A wildlife pond is perhaps the easiest type of pond to construct. It doesn’t require a pump, so it needn’t be close to a source of electricity. A wildlife pond is built to look like a natural part of the landscape. Because it isn’t stocked with fish, it is attractive to frogs, slugs, water sliders, and other animals that may come to it to have a drink or bathe away. A garden pond is more ornamental in appearance. Garden ponds typically have lily pads and other aquatic plants, and are built to complement the design of one’s garden. Artfully arranged stones, small pump-based waterfalls, and a smattering of goldfish are often features of garden ponds.
If you’re constructing your pond in the backyard, the first thing to do is call your gas and electric company and ask them to come to your house and mark the locations of your gas and electric lines, so you’ll know not to dig in those spots. If you have a larger property, other considerations may be involved. Call the Department of Agriculture to find out if there are places on your property that are protected watersheds, and ask if there are any other local regulations you should know about before you begin digging. Don’t choose a spot too close to trees, as you may damage their root systems.
Larger ponds are easier to maintain. They’re more stable, so plants and other wildlife have a better chance of survival. Use a rope to lay out the shape of your pond and get a sense of the size you want. Keep it in place to guide you as you begin to dig.
If you plan to install a pump, dig a second deeper hole of about 10 inches at the center of the pond. Create a second level for aquatic plants by digging a shallower shelf around the perimeter of the pond. You may also use a preformed pond shape, available at garden stores. These are often shaped like a bean and have multiple levels. If you’re using a preformed pond, adjust the hole you dig to its proportions.
Do not put the pump directly on the ground as this will make the pump subject to dirt and debris that falls into the pond because it is in the deepest area. Elevate the pump with a bucket or a garden pot by at least 3 in. (8. 62 cm).
Make sure the stones are set a few inches into the ground, so that they will be level with the surface of the pond when it is filled. If the stones are large and heavy, it is not necessary to mortar them. If you’re using smaller, lighter stones, you may want to add mortar to prevent them from coming loose when people stand at the pond’s edge. If you’re installing a waterfall device, it is attractive to surround it with stones. Be creative here: you may create patterns with stones, or use stones of varying shapes, sizes, and colors to accent your garden.
If you strike the right balance between plants and fish, you shouldn’t need a filter in your pond. If you have a lot of fish, you might consider installing a filter to take care of their waste. Koi are different from goldfish, and they require a special kind of pond. Read How to Build a Koi Fish Pond for more information.
Since you want to facilitate the growth of wildlife, your pond should be deep enough that it won’t freeze solid over the winter. If you’re in an area that gets cold, you’ll want to dig the pond several feet deep so that the animals living there can live overwinter. One side of the pond should have a gradual slope, a beach of sorts, so that animals that wander in will be able to make their way out. Animals can drown in ponds with steep cliffs on every side. Reserve the topsoil in a pile as you dig. You’ll be using this later when you edge the pond. When you’re finished digging, remove sharp rocks from the hole.
Different types of waterproof pond liners are available at home improvement stores, and often at garden stores.
Trim the overlapping liner back to about eight to ten inches (20 to 25 cm).
Don’t mow the area around your pond; instead, let wild grasses grow. Don’t introduce fish to the pond for several years. Their presence will prevent the pond from attracting frogs, snails, and other wildlife. Create a muddy pond bottom by dumping the topsoil back into the pond. You may plant reeds and other natural aquatic plants, such as water lilies, to help facilitate the growth of other wildlife. Just be sure to monitor it to keep it from becoming stagnant, as this could lead to a foul smell and increased mosquito activity.
