Decorative pond — building with your own hands the highlight of any garden (90 photos)

A small artificial pond will become a magnificent decoration of the garden and a favorite place for the rest of the household. Relax under the murmur and splash of water, admiring the flowering plants – what could be better?

Everyone can do it on their own. On the internet, you can find not only photos of decorative reservoirs, but also detailed master classes for creating a pond of any shape and size. You will only have to decide on its location and get to work!

Finding the optimal location of the future pond in the garden is an important stage of drafting. Despite the fact that it will perform an exclusively decorative function, a natural ecological system should be organized around it, preventing its transformation into a swamp.

However, being near deciduous trees will lead to the fact that in autumn the pond will be covered with a layer of fallen leaves.

Light is necessary for the growth of plants, so make sure that the chosen place receives enough illumination. At the same time, there shouldn't be too much of it.

In the heat, the water in the pond can overheat, which stimulates the active reproduction of algae and negatively affects other pond inhabitants. Ideally, the sun's rays should fall into the reservoir in the first or second half of the day, but not less than five hours a day.

It's great if there is an unused slide on the site: the greater the slope of the terrain, the more spectacular the result will be. This is an ideal place to form a cascade.

On the other hand, the location on lower areas will allow you to fully enjoy the beautiful view, and the sun will be slower to dry it.

Another advantage of the chosen place will be a beautiful reflection in the water, for example, surrounding plants or decorative objects.

The type of soil imposes its own restrictions on the device of a decorative reservoir. Loam, clay and peat soil are the most suitable options. Chernozem contributes to the formation of silt. The organization of a pond on acidic soil must necessarily include protection of the side walls and bottom.

Design selection

A decorative pond does not necessarily have to be a pond. Creating a small fountain or an artificial waterfall will take a little longer, but the result will be worth it.

A decorative pond is the simplest and most versatile type of pond suitable for almost any site. The abundance of plants, including aquatic ones, will help to emphasize its purpose. Show imagination by creating amazing compositions that catch the eye.

Streams and cascades are most spectacular in relief areas. The water in them is constantly moving, and the cascade due to the steps resembles a small waterfall with a characteristic noise. On a flat area, you can organize a canal. The flow of water in it is slower, and it is wider. Do not forget that the water in such reservoirs gradually evaporates, watch its volume.

An interesting solution is to create a small swamp. Its depth usually does not exceed 30 cm. A great option for a low-lying and wet area. In this case, you don't even have to make an effort.: dig a hole of a suitable shape and depth and wait for it to fill with water itself. You need to decorate the swamp with swamp plants.

An even more miniature pond is called a "swamp bed". Its depth does not exceed 10 cm. According to its name, it is filled with decorative shallow-water and coastal plants. The "flowerbed" can be arranged in a container made of chamotte or wood with waterproofing. A container made of concrete of an interesting texture will look stylish.

The fountain can act as an independent reservoir or be installed in an existing one. There are submersible and floating models. Original fountains in the form of figures of animals, people and others will become a magnificent decoration of a pond in the country. Attention: a fountain that sprays water heavily can harm aquatic plants.

There is no water in a "dry" reservoir: it is replaced by other means, among which there may be plants and even stones. An inexpensive and lightweight black polycarbonate will become an "alternative" to water. Here you can and should experiment: a "stream" of pebbles, a "lake" of flowers, a "pond" of plastic wrap.

Blue flowers (ageratum, salvia, forget-me-not, bluebells, etc.) will help simulate water. Land them so that you get "waves". Finish the composition with shells and pebbles. An interesting addition will be a small bridge.

Choosing the size and shape

Of course, the larger the reservoir, the more spectacular it will look. There is a small rule: it should occupy at least 1/5 of the view area. Start from the angle with the most complete overview.

It is impractical to choose an area of less than 3 m2, since natural water purification will not occur on it. However, if the water is in motion, this rule can be omitted.

A depth of up to 50 cm is considered small. A minimum of 80 cm is required if you want to settle a fish in the pond. An unfrozen pond (which does not require draining water for the winter) must have a depth of at least 1.2 m.

It is better to choose the form based on the style of the garden. A round pond will suit the English landscape. The regular style implies geometric shapes, while the irregular ones will fit the oriental style: Chinese or Japanese. The main thing is that it complements the landscape, and does not contrast with it.

For a small pond (up to 5 m2), plastic bowls are often used. It will not be difficult to install it, and it will serve for a long time. The disadvantage of the finished bowl is the shape invented by the manufacturer for you and the small volume.

Waterproofing film is suitable for those who create a reservoir on an individual project.

Polyvinyl chloride, also known as black PVC, is the most common option. Its plus is that it is easily repaired with ordinary glue.

Polyethylene is cheaper, but less elastic and durable. You can fix it with self-adhesive tape.

The thickness of the butyl rubber film is selected based on the depth of the pond. If it is less than 80 cm, the thickness may be 0.8 mm, otherwise – 1.2-1.5 mm. It is easy to mask the extra edges along the coastline with ordinary stones.

A pond of geometric shape is conveniently located in a concrete pit. The disadvantage of this choice is the complexity of the installation, which requires experience with concrete.

Photo of a decorative pond