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Building a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond or Backyard Pool




There is such a delight in the tinkling sound of a waterfall...
Building a waterfall is easier than you might think. And it will certainly add a new dimension to your backyard pool or garden pond.

A matter of scale. When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first ponder the design that fits your garden and make a plan. The biggest mistake that people make when setting up a pond waterfall is they err on the large side. For example, for a pond measuring 12 ft x 14 ft, 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, here, is to make sure that the scale of your construction fits in with the surrounding features. Make sure your new waterfall is in balance with your overall garden design.

Construction materials. The next question to be answered is what 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 fibreglass unit. No matter what direction you take, note that you will still have to use your shovel to form the site of the waterfall.

The pump. The other requirement for your waterfall is a pump to carry the water uphill. The pump sits in the pool and uses a hose to transport the water to the top of your waterfall. The size of pump that you should get depends on several factors:  The height and width of the waterfall as well as the length of pipe from the pump to the top of the fall. Once you have finalised your plans, consult your dealer and he will be able to supply you with the correct pump.

garden waterfall

To maintain a healthy pond environment with crystal clear water install a biological filter. Again your garden dealer will be able to advise you as to the correct type and size of filter to get. Place the filter at the top of the waterfall so that the water is cleaned before flowing out on to the fall.

To Work. Assemble all the materials and equipment you are going to use, then 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 line, first dig out the channel and then fit in the liner. Next place the rocks so that the water will flow over them. Observing a natural waterfall will give you some ideas as to how the rocks can be placed for the greatest effect. Play with this placement a little bit and see if you can "feel how the water will run."

Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, use black waterfall foam to seal the rocks. The foam will ensure that the water flows over and around the rocks and not underneath them. If you have chosen to use a fibreglass preformed model, you will avoid the problem of placing the rocks and will just have to dig out sufficient soil that allows you to fit the unit.

Note: As you are digging and forming the channels and mounding dirt, leave some room for foliage that you might want to plant around the waterfall. And don't forget to plan how you want to hide the pipe that runs from the pump to the top of the waterfall.

The set-up. To complete the installation fit the pump into the pond, set the filter at the top, connect your hose, and run the cord for the pump to the electricity supply. Once everything is working to your satisfaction, take a moment to relax and enjoy your handiwork. You have built something that can give years of peacfuel enjoyment.

Building a garden waterfall, may seem like a lot of hard work, but, surprisingly, it is not. Once You ahve planned out your waterfall and gathered the necessary materials, this a a weekend project or at the most a two weekend project. And when you are done you will have a flow of Water that soothes and relaxes, inspires reflection, and is a source of beauty. A cascading, bubbling stream adds interest and serenity to any garde. While a waterfall can create a dramatic centerpiece. Building a pond waterfall really is worth the effort.

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

Publisher's Note:  For all your garden pond or garden pool needs, I recommend:  MacArthur Water Gardens.








News about Garden Waterfalls


Home and Garden calendar of events
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Aug 26, 2008
By the Mercury News Build-a-waterfall class. Learn how to install a waterfall kit. 10 am Aug. 30. Brookside Water Garden Center, 2222 Calle De Luna, ...


AsiaOne

Butterflies take flight at T3 garden
AsiaOne, Singapore - 16 hours ago
A timber walkway will allow visitors to experience the garden while an incorporated waterfall feature will help keep the garden cool in Singapore's tropical ...


Home and Garden events
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Aug 21, 2008
Learn how to install a waterfall kit. 10 am Aug. 30. Brookside Water Garden Center, 2222 Calle De Luna, Santa Clara, free. ...


Home and garden events
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Aug 22, 2008
Learn how to install a waterfall kit. 10 am Aug. 30. Brookside Water Garden Center, 2222 Calle De Luna, Santa Clara. Free. ...


Gardens offer step back in time
Tahlequah Daily Press, OK - Aug 22, 2008
You see the fish, hear the waterfall, and it just depicts a slower, exciting time than what most of us who work experience.” The tour stretches across the ...


Color to brighten commute in murals on inn, T station
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - 14 hours ago
Employing green, blue and teal, she covered a garage-like building with huge leaves and a waterfall. The finishing touch, she said, will be "ivy" tumbling ...


Lighting, fans, mosquito repellent make spending time outdoors ...
Jackson Clarion Ledger, MS - Aug 26, 2008
Our garden would seem empty without the sound of its splashy waterfall, and lifeless without the butterflies, dragonflies, lightening bugs, hummingbirds and ...


Teen designs a pond of dreams
Chicago Tribune, United States - Aug 22, 2008
The Kovariks — 17-year-old Brendan, mother Sheryl and grandparents Shirley and Terry — now have a waterfall and 20-foot river coursing down their Sharon ...


Tour showcases homemade ponds
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN - Aug 21, 2008
A waterfall and small stream lead into this water garden, which lends a restful spot to this backyard set up for family gatherings, complete with a fire pit ...


August Garden of the Month filled with ornamental features
Eagle Tribune, MA - Aug 19, 2008
Pechnik was impressed by the ornamental waterfall, water garden and the many perennials that bloom at different times. "They planted so well that they have ...

garden waterfall - Google News


Waterfalls


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