How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond

by Hugh Harris-Evans

Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.

When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first consider the design and make a plan. The biggest mistake that people make when planning a pond waterfall is to err on the large side. For a pond measuring 12 ft x 14 ft you should think in terms of a fall of 18-24 inches. The width of the waterfall should be in proportion to the size of your pond. The important point is to make sure that the scale of your construction fits in with the surrounding features and does not spoil the balance of your overall garden design.

The next question that has to be answered is the type of construction you wish to use. There are two basic choices. You can either use a liner and place rocks to form the fall or you can save yourself the trouble and buy a Fiberglas unit. Either way you will still have to use your shovel to form the site of the waterfall.

The other requirement is a pump which will be sited in the pool to transport the water to the top of your waterfall. The size of pump that you will need depends on the height and width of the waterfall and also the length of pipe from the pump to the top of the fall. Once you have finalized your plans, consult your dealer and he will be able to supply you with the correct pump.

To maintain a healthy pond environment with crystal clear water usually involves installing a biological filter. Again your dealer will be able to advise you as to the correct type and size. The filter should be placed at the top of the waterfall so that the water is cleaned before issuing out on to the fall.

Once you have assembled all the equipment it is time to get out your shovel. If your site is level and the soil from excavation of your pond is nearby this can be used as the mound on which to place the waterfall. If you are using a liner you first dig out the channel and then fit the liner. Next place the rocks so that the water can flow over them. It is helpful if you observe a natural waterfall to give you some ideas as to how the rocks can be placed for the greatest effect. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, use black waterfall foam to seal the rocks to ensure that the water flows over and around them and not underneath. If you have chosen to use a Fiberglas pre-formed model, you will avoid the problem of placing the rocks and will just have to dig out sufficient soil to allow you to fit the unit.

To complete the installation fit the pump, filter and hose and connect to the electricity supply. Providing all is working to your satisfaction, now is the time to relax and enjoy your handiwork.

If you have read this far and are wondering whether it would be just too much like hard work, then consider this. Water soothes and relaxes, inspires reflection, and is a source of beauty. A cascading, bubbling stream adds interest and serenity to the garden, while a waterfall can create a dramatic centerpiece. Building a pond waterfall really is worth the effort.

Hugh Harris-Evans is the owner of The Garden Supplies Advisor where you will find further articles, gardening tips and product reviews.

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Flower Garden in Urban Environment

By Kenneth Elliott

Small Flower Garden planning in a urban environment involves planning in a scarce environment. That is why it's important to know what to look for in that nook, niche, or corner. When creating that secret flower garden there are a few things to keep in mind.

First thing to consider in creating a flower garden is the choice of earth on which to begin your task. The Flower garden will have to be simply a suitable plot with suitable conditional. When you don't have much room at all the basic choice becomes no presence of earths bounty or a neatly organized small plot on which to produce the flowers and food you desire.

What kind of spot are you looking for for your flower garden? In the higher order of wants and needs, sun needs to be your deciding factor of spots. You don't want to maintain a north plot, unless it were absolutely forced to you. Why? Because of too much sun light. Now a northern exposure might be okay for certain strong strains of flowers in your flower garden or perhaps ferns, they are really not much use as spots for a domestic flower garden.

Now, the right conditions would be a plot with southern exposure, if you can get it. Here the sun lies cozy all day. Once you've identified the plot and begin to plan out how it will be planted, your rows of vegetables and flowers should run north and south. Planting your flower garden this way will allow your plants to bask in the loving warmth of the sun all morning on the eastern part and all the afternoon on the western side. Enjoy your new flower garden!

Kenneth Elliott is the owner of Flower Garden, Japanese Garden and Designer Handbags websites. Discover your gardening skills today.
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