liters per m².

Step 2: Oxygen plants are essential

Sufficient oxygen plants are the key to a healthy garden pond with clear water. Not only are these plants important for biological balance, but they also provide protection for aquatic life and block out the sun. In addition, many oxygen plants take root in the pond substrate, absorbing silt and using it as nutrition to thrive. So it's not only good for the plants, but also for the overall health of your pond.

Tip from Simon: Minimum: 5 to 6 loose oxygen plants per m³ ( 1000 liters of water) and 1 basket with 4 plants per m².

Step 3: Water lilies for healthy pond water and shelter

Water lilies are a must-have for your pond! They provide protection for your underwater inhabitants; pond fish, and reduce water warming thanks to their leaves that act as umbrellas. And best of all? Less sun means less chance of nasty algae. So be sure to stock up on water lilies in your ornamental pond.

Tip from Simon: at least 1 water lily per 0.5 to 3 m² .

Step 4: Aquatic plants as a filtration system

Well-rooted aquatic plants are essential for a clear and healthy pond. They filter the water and reduce waste. Our years of experience have taught us which plants work best and can withstand winter conditions. We have put together the perfect selection for you.

Tip from Simon: At least 1 basket of 4 plants per 1 m².

Step 5: Marsh plants as the cleanup agents of waste products

Marsh plants are the natural cleaners of water pollution. They purify water by absorbing waste products, thereby reducing harmful nitrate and nitrite concentrations. Our selection of hardy marsh plants includes only the strongest and most robust species.

Tip from Simon: at least 1 basket of 4 plants per 1 m².

Step 6: Pond bacteria for a good start!

Pond Bacteria are every pond's secret heroes! Whether you're starting a new pond or looking to revitalize an existing one, adding good bacteria is an absolute must. These little powerhouses attach themselves to the pond's substrate and secrete enzymes that filter organic particles from the water. The result? Crystal clear water that glistens in the sun!

Tip from Simon: 1 bottle of BactaClear from 1 to 20 m³ (1,000 to 20,000 liters of water).

Garden pond maintenance by season

Even though your natural garden pond requires little maintenance thanks to the useful function of our hardy aquatic plants, there are still some things you need to pay attention to. What are the most important tasks you need to perform?

Spring

Add pond bacteria to the pond water in the spring to maintain healthy water quality to include pond fish and other aquatic animals such as frogs and toads healthy. Spring and fall are the best times for this because temperatures are stable then.

Summer months

During the summer months, outdoor temperatures can rise significantly which means that there is a chance that the water in the pond can start to evaporate causing the water level to drop. When this happens, it will affect the water values and the growth of the aquatic plants. So keep a close eye on the water level and top up the pond with water if necessary.

Autumn

Also add pond bacteria to the pond water in the fall to keep the water quality healthy, as well as pond fish and other aquatic animals such as frogs and toads. Spring and fall are the best times for this because temperatures are stable then.

Winter months

Maintain hollow, tall plant stems and a wak in the ice to prevent decay gases. If present, remove snow from the ice so that light falls on the water.

Frequently asked questions about garden ponds