One of the brightest tools in landscape design is a decorative pond. Of course, most of the suburban areas are limited to the traditional six acres, and the owners simply cannot build a large pond, but because of this, you should not give up the dream of acquiring an artificial pond. As for the technical part, it will not become an obstacle, but subject to good instructions and desire. So, today we will find out how to make a pond in the country with our own hands step by step.
First, you should find out what purpose the construction of the pond on the site will pursue. From this point of view, water bodies can be divided into four large groups.
Table number 1. Classification of artificial reservoirs by functionality
| Group name | Short description |
|---|---|
| They are an element of landscape composition and are intended, first of all, to decorate a particular area of the garden. Near such reservoirs, active recreation is not provided. |
| They are deeper and often decorated with fountains, bridges, sometimes equipped with lighting. Similar ponds are built near the house or gazebos, benches with awnings are placed nearby. Therefore, it is quite obvious that such reservoirs are the heart of the recreation area for residents of the house. |
| This option is suitable not only for avid fishermen, but also for families with children - the latter will enjoy watching bright fish while relaxing in nature. |
| They also belong to artificial summer cottages and not only perform an aesthetic function, but also provide an opportunity to freshen up or even swim (it all depends on the size). |
Then, based on the goal and our capabilities, we proceed to the choice of style, location, size and shape.
Second phase. Deciding on style
An artificial pond can be made in one of two possible options, and each of them also has a great many modifications.
Table number 2. Styles of artificial reservoirs
| Name | Short description |
|---|---|
| This name accurately reflects the essence - these are structures that differ in clearly defined outlines. The shape of the pond, correct in terms of geometry, is suitable for those areas that are decorated in the style of minimalism, high-tech, modern or classic. But, characteristically, the shape can be not only rectangular, but also square, round, oval, broken. |
| They are more popular, because they are characterized by naturalness and irregular outlines of the coast, which means that they bring a person closer to nature. The shape of the reservoir here depends only on personal preferences, but the more complex it is, the more difficult it will be to lay the film (more on this later). |
The relief of the site also plays a big role in choosing the style. So, if the surface is sufficiently even, then the shape of the pond can be any. If there are irregularities and drops on the site, then they need to be given special attention, but they make it possible to additionally equip a cascade or waterfall. In addition, against the background of all this, say, an artificial slide will look great.
Also, the reservoir can be slightly raised above the ground. In this case, the construction technology will differ only in the arrangement of the foundation, which will prevent possible distortions of the bowl.
When creating such a reservoir, earthwork is minimized, and it will be much easier to take care of it.
Note! If the reservoir will be built with a fountain, then preference should be given to a high design.
Third stage. Choose a place
Let's start with the fact that we place the reservoir in the most suitable place, so that it is possible to admire our creation from anywhere in the site. That is why when choosing we take into account several important factors.
- Land area. Not only the size of the pond, but also its shape directly depend on it.
- illumination. It is preferable to place an artificial reservoir in a shady place where exposure to direct sunlight does not exceed five to six hours a day, otherwise some of the water may simply evaporate. Moreover, in sunlight, biological activity can develop, which is unlikely to beautify the pond. Therefore, having chosen a specific place on the site, we observe the solar regime for several days.
- Relief. The shape of the pond depends on it, and it also simplifies the installation of additional elements (for example, fountains).
- Groundwater level, soil composition. These indicators affect not only the depth of the reservoir, but also the complexity of the work and the need for additional consumables.
Note! The greater the depth of the pond, the more illuminated the place it should be placed. If the reservoir is intended for fish, then we take the location even more responsibly, since the oxygen content in strongly heated water decreases.
- Expandability. Do not forget about the perspective, so on the one hand we leave free space.
- Visibility. It is desirable to arrange the reservoir so that it can be seen from the house and places of rest.
- Power supply. If a fountain or lighting is additionally equipped, then we think over electrification in advance. It is better to lay wires even during development, and underground and in a reliable protective corrugation. There should be small access hatches at the junctions.
- Reflection. The pond will look more attractive if the surface reflects the sky or beautiful buildings, and not some kind of outbuilding.
- Landscaping. The vegetation near the pond is, of course, beautiful, but the leaves will pollute it and form silt. Moreover, the root systems of trees can lead to damage to the waterproofing layer.
- Compatibility with general decoration and other objects.
We begin work in the spring - so we will have enough time for the reservoir to "take root" on the site.
Fourth stage. Deciding on sizes
It is difficult to say that a large pond will cost more than a small one, since there are a lot of nuances here. So let's look at the key points.
1. Dimensions. They depend on the location of the reservoir. Many say that the pond should be an average of 3-10% of the total area of the site, although there can be no clear recommendations in this case. As for the specific length and width, they depend not only on the area of the land, but also on our capabilities. After all, we will dig a hole under the reservoir by hand.
2. Depth. It depends on the purpose of creating a reservoir, as well as its size.
3. The difficulty of the content. The larger the pond, the easier (no matter how paradoxical it may sound) to take care of it.
4. Zoning. The reservoir is divided into the following zones:
- coastal (from 10 cm to 40 cm), which will serve as an entrance and for planting a plant;
- shallow (from 40 cm to 100 cm), where crops that grow deeper will be planted (for example, winter-hardy water lily);
- deep-water (more than 100 cm) - it is required only in those reservoirs where fish breeding is planned; the area of this zone depends primarily on the number of fish, but on average it should be more than 20% of the total area of the reservoir.
5. Biological balance. In any case, living creatures will settle in the pond, which means that it is necessary to provide such conditions so that it can clean itself. No oxygenation or chlorination of water is provided here. It is worth remembering: no more than ½ of the entire area can be allocated for plants.
Note! The lowest point should be lowered below the freezing line of the soil, especially if you plan to breed fish - so they can survive the winter in non-freezing water.
Fifth stage. Choosing materials
The next issue to be dealt with is the choice of consumables. There are many options on the market today that can be used to create an artificial reservoir. Let's consider them.
concrete pond
The most expensive option, which, nevertheless, allows you to operate the reservoir for quite a long time. Although concrete pouring is more suitable for arranging a pool.
Finished plastic container
This option is more suitable. A form made of fiberglass or PVC allows you to build a pond in record time and use it for up to 30 years (the specific period depends on the quality of the container).
The procedure itself will consist of only four steps:
- dig a pit;
- set the form;
- fill the remaining voids with sand;
- we plant plants, fill the reservoir with water.
The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of transportation (if the volume is large) and the need for basic installation knowledge (otherwise the bowl may be damaged). Moreover, plastic containers degrade over time under the influence of UV radiation.
Note! It is preferable to use a fiberglass bowl, which is reinforced with rubber - this design is more reliable and suitable for repair.
Polymer film
In terms of the shape of the pond, this option provides simply unlimited possibilities. The most affordable material is plastic film, although it will not last long.
PVC film has a longer service life, with proper installation it can last up to ten years.
Perhaps the most reliable option. For ponds with rocky bottoms and great depths, it is recommended to use a butyl rubber (EPDM) membrane, which has a service life of up to 50 years. In addition, this material is able to withstand repeated frosts.
There are several folk ways to make a reservoir that use improvised materials. Let's get acquainted with the most popular of these methods.
Pond from an old bath
A great option, because the bath is a container that was originally intended to hold liquid. The bath can be painted in bright colors and placed in a picturesque corner of the site or, alternatively, deepened into the ground.
Tire Pond
An easy way to create a mini-pond on the site. The manufacturing process is shown in the photo below.
Pond from a basin
An even easier way. The basin is able to retain water well, so it can be installed in the same way as a bath. With proper decoration, such a mini-pond will be an excellent decoration of the yard.
Note! Not only the aesthetic characteristics of the pond, but also its service life depend on the choice of material. It is desirable that the selected material is environmentally friendly.
Sixth stage. We prepare the equipment
To create a simple artificial reservoir, we need a level, a cart with a shovel, a cord, a hose that is used for watering, and pegs.
If the pond is more technologically advanced, then you will need the following equipment:
- cleaning filter;
- sterilizer (it will remove algae so that the water is clear);
- pump for pumping / pumping water;
- aerator for oxygen saturation (especially important when breeding fish).
Seventh stage. We create an artificial pond
There are plenty of materials that can be used to create a reservoir, but we will focus on PVC film. The fact is that it is cheaper, takes the desired shape better, it can be repaired, and specific knowledge or skills are not required for work.
Step 1. First, choose the color of the film. There are several possible options here.
- Black film - it will turn the bottom into a mirror (plants, clouds, etc. will be reflected).
- Cream, blue- so the reservoir will look more like a pool, and the fish on a light background will be more clearly visible.
- brown- will imitate the soil of natural reservoirs. Great option for a landscape pond.
Also, when choosing a film, we pay attention to the composition (PVC is more durable than PE) and thickness (for a pond, material thicker than 0.5 mm is required). Moreover, the greater the depth of the reservoir, the greater should be the thickness of the film. No less important is resistance to UV radiation and mechanical damage.
Note! If the depth of the pond exceeds 1.5 m, then we use butyl rubber. Such a film is resistant to stretching, deformation and UV, moreover, it can withstand temperatures of 40-80°C.
- pond width + (depth x 2) + margin (55-60 cm) = material width;
- pond length + (depth x 2) + stock (55-60 cm) = material length.
For gluing, we will use a special glue (for example, "Tagnit") or adhesive tape (Quick Seam 3).
Step 3 The next step is to create a schema.
First, draw it on paper, and then transfer it to the ground. We indicate the dimensions of the steps or "shelves" for plants - this will avoid possible problems. For marking, use sand or a flexible garden hose (preferably a bright color).
After that, we cover the marked area with a piece of light film and examine it from different angles. We make adjustments if necessary.
Step 4. Roem a pit. To do this, perform the following steps.
- First we remove the sod.
- Then we dig the pit itself. At the same time, we move from the edges to the center, delving into the required places - it’s more convenient. For laying stone and decorating, we equip a ledge with a depth of 60-70 cm.
- We remove the soil, and with it the roots, stones, debris and everything that can damage the film. By the way, you can make an alpine hill out of the excavated earth.
When carrying out earthworks, we pay attention to ensuring that the banks of the future pond are located on the same line. If a waterfall is created, then we maintain the required height difference.
Note! If a large level is required, we can make it ourselves. To do this, lay the usual level on a long, flat board.
Step 5 We lay the underlay. We carefully tamp the bottom of the finished pit, after which we proceed to the waterproofing layer, which will prevent the penetration of water into the soil.
The substrate can be made in several ways:
- we cover the bottom with stones and fill it with sand (this kind of waterproofing will lose its properties in a few years);
- we lay a layer of geotextile, which we fill up with sand (it will cost a large amount);
- we lay PVC film (the most reliable way, so we will focus on it).
Step 6 Next, we lay the film, preferably on a sandy "cushion" (the latter will prevent damage by stones and other dangerous objects). It is advisable to lay on a hot day - heating up, the film becomes more pliable.
This may cause problems with the formation of folds. We try to make one large fold, and not a large number of small ones, and then glue it or press it down with stones. The film must be loose, loose.
For its fastening, a swarm along the perimeter of an additional trench. We lay the film there, after which we fall asleep crushed stone. Next, we fill the trench with large stones with a flat bottom (so that the film does not tear). We lay the walls with round stones (flat ones will slide). At the end, we fill the pond with water - we serve it without pressure, directing it to the center of the pit. After two days, cut off the excess film.
Step 7. We strengthen the coast. Their slope depends on the type of soil: if it is sandy, then the walls should be sloped, if we are talking about clay or black soil, then vertical. The optimum slope angle should be approximately 45°.
The fortification itself depends on the type of coast.
If they are gentle, then you can use:
- geomat;
- geogrid;
- polymer geogrid.
You can also use a regular chain-link mesh, filling its cells with soil with seeds of perennial grass (for example, clover). There is another option - to strengthen the coast with shrubs or plants.
If the coast is steep, then we can use:
- piles;
- gabions;
- retaining walls.
It can also be effectively strengthened with the help of biological methods (planting). Ideally, biological amplification methods should be combined with engineering ones.
Eighth stage. Making an artificial pond
There are several ways to decorate a pond. To make it a full-fledged design element, use one or more of the following methods.
As a conclusion. Features of care
As a result, a few words about the further care of the artificial reservoir.
Video - Creating a pond from a film
The pond in the garden is a wonderful place to relax on a hot summer day. Those lucky ones whose dachas are located on the banks of a river or lake are incredibly lucky. If there is no natural reservoir nearby, you will have to build an artificial pond yourself.
We outline an action plan
To begin with, let's try to figure out where to place a man-made reservoir in the country. It is advisable to take a place for him at the stage of designing a summer cottage.
Photo: marking the territory for a decorative pond on the site
Users often search:
The pond must meet the following criteria:
- be in an open place - foliage and branches from trees will clog the water, and the roots will damage the artificial bottom of the pond;
- do not fall under prolonged exposure to direct sunlight - constantly heated water provokes the rapid development of microorganisms and algae. The pond will quickly become cloudy and begin to exude an unpleasant musty smell.
Photo: a small pond on a site with a wooden bridge
It would be useful to provide for the option of expanding the surface of the man-made lake over time. Perhaps you want to transform a mini-pond into a full-fledged water complex - with a bridge and a small fountain.
Experienced builders recommend making the pond shallow - after all, it is used mainly as a beautiful detail of the surrounding landscape. In addition, immediately think about how you are going to care for the pond. Make a convenient approach to the pond - of course, not through the garden or alpine slides.
You will have to change the water yourself, because it is not purified naturally, as in natural lakes and rivers. Therefore, make sure that the tap in the country is in close proximity to the artificial reservoir.
Choosing a base material
Before you grab a shovel, decide what will serve as the basis for an artificial pond. There are several standard solutions. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of popular options.
Reinforced concrete structure
With this material, you can create a durable pond. The bottom and banks, filled with concrete and reinforced with reinforcement, will withstand various additional loads - the installation of a fountain, for example, or sculptural compositions on the banks.
The complexity of the process makes it impractical to use this technology for the construction of small reservoirs or decorative ponds in the country. The negative aspects of such a solution include the high cost of building man-made lakes from reinforced concrete. You will have to use a lot of building materials, rent special equipment. The dismantling of the structure will also cause difficulties, so it is immediately necessary to carefully consider the location of the pond.
PVC film
This is a budget solution for creating a simple country pond. The shape and depth of such a structure is easy to change, you can also expand or reduce the size. A pond with a PVC base is often made seasonal - for example, they fall asleep for the winter and re-equip in the spring.
The disadvantages of such a solution include the fragility and fragility of the film coating - this material can be easily damaged, and if the tightness is broken, the water from the pond will quickly go into the ground. Therefore, swimming or indulging in such home lakes is not recommended, they are intended to decorate a summer cottage.
Photo: decorative pond with a bridge in the landscape design of a summer cottage
Artificial shop reservoirs
This option is the golden mean for those who dream of their own pond and at the same time do not want to bother with the materials to create it. Shop forms for artificial reservoirs are made from strong and durable materials - PVC or fiberglass.
The latter option is much more expensive. But the cost of such a product is fully offset by the high performance of the material. It is easy to install such a form on your own, without involving friends or acquaintances in the process. The disadvantage of the option is that the pit will have to be dug under the form, and not vice versa.
In this case, the opportunity to use the unevenness of the relief to create natural coastal outlines is lost. In addition, the method will cost much more than using a film or improvised materials. The photo below shows a finished form for arranging a pond in the country.
We make a reservoir from improvised materials
Another interesting option is the use of various containers that have become unusable. Old cast-iron bathtubs, troughs, vagans - all unnecessary containers will come in handy for construction.
The advantages of this method are that you do not have to buy standard forms or build bulky reinforced concrete structures. The disadvantages include the low decorativeness of old containers - you will have to show imagination and skills in order to make, for example, a small Japanese-style pond out of a dilapidated trough.
Mini pond of tires
For those who have a catastrophic lack of space in the country, craftsmen recommend using a simple and convenient tire pond. The old car tires are dug in, a film is laid inside, and the banks of the mini-reservoir are drawn up at their own request.
The result obtained sometimes surprises even experienced landscape designers - a finished pond in the country becomes an exclusive detail of the backyard. For example, who will say that this pond in the photo is made from an old car tire?
foundation pit
After the material is selected, it is time to start excavation. It is best to do this in the summer, when the groundwater leaves as much as possible. The depth of the pit is calculated based on the material chosen as the basis. If this is a finished form or an old bath, they dig a pit 20-30 cm deeper than the tank parameters.
If the construction of a PVC film pond is planned, it will be necessary to dig to a depth of about 80 cm, since a shallow reservoir will completely freeze in winter and dry quickly in the summer heat. For reinforced concrete ponds, they dig a pit with a depth of more than one and a half meters - here you can’t do without special equipment.
Film reservoir construction technology
When the pit is ready, it remains to clean the bottom and make small terraces about a third of a meter deep and up to 20 cm wide on the sides of the future mini-lake. The bottom of the reservoir is rammed, stones, rubble, pebbles, and foreign objects are removed. The cleaned surface of the pit is sprinkled with washed sand and lined with a geotextile. Such preparation of the bottom will significantly increase the strength and service life of the coating.
The next step is the laying of the film. The size of the canvas is calculated as follows: it is necessary to add the length of the coastline to twice the depth of the reservoir. The material is fixed on the terraces with a margin of about 50 cm. The laid film is laid with bricks or stones - this is done to preserve the shape.
Then they fill the pond with water, check the tightness of the film and begin work on the design of the coastline. Do not cut off the remaining film under the bricks too quickly. It will serve as a hydro-sealant during the construction of the blind area.
We build a pond from an old tank
To equip a country mini-lake from an unnecessary bath or other container, you will need:
- a piece of chain-link mesh;
- some rubble;
- decorative stones;
- coil of aluminum or steel wire;
- cement, sand or ready mix concrete.
After the foundation pit is dug and a bath is installed in it (30 centimeters below ground level), they begin to equip the coastline. To do this, along the entire perimeter of the future pond, the top layer of soil with a width of at least 40 cm is removed and a trench is dug, the depth of which reaches the upper edge of the installed container.
To give naturalness to the man-made lake, tile glue is applied to the bottom and walls of the bath. After processing, the container is allowed to dry well - usually this takes at least two days.
Then, a chain-link mesh is laid around the entire perimeter of the bath, which is necessary to reinforce the sides and bottom of the pond. A concrete mortar or a sand-cement mixture is applied to it and allowed to dry. Then comes the turn of the decorative design of the banks: planting plants, decorating with stones, paving paths, installing figures and other design techniques.
Thematic material:
Pond from the finished mold
The pit prepared for the reservoir is cleaned from branches, piles of earth and other debris. The bottom and walls of the pit are rammed. If the countryside has too loose soils, they are strengthened. For the finished form, a perfectly flat surface of the pit is important. The plane is leveled with a building level.
The bottom of the future pond is covered with clean washed sand, which is also compacted. This layer ensures the integrity of the finished form.
After that, the container is placed in a pit and filled with water. Empty spaces between the sides of the mold and the walls of the pit are filled with sand, and this is done gradually. First, a layer of 25-30 cm thick is poured and watered. After a uniform distribution of sand, the actions are repeated until the space between the installed bowl and the walls of the pit is completely filled.
Carrying out this procedure is mandatory, since the form for an artificial reservoir is quite fragile and easily deformed. Even pressure from all sides will prevent warping.
After 24 hours, the gap between the sides of the tank and the walls of the pit is checked: if there are voids, sand is added to them. Then the water is pumped out of the pond, the mold is finally washed and filled with clean water.
The final stage is the decoration of the finished mini-lake at your discretion. There are no strict rules and trends here. Just make sure that the country pond brings pleasure and joy. After all, that's what it's set up for.
Water has always attracted people. That is why many people are thinking about how to make a mini-pond in the country with their own hands, because then landscape design will have its own zest. Being near water is natural for a person. You can relax on the shore, run fish into the water, make a fountain or waterfall.
What are the ponds
The tradition of decorating areas near the house with ponds came to us from the East. But let's not consider simple stone bowls in the yard. After all, we are interested in the integration of the pond into the design of the site. So East. There are 2 design options: Chinese and Japanese. In China, a mini-pond was a pond richly decorated with lush plants. It looked like a piece of wilderness. In Japan, ponds were decorated differently - in the style of minimalism. Having adopted this tradition, European designers began to make ponds in their own way. Often they were of the correct geometric shape. Which style to choose is a matter of taste for each owner.
There are no fundamental differences in the construction of reservoirs, so this material will be useful, no matter what style you choose for your structure. It can be a traditional Chinese or Japanese mini-pond or a high-tech creation. Creating a pond is fun and you can get all your family members involved in it. This is especially true for the design. Well, if you start the fish, then the children will be happy to feed them. The only thing not recommended to do in the pond is to swim. This is what the pool is for.
Pond construction
Just like in any other construction, you need to choose the right place. Do not build a reservoir where the water will be under the sun all day. Plants will wither from excess sunlight, and algae in the water will multiply intensively, and the pond will overgrow. At the same time, if you make a pond on the shady side of the site, this will adversely affect plant growth. The best option is when the sun's rays illuminate the pond for at least 5 hours a day. A mini-pond should not be located near trees. When making a pond in the garden with your own hands, keep in mind that in the fall all the fallen leaves will be in the water and rot. In addition, overgrown tree roots can damage the bowl, even if you make it out of concrete. Such a garden pond should be located at some distance from the trees. As a last resort, choose a place where old trees grow, cut them down, remove the stumps and use this place for a pond in the garden.
You should be able to admire your creation. What good will be in the reservoir if it is located in the depth of the site and it will not be visible? It is good to have a pond near the garden gazebo or terrace of the house. Or set up a comfortable bench on the shore so that you can sit and enjoy the beauty.
You need to choose the size of the reservoir. There are also recommendations here, according to which the pond occupies 3% of the site. This is the best option. However, not all people who want to decorate their site in this way follow it. Often they make mini-ponds from old bathtubs or even basins. They also construct a pond from a tire. Well, lovers of large reservoirs spend a lot of effort to dig the appropriate pit. Or they make two ponds and a small river channel connecting two reservoirs. This is a personal matter for everyone. In any case, no matter what reservoir you are planning to make, look at the different options for how you can make a pond in the country with your own hands, the photo will help you with this.
After choosing a place, start digging a pit. Marking can be done with a regular rope. If the volume of work is large, it will be more rational to use the labor of hired workers or an excavator. Well, you can dig a small pond yourself. But before you take out the ground, you need to decide how you will make a reservoir. There are different options. You can install formwork and fill the walls and bottom of the pit with concrete with the addition of liquid glass for waterproofing. Or buy an annual plastic pond tank and dig a hole for it. And you can use the most budget option - PVC film, which will cover the bottom and walls of the pit.
The pit is dug in ledges (usually 2-3). Plants are then planted on them. It is not recommended to make the deepest place of the pit deeper than 1.5-1.8 m. The pond should not be made too shallow, as in this case the water will be very warm by the sun. Some owners drain it for the winter, while others do not. Usually water is left if fish are released into the pond. If the depth of the pit is normal, then they hibernate in the deepest place. Well, if the bowl is too shallow, then the water freezes in winter and the fish die.
So, a pit for a small pond was dug. What's next? It is necessary to seal the walls and bottom. Consider the option with PVC film as the most budgetary.
It is recommended to work with the film in the warm season, when it is most elastic. A thick layer of sand is poured on the bottom of the pit and on the terraces and compacted. A film is placed on it. Sand is needed in order not to accidentally damage the material with sharp stones or plant roots in the ground. The film will serve as an excellent waterproofing that does not allow water to go into the soil. On the surface of the earth, around the pit, the film is folded and pressed down with large stones. By decorating this garden pond, you will arrange the stones more beautifully, but for now, you need to finish with the bowl. When the film is laid, it is recommended to pour a layer of sand on it. If the plants on the terraces will be planted in the ground, then you need to fill in the ground, but it is much easier to plant plants in pots.
Another point that must be taken into account when building a mini-pond is that the water must be flowing. So you have to spend much less effort on cleaning the bowl and replacing the water. Making water circulate is easy enough. It is necessary to install a submersible pump in the pond. The water supplied through the hose will pass through the filter and drain back into the bowl. When making a pond in the country, you can choose any design for the drain. It can be a stream flowing down from a nearby alpine hill (this is where you can put the earth from a pit), or you can make a fountain, which is also easy to build. It is only necessary to beautifully arrange the pipe connected to the pump and towering above the surface of the water. Having built such a pond in the country with your own hands, take enough time to design it. You can use natural stones, paving slabs, decking and other materials. Your imagination is not limited by anything. You can also provide a multi-colored backlight, which will light up in the evening. Various design options for ponds in the country will help you choose.
When making a pond with your own hands, you must strictly observe safety measures if lighting is planned, since water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Use only factory sealed fixtures that are specifically designed for installation underwater. If you do everything right, then such a pond for giving with a fountain and lighting will become a real gem of your summer cottage.
DIY mini pond (video)
mini ponds
As already mentioned, in addition to a large bowl, you can also make a pond from a tire. It will be very small, but beautiful in its own way. It is much easier to make it than a large body of water. You need to pick up an old large tire from KamAZ or a tractor and dig it into the ground. The tire pond from the inside is also laid out with a PVC film. There is 1 small terrace for planting plants. Small tires are not recommended. After all, the reservoir will be tiny. But car tires can be used when you want to make a cascade of small ponds, in which water will flow from one to another. Such a structure also looks great, especially if it is well decorated. For this purpose, you can use basins or old bathtubs. Tires can also be used to build flower beds around a large pond. In this case, they can be painted with bright colors.
Conclusion
As you can see, making a pond with your own hands is quite simple. You only need to fulfill the following requirements:
- choose the right place;
- make good waterproofing;
- provide for water circulation;
- beautifully arrange the space around the pond.
And then, having created a pond with your own hands, you can rightfully be proud of it. Creating a beautiful artificial reservoir is creativity, where you can fully use all your imagination. Please note that it should harmonize well with the rest of the landscape design elements. Although construction options for a summer cottage were considered here, a pond can also be built in the courtyard of a private house in the city. Beautifully designed small ponds can decorate any courtyard.
Mini pond on the balcony (video)
It has long been customary that water calms, but more and more they say that if it is near the house, it brings prosperity and money. Not always natural reservoirs can be located on the territory of the site, more often they are created artificially. That is why we decided to tell you how to create a corner of extraordinary beauty in your garden with your own hands using improvised means for this.
A very important point in creating an artificial reservoir is the terrain that surrounds your house, and therefore you just need to pay attention to it. Look carefully at the entire available area, it may have natural depressions or small holes, if any, then we advise you to use them.
Where to place an artificial pond in the country
It is better to place an artificial reservoir closer to the house, so it will have natural light. It is also important that if you have small children, you can always control their games near the water. From the point of view of Feng Shui, reservoirs must be located on the eastern or southern part of the site, then the water is beneficial, it is also not recommended to use areas planted with trees and shrubs, especially if they are fruit.
The fact is that any plant has roots that can adversely affect the condition of the walls of your reservoir, and the fruits and leaves, falling into the water, will begin to rot over time, which will cause the water to deteriorate quickly enough. If you really want to have a small pond in your garden on your site, then make sure that it is always clean and well-groomed.
Artificial reservoirs do not need to be made deep, since they are not intended for swimming, but are part of the decor of your site, in addition, it is much easier to take care of small lakes. It is also worth noting that they need to change the water and clean, and therefore make sure that the water source is as close as possible, thus it will be easier for you to fill it.
What to make a pond in the garden
You can arrange a pond from ready-made containers in the form of fiberglass, insulating floors, flexible and rigid, polyethylene, PVC film, or butyl rubber. At the same time, if you want to achieve originality, then we advise you to carefully examine your barn and see if there are large containers lying around or an old bathroom, which is perfect for the base of your lake. It is better to start work in the summer, or closer to it, because at this time of the year the groundwater subsides, which will greatly facilitate the tasks.
Do-it-yourself pond in a finished container
The easiest way to make a pond in the country is from a ready-made container, which can be purchased at the store. It is done very simply - the pit is dug into the code container, the container is placed and its edges are leveled according to the level. Excess space is covered with earth, the edges of the container can be masked with stones or left as is. pour water, plant plants, decorate the pond itself. Here is a photo instruction:
Digging a hole
We put the container
We cover with stones
Decorate a pipe with water
Making a fountain
View at night
At the bottom of the backlight
night pond
As you can see, there are still works for water, in order to make two fountains. One is just a pipe with water disguised with an old clay pot, the second is a beautiful fountain in the center of the pond. Here are more ponds with a fountain and a waterfall:
Also in the photo in the instructions for making a pond from a finished container with your own hands, you saw a beautiful backlight. You can do the same in your country house.
And of course, the pond needs to be decorated. You can plant plants both around the pond and inside it, you can use garden figurines - put something next to the pond or let the swan swim in the water. Here are a couple of ideas:
Do-it-yourself polyethylene ponds and ponds
It is recommended to use polyethylene for the pond, the capacity of which is from 130 to 4200 liters of water. For its formation, the sides of the pit must have a stepped shape and gentle slopes. Look carefully at the raging bottom. Free it from stones, roots and sharp objects. For polyethylene, it is recommended to use just sand, in the form of an embankment with 10 cm insulation, followed by impregnation with waterproofing. To do this, it is necessary to make a cement screed with a thickness of 3 to 5 cm and leave it for 7 days. Waterproofing will keep the sand cushion from being washed away by groundwater.
After this time, pour a layer of coarse-grained sand from 5 to 10 cm and lay a polyethylene film. Instead of sand, you can also easily use a layer of greasy clay, glass wool, artificial wool, old newspapers. Dense modern material - a two-layer membrane, has a greater density and elasticity than polyethylene. It will last longer, use it if, after building or repairing a house, you still have a suitable segment. When cutting materials, leave a margin of about 60 cm, this is necessary to ensure fixation. From the edge of the reservoir, make a small ditch around the perimeter, roll polyethylene into a tube and place it in it.
Sprinkle with earth and top with flat pebbles. Filling with water must be carried out evenly and make sure that there is no air left under the film. We recommend laying a layer of a mixture of clay and sand, or pebbles, on the bottom of the reservoir.
It is better to plant water lilies or any other aquatic plants in pots, as this will allow them to be quickly pulled out when you carry out the prevention of your small pond.
At the edges, plant any plants that are not afraid of water, and from the north, protect your pond from strong winds with shrubs.
DIY fish pond
Another idea is to put real goldfish into the pond in the garden.
DIY raised pond
It is done in the same way as a polyethylene pond, only after you dig a hole for the pond - you need to lay the foundation of bricks - to the desired height of the pond. The foundation must stand for at least two days. The film, similarly to the previous case, is laid on the bottom, the excess is cut off from above and an additional layer of bricks is placed on the foundation to close the edge of the film.
Do-it-yourself ponds and ponds from the bath
If after the repair you still have an old and unnecessary bathroom, then do not rush to take it to a landfill, as in a private house it can be used for various purposes, including creating a small decorative pond.
To place the bath as a reservoir for a reservoir, you will need to make a recess. Fill the bottom base with river sand and make a cement screed. This will prevent groundwater from washing it out. Observe the ratio - sand 10 cm and pure cement for screed 3 - 5 cm. After a week, pour gravel 20-30 cm and lower the bath. Fill the side openings with gravel (at least 10 cm from the tub to the cut). The edges of the bath should not be higher than the level of the shore, as this will look unnatural. Surround the pond around the perimeter with pebbles, preferably flat. A bathtub installed on a slope must be reinforced on one side with a large stone, making a dig for one side and a partial one for the other, which will be free. Outwardly, the free side will resemble an alpine hill formed of stone.
Making a bath pond
Pond from the bath
Photo of the pond from the bath
Do-it-yourself reservoirs and ponds from a barrel
An excellent option for creating a small decorative pond is to use old barrels or tubs that were previously intended for pickles. Such containers must be placed on their side. Make a hole in the form of an oval and place it in a previously prepared recess on a mound of sand and gravel.
When the barrel is installed, fill the empty spaces with sand or gravel. Put cellophane in it, you can dig its free edges, and put pebbles on the bottom. Cover the approach to your pond or pond with rubble and pebbles. Decorate with low plants on one of the sides and sides. If necessary, you can set the backlight. You can also make a waterfall, fountain or some unusual composition.
DIY mini-ponds in the garden
In addition to the methods described above, you can also make your own small pond using a large basin, an old trough or a tire from a tractor wheel. Such reservoirs can be made slightly elevated or deepened. In order to decorate it, use decorative bricks, natural large stones, sand of different shades or gravel, it is also quite possible to decorate it with various kinds of plants, which will only complement your overall interior.
It is quite possible to create an artificial pond on your site, even if it is small in size, for this you just need to turn on your imagination and carefully look around.
Remember! In order for your artificial reservoir to serve for a single year and not deteriorate, in the winter season it must be freed from water.
Photo gallery: a pond in the country
And now I propose to look at what kind of pond in the country has already been made by those who decided to start creating decorative reservoirs on their site. Someone makes big ponds, someone small. Someone likes strict forms, and they make square, rectangular and round ponds, and someone likes natural immediacy, and they try to make oval and elongated ponds of uneven shape. Also, everyone decorates their pond in the way they can - add a bridge or a bench, plants and flowers, fish and garden figurines, or come up with and implement their own ideas that no one else has. And we collected photos of various ponds for you to choose the one that will decorate your own cottage.
Big pond in the country
Small pond in the country
Design options for a pond in the country
Aquatic plants in the pond in the country
Benefits of a basin pond:
- arrangement takes a minimum of time;
- fits perfectly into the design of any site;
- if necessary, the pond in the basin can be easily transferred to another part of the yard;
- needs minimal care;
- is a budget option, practically does not require financial costs.
Artificial reservoir from a basin make it very easy. An old metal or plastic basin is taken, dug into the ground. If the basin is full of holes, then its bottom is covered with a construction film. It is desirable that it be thick and durable. Optionally, the bottom of the basin can be decorated with stones and shells. A pond already filled with water is decorated with live or artificial plants, and the “shores” of the reservoir are lined with natural stone or pebbles. You can lay out paving slabs.
A mini-pond from a basin will be much stronger if the bottom and walls of the basin coat with cement mortar. In addition, if you plan to put frogs in the pond, it will be much easier for them to get to the surface on a cement surface than on a slippery film.
The solution is prepared as follows: mix cement and sand in a ratio of 1:3 and dilute with water. Stir well until the density of sour cream, so that there are no lumps left, and coat the basin. Layer thickness - 2 cm. Until the solution at the bottom of the basin has frozen, various compositions of stones can be made in it. A basin covered with cement is left to dry for at least a day. After that, it can be painted with black water-repellent paint. When the basin is filled with water, the black color will give the surface of the water the effect of a mirror.
For mini-reservoirs with aquatic plants, it is better to use basins with a depth of more than 15 cm. In shallow basins, the water will quickly heat up in summer, and in frosts it will freeze to the bottom and the plants will die.
Device
In order for the decorative pond to please the eye, first of all, it is necessary to choose the right place for the reservoir.
Basic selection rules:
- Choose a place in partial shade, so the water will bloom less, and aquatic plants will not wither in the sun.
- Avoid open and well-ventilated places.
- You should not place a pond under the trees, otherwise you will constantly have to remove foliage from the water, and the water will become clogged.
The pond should be located so that it can be clearly seen from everywhere. Choose a place so that the reflections in the pond are interesting and varied. For example, it can be clouds, trees, a house.
As a visual aid when choosing a place for a pond from a basin, you can use ordinary plastic wrap. Put it in the place of the planned reservoir, and take a walk, see: will the pond be visible from the main viewpoints of your site?
Installation
How to make a small decorative pond from a basin in the country? The basin has been made, the place has been chosen, now we are starting to build a mini-pond with our own hands.
Tools and materials:
- Shovel.
- Pump (if a fountain is planned).
- Clay or sand for the layer.
- A small amount of cement mortar.
- Natural stone of different sizes.
- Pebbles for soil or gravel with non-sharp edges (if the basin is covered with a film).
Stages of work:
- Dig a hole slightly larger than your pelvis. The edges of the basin should rise above the ground by 5 cm.
- Make a layer of clay or sand under the bottom of the basin and between the walls of the basin and the pit. Such a “cushion” will allow you to install the basin more evenly, and the water in it will not heat up quickly.
- The dug-in basin along the edges is poured with cement mortar. This is necessary in order for the reservoir to hold on tighter, and so that during rain the earth does not wash out from under the edges.
- Soil is laid at the bottom of the basin, aquatic plants are planted in it (duckweed, vodokras, urut aquatic). You can decorate the pond with artificial flowers.
- Fill the basin with water.
- The area around the reservoir is decorated with pebbles or stones. It will look better when large stones are laid out first, and then medium and small ones.
- Moisture-loving plants, such as ferns or callas, can be planted near the reservoir, and the adjacent area can be planted with lawn grass.
If the water in the pond is from the water supply, it must first be allowed to settle. The best option is water from the nearest natural reservoir, but rainwater can also be used.
Photo of finished ponds from a basin.
Basin Pond Care
In order for a miniature water garden to be clean and well-groomed, it needs change water regularly. Water is scooped out of the pond with a jar or bucket. If there are no planted plants at the bottom, pebbles are selected and washed with water. If the soil is shallow and difficult to choose, then pour a small amount of water and mix the soil with your hand, and then remove the water with a rag. This is repeated several times.
Walls and bottom of the basin wash with a sponge or cloth. It is worth doing this about once a month, otherwise the water will begin to “bloom” and microorganisms will start in it.
In nature, the role of natural orderlies of reservoirs is performed by snails. Therefore, you can populate your mini-pond with them so that they clean both plants and the pond itself from algae.
In hot weather, the water from the water garden evaporates very quickly, and you need to constantly ensure that its level is sufficient. Add water you need in small portions and slowly, so as not to damage the plants and decorative compositions at the bottom of the pond. If necessary, the pond in the heat can be protected with an awning or a canopy.
A miniature pond from a basin can be made on any site, and there are a great many ways to decorate it, it all depends on the author's imagination.
Subject to all the simple rules for the arrangement and maintenance of such a mini-pond, an artificial water garden will become a real decoration of the country landscape and the pride of the owners.