So, I finally got past my fear of pumps when my 92 year old mother in law bought a little fountain and I had to set it up. I'd like to get a little water feature going "just to wet my feet" LOL. I was thinking of starting a little fountain in a bird bath...any ideas or comments...maybe next year I'll build a pond or waterfall...TIA...mary
My idea would be to start with something that you could incorporate into the pond that you will eventually want. Once you start... there is no turning back.... but much enjoymnet also... good luck... Tom
I second that. The one thing all people with ponds agree on is "I wish it was bigger." It always seems like a good idea to start small and see if you like it, but it is actually easier to care for a big pond than for a small one.
thanks guys, I'm wondering what I might start with that I could eventually incorporate to a larger pond...any ideas...Mary
The first two things you want to think about are whether or not you want fish right away and what you will do with the water feature in the winter.
Have you kept aquarium fish? If not, pick up a couple books at the library. A LOT of aquarium rules apply to ponds too.
If you want the water to stay liquid in the winter instead of freezing solid, you will have to dig to a certain depth. I don't know how deep where you are, but many sources recommend 3-4 feet.
We're almost into July, so personally I would recommend putting off fish keeping till next year. That will give you the whole winter to plan.
Small features that could become large features. Hmmm.
I have seen free standing fountains that have been placed inside a pond. It sounds a little odd in description but looks very nice. You could get a recirculating fountain and set it up on the ground now, to possible move into a pond later. You do have to be a little careful with what the fountain is made of if you want it to be fish safe.
Many pond systems consist of several linked pools that overflow into one another. You could start a small pool in a location where it would be easy to add on to a bigger pond by waterfall or stream.
You could try a tub garden, which is a large freestanding container with water and plants. It wouldn't really incorporate into a larger system but it is easily maintained and moved around. I have seen very nice ones in 1/2 barrels.
I would suggest that you go to the library or surf the internet and look at all different types of water features. Start keeping notes about things you like and don't like. That should help you get some ideas for what you would like to see in your own yard. Do you have a natural slope to work with, are there trees to work around, where does the light fall, looking at lots of examples will help you become aware of these and other questions to consider.
This message was edited Jun 23, 2005 8:35 AM
sylvi74, thanks for your input, I'm not thinking of keeping fish at this time, I think I'm more looking for a possible waterfall, just want the sound of running water...actually my neighbor has a recirculating fountain that I can hear, so I guess I'm looking for running water I can also see. Also hoping to attract birds...Thanks for your help. Mary
I get all sorts of little birds at my pond. I love to see them drink from the edge. You might think about something like this:
http://www.avianaquatics.com/products/moldedbirdbaths.html
These molded ones are kind of pricey but you could easily do the same sort of thing with liner and rocks.
If you want to start simple, to get used to the water features and such here is a thought. I am addicted to waterfeatures and have several, to include a pond with a three tier waterfall. But here is one of my favorites. I got this cherub water feature at Walmart. I bought a flower pot with no holes (needs to be at least fifteen inches in diameter. I hooked up the pump, dropped it in the pot, set the angel on the side, filled it with water, added some horsetail reed and some large rocks to hide the pump, plugged her in and voila
sylvi74 & rylaff, this is more what I had in mind. Love the avian aquatic web site, bookmarked it for later. Thank YOU~~Mary
