The love of the trickling
sound of water dates back to early
civilization when settling near naturallyoccurring
water sources was needed to
sustain life. Once cities began forming
away from oceans, rivers and other water
supplies, the appreciation for its innate
beauty, calming effects and salubrious
properties were longed for. Today, the
long-standing art of water gardening
thrives among homeowners eager to
maintain these aesthetic benefits.
With spring in full bloom, now is the
perfect time to augment the natural
beauty of a well-manicured lawn or one
in need of attention. Ranging from a
simple tabletop fountain to an elaborate
pond,water features become focal design
elements for any yard or garden needing
an added touch of movement, life, and
tranquility. Most high-impact, visuallystimulating
water features are budgetfriendly
and easy to do yourself whether
a novice gardener, seasoned green
thumb or any skill-level between.
"Backyard ponds create a sanctuary
for the senses, from the soothing sounds
of running water to the eye-pleasing
sight of a beautifully crafted project,"
says Larissa Gleason, marketing manager
of Beckett Corporation. "The whole
family can enjoy the process of building
a pond together and, with the wide array
of pond kits available at national retailers,
even first-time water gardeners can
successfully complete a project."
Beckett, a leading manufacturer of
water gardening products, offers the
following tips for creating a pond. Before
heading out to the yard with shovel in
tow, take some time to design and plan
the project. Look through past vacation
pictures and peruse magazines for
inspiration. With a vision in mind, begin
scoping out a place to incorporate the
pond. Avoid choosing a spot directly
under a tree. While picturesque, falling
leaves and bark would require that the
pond be cleaned frequently. Also, be sure
to check for underground wiring and
other utility lines when looking for the
pond's location. After finding the perfect
area, prepare to embark on your pond
adventure!
Based on the shape of the pond, begin
the project by choosing an appropriate
liner. While flexible liners afford greater
versatility in regards to shape and size,
preformed liners take much of the
guesswork out of digging a hole.
Installing a Beckett 35-gallon Preformed
Pond Liner can be achieved in just a few
easy steps. First, dig a hole to
accommodate the liner that is slightly
deeper so it sits level with the ground.
With the liner in place, be certain that it
fits tightly into the hole, and use loose
dirt to backfill any gaps. Place a level
across the top of the liner, checking that
it's even in all directions.
With the base of the pond complete,
additional embellishments such as
waterfalls and streams will further
enhance its visual appeal. Beckett offers
a Waterfall Kit that is complete with all
parts and step-by-step instructions
needed for constructing a flowing
cascade and stream. For a natural flow of
water and an eye-catching drop, the
waterfall should be elevated at least 10
inches above the surface of the pond.
Lastly, complete the project by adding
the final touches. Use artistic creativity to
fulfill the vision by securing slate, rocks
and pebbles using high-quality waterfall
foam from Beckett. Bring the pond to life
by adding plants, such as water lilies,
floating moss or water ferns, and fish
such as goldfish or Koi. With the last
component in place, sit back and enjoy
the soothing sounds of a flowing oasis.