 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
-->
|
Let The Doctor Solve Your.
DIY Dilemmas: This Week: ‘Spring' into Action! Part ii |
As spring has now sprung and summer-time is just around the corner the most popular question being asked is about the garden. There are probably hundreds of books write on the subject and plenty of popular television programs now playing. One of this years most popular must have garden item is a garden pond or alternatively a water feature.
In part ii of this issue Kevin Farrelly the DIY Doctor will continue with this great garden project, and if completed the right way will add valve to your home. He has broken this project down to allow you go step by step through each separate heading. So if you are a complete DIY novice or may be an avid gardener this project will be both exciting and a joy for all the family.
Garden Concept
More people are now thinking differently about the whole concept of the garden. Long gone are the days when anything to do with the garden was treated as a boring chore. With property prices still rising and garden space be made ever smaller homeowners have to consider carefully when planning this space. Statistics show that well manicured gardens are one of the main reasons that sell properties. This fact in not lost on the general public as south facing gardens in new housing estates will command a premium price.
Structure
But if I was to steer a course for you about the garden it would have to be around the topic of structure. By structure or (the hard side) this can take many forms fences, arches, gazebos, driveways, paths and waters features. As you can see from this list structure will provide the backbone for your garden.
Garden Planning
Before you rush out into the garden take a little time to consider the following. As I always point out that DIY home improvement must always add value to your property. This being the case planning is vital at this stage carefully consider the items that will not only add value. But also add to you and the family's enjoyment of the garden.
Pond Location
Careful consideration must be given to the location of a water pond what vantage point it is given to be viewed from a decking or patio area. It's very important to have it blend in with the gardens natural surroundings. Most aquatic plants will grow better in full sun. Also consider a position where you can hear and enjoy the sound of water without straining.
Water Pond Installation Using Rigid Liner:
You can buy rigid pond liners from your local DIY outlet or garden centre. These units are very durable and are available in a selection of different shapes and sizes. These tend to be a very good value to buy and very easy to install
Steps to install a rigid type water pond:
Step one once you have decide on the location of your garden pond. Now using the rigid liner as your template, mark out the shape required for your pond on the ground. If you are quite happy with your chosen shape start to dig to the correct depth required. Remember to put your topsoil into a wheel barrow or store in an area so it can re-use to back fill and landscape around your pond or alternatively other parts of the garden.
Step two if you have chosen to install a deep rigid pond liner in the garden. The deeper your pond will allow for a greater diversity of plants and fish to live in. If the inside of your pond is tiered at various depths this will allow you to later place pots of different aquatic water plants onto.
Step three it is important at this stage to carry out a thorough inspection looking and removing all rocks and any sharp objects from the excavated area. This will insure that you will have no punctures or holes in the rigid pond liner, add now about a one-inch layer of damp sand on the bottom and sides of the excavated area.
Step four take the rigid plastic pond and offer it into the excavated area. Ease it gently into the hole you may have to repeat this process to get the perfect fit required. To help you to secure the rigid pond liner in place with the aid of building bricks place those around the edge of rigid liner to hold secure in place. Now check that the pond is sitting level if you are happy that same is correct now back fill the liner using the excavated top soil or sand.
Step five this is the fun part slowly start by filling the pond with water using the garden hose. As the pond begins to fill with water the weight of the water will help secure the rigid pond liner in place. When the pond is completely fill with water you will see the rigid liner starting to conform to the edges of the excavated area.
Landscaping
At this stage it is vitally important to raise the topsoil soil around the pond the reason for this is that all excess water will flow away from the pond and not into it. The addition of landscaping around your pond will help to provide a natural habitat for birds and general wildlife.
Fish
If you intend to add fish to your pond they are lot's of fun for all the family to watch, and will help keep the pond free of unwanted insects. Smaller water ponds can tend to warm up quickly in the summer, so make sure you stock with fish that can tolerate these temperatures. In the winter time, a water heater may be required for your fish to survive the winter.
Child Safety
Child safety is paramount around a garden pond make sure that small children are never ever left unattended around the water pond. This same advice will also apply to your pets.
Happy gardening!
|
|
|
News
Hints & Tips
Competitions
|
|
|
|
|
