I'm in the planning stages for a small water feature in the gardens. I can't seem to find the information I need and figured this forum was the best place to ask! DH isn't crazy about this project so I'm on my own to figure out how to make it work.
I've made the decision to use the pre-formed pond and spillers versus a liner because I think it will be the easiest and fastest way for me to get it done. The red clay soil usually is miserable for digging, however this area has been tilled and it should be pretty easy to dig. My plan is use a couple of the spillers (cascades) which will end in a 50 gallon "pool". There is already a slight slope here which I'm thinking will help create the waterfall effect I'm trying to create. My major stumbling block is how to figure out what size pump I need, the tubing, etc. that's needed. If I could just find a website with how-to's I'd be off and running. Seems like everything I find is designed more for those working with a liner. Any help would be most appreciated for this "newbie" :)
Debbie
Help for water feature
As far as pumps go, it does not matter what kind of water feature it is they will work the same. Most of the instructions on how the pumps work will give you a good idea of the size you need. I will get you some stuff together this eve, just looked at the clock and I am going to be late for work! :^)
Debbie, My preformed pond developed a small leak right at the bend where one of the ledges is. I was told that it is a very common problem with the pre-formed ponds. Be very careful when you install it to get good support under any little pot ledges. I can't wait to see your pond when you have it done.
TT, thank you and I'll be looking for any advice you can give me :) We actually have another area where we have a very similar set up to what I'm hoping to create. However, we never hooked up a pump so there is no "running" water. It's still a pleasant spot in the gardens and attracts plenty of frogs, but with this project I want to "hear" running water! Last year we built a small deck in this area where we can relax at the end of the day with a beautiful view of the mountains and the sound of water would make it even nicer :)
I can't wait to see your pond when you have it done.
LOL Holly, let's just hope I'm not "dreaming" :) The water feature HAS to go in soon as this whole area will hopefully be planted this spring. My idea is establish a garden "room" with a Japanese "flavor" and it just HAS to have water in it! This whole idea started with a friend's gift of a frog statue. I'll have to get a picture of them - it's a group of four frogs that look like they're reaching for the stars...only I'd like to place them in the water feature somehow to look like they're reaching for the water! LOL
Every project at my house is like that. It can take years and years till my plans become a reality. But then you know us gardeners we plant seedlings and wait for them to become large shade trees and while we are waiting we plan the shade garden that will go under it.
Hi Debbie
You will need a little info about what you are creating before purchasing a pump, like how high will the falls be, how much of a "splash" do you want etc. A good pump maker will have a graph chart or info showing the water output at a given height. The other consideration is where the pump will be located and how many "bends" in the tubing as each bend will lessen the amount of water pressure to your falls.
Just as an example see the pump specs at this site:
http://www.pondliner.com/PWM2600.htm
Gives you all the info you need to know as to how high it will pump the water and what your gph will be at different heights.
I gave up on falls for my pond, I just couldn't get it look the natural way I wanted so I've just got the water going through the pump/filter coming in at the edge of the pond. Not exactly the nice "fall" sounds I'd like but I still get to hear water ;)
I am really hoping to have a nice water fall at the house in VA when I ever get around to getting a pond in. I've got the location already picked out.
Keep us udated with your progress :)
Jody, thank you - I'm off to check out the link! I guess my biggest problem in determining size of pump, etc. is I don't want a "loud" waterfall. The area has a gentle slope to it and basically I just want the sound of "trickling" water so the drop would be minimal. Patti (bbrookrd) had some wonderful photos of her project posted and is going to send me more to help with my planning :) Springdale Water Gardens is having their first how-to seminar tomorrow afternoon and I would love to go - just not sure I can take the time away from work right now :( We're expecting rain tomorrow, so who knows, I might just be able to take an afternoon off!
If I actually get this project started, I'll keep you posted.
koiphen.com has some interesting projects featured in its 'construction' section.
All sorts of projects, some ornamental ponds, others large scale landscaping projects.
There will be allsorts of technical specifications and links to meander through
Regards, andy
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l42/adavisus/
Andy, thank you! I made a quick visit to koiphen.com, looks like I'll find plenty of information there :)
I'm happy to report that my project has been given a thumbs up from DH! He's been giving me the evil eye ever since I first proposed my idea. Convinced him to attend the seminar with me at Springdale Water Gardens yesterday and after looking at the various ponds and waterfalls in their landscape and their two hour seminar - his "evil eye" has disappeared :)))) Keith at Springdale made it all look so easy and now we have the information needed to get started - let the digging begin!