Decorating a pond at your summer cottage with your own hands. Do-it-yourself pond at the dacha. Other Pond Decorations

Artificial ponds in the landscape design of a summer cottage create an amazing atmosphere that promotes comfortable relaxation. The pond gives a feeling of freshness and serves as an indispensable decorative element of the site.

What is a pond?

A pond is an artificial reservoir of a static type, an element of landscape design of a park, summer cottage, or garden. It is considered the most common and optimal choice for a site of any size and configuration.

Can be arranged separately or combined into harmonious composition with dynamic artificial reservoirs: streams, waterfalls, fountains.

Pond – required element Japanese-style plot, rock garden. The water is purified artificially, the bottom and banks are decorated with plants and stones. Sometimes fish are bred in an artificial pond at the dacha.

Types of ponds

Artificial ponds in the garden can be made in natural or formal styles. Each of them can be structurally recessed or raised. They are made from various materials, which are used for waterproofing the bottom - concrete, clay, special rigid shape, brick, special film.

The criterion for classifying ponds can be geometric shape. Artificial reservoirs are distinguished correctly and not correct form.

1. The first group is round, rectangular, square, diamond-shaped reservoirs.
2. The second group is ponds, the configuration of which is close to natural. The choice of form depends on the style of landscape design of the summer cottage.

Stages of constructing a pond at the dacha

To build a pond at your dacha with your own hands, you need to decide several organizational issues. First you need to select materials and a place to build a reservoir.

The location for the pond should be selected based on the design features of the site - it is recommended to take into account its size, shape and layout. It is better to locate the pond in a place protected from winds and excess sunlight - this can harm the harmonious development of vegetation. The reservoir should be illuminated by the sun no more than 10 hours a day, but not less than 6 hours.

If you decide to make a pond with a pump, you need to consider access to the power supply system. A pump will be required if a static reservoir is combined with a dynamic one.

The most popular type of pond is in-ground. In order for the reservoir to be durable, high-quality waterproofing of the bottom is necessary.

Let's consider common materials for waterproofing:

• Fiberglass. It is used to produce ready-made rigid forms of various configurations. Most often, from ready-made forms build small ponds with an area of ​​up to 3-4 sq.m. It is not recommended to use ordinary plastic - it will not last long. Fiberglass molds are reliable and durable. The disadvantage is the relatively high cost.
• PVC or butyl rubber film. This is a good material for arranging a free-form pond. The material is characterized by elasticity, strength, durability, resistance to aggressive substances, low and high temperatures. PVC film will last about 15 years, butyl rubber - up to 50. Using the film makes it possible to change the shape of the bottom in the future and easily carry out repair work. Experts warn that polyethylene should not be used - it is not strong enough. It is also necessary to pump water out of the pond in the winter so that when it freezes it does not damage the film.
• Reinforced concrete is a reliable material for construction artificial pond at the dacha with your own hands. The main advantage of reinforced concrete is its strength; it is very difficult to damage. Disadvantage: this material is difficult to work with and requires certain skills. When constructing a high-quality bottom for a pond using reinforced concrete, it is necessary to follow the technology and use concrete of a certain grade. Reinforced concrete is indispensable if you decide to build sculptures or a bridge.

Stages of constructing a pond at the dacha, using a rigid form:

1. A pit corresponding to the configuration of the selected container is required. First of all, you need to outline the contours of the rigid shape with a shovel.
2. The pit should be slightly deeper than the depth of the container itself - about 4-5 cm.
3. Sand needs to be compacted at the bottom.
4. Having installed the bathtub in the pit, you need to make sure that there are no voids anywhere - they need to be filled with sand. You need to be especially careful if the pit has a complex shape - for example, terraced.

Construction of a pond with film insulation:

1. First you need to dig a pit. The use of film allows you to create a pond of various configurations. The photo shows a pond in the country, created using PVC film.
   The choice of film depends on the planned life of the pond: PVC and butyl rubber will create a durable bottom coating, polyethylene is cheaper and will last for 2-4 years. Polyethylene is the choice of those who like to change their design frequently garden plot.
   An important selection factor is the color of the film:
   • Blue, gray: the pond will resemble a swimming pool.
   • Cream: the bottom will be light, and against such a background plants and exotic fish will look beautiful.
   • Brown: imitates natural soil. In combination with the natural shape of the pond, such a bottom will look as natural as possible.
   • Black: the pond will resemble a mirror. The pond looks fantastic, fabulous - appropriate decorative elements are needed.

1. Prepare materials: sand, building level, twine and pegs for marking, shovel, hose.
2. Dig a pit without sharp corners; the banks should have a slope. Remove stones and roots from the pit.
3. The minimum depth of the central bowl is 60 cm.
4. Lay a drainage layer of sand.
5. Geotextiles are laid on top of the sand layer. This is necessary to protect the film from mechanical damage.
6. The shore needs to be processed. To do this, dig out a ledge - it is needed for tiling, decorative stone, brick.
7. The film is laid loosely on the bottom of the pit so that it lies without tension, and secured along the edges with stones.
8. The last stage is the installation of the blind area.

Instructions on how to make a raised pond in your country house:

• The main thing for installing such a pond is the foundation. It needs to be poured and allowed to harden. You can create a half-buried pond - for this you need to dig a small pit. A sand cushion is placed at the bottom.
• It is necessary to build supporting walls and allow them to strengthen.
• When the foundation and walls are ready, you need to ensure reliable waterproofing by laying a special film.
• Gradually fill the reservoir with water.

It will take several days to make a pond in the country.

When the pond is ready, it needs proper care:

• Remove debris that ends up in the pond.
• Once a season, it is recommended to clean the bottom using a special mesh. You can use a special vacuum cleaner to clean water bodies.
• Choose the right plants - they will also “look after” the pond. Oxygenators (for example, elodea) will help fill the water with oxygen - it will not turn green in the summer.
• Once a year, mainly in spring, you can use special cleansers. Do not abuse them - they are harmful to human health.

The video tutorial will help you understand the intricacies of the work.

Video: how to make a pond at your dacha with your own hands

Holidays at the dacha are an opportunity to devote yourself to nature, relax, forgetting at least for a while about everyday life in the city, and this is best done on the shore of your own pond. It all depends on your imagination and the size of your summer cottage. Is it possible to make a pond at your dacha with your own hands? Of course. Follow the instructions below and you will succeed.

Man-made pond at the dacha

Of course, you want to spend time at a well-equipped dacha, on the territory of which landscape design and complete improvement - after all, relaxing in a dacha, which is a rickety little house with a small courtyard overgrown with weeds and thistles, will definitely not contribute to peace of mind.

At the same time, a green, well-groomed lawn and neat trees, flower beds and artificial reservoirs will turn the territory of the dacha into a real earthly paradise. AND decorative ponds will occupy not the last place in it. Your own pond at the dacha can be of almost any size - from a couple square meters to a large reservoir.

The first thing you need to understand is the very purpose of a decorative pond: unlike swimming pools, the water in which needs to be subjected to special treatment(chlorinate, ozonize, etc.), a pond in the garden will require the creation of a certain biological balance. Otherwise, the water in it will bloom and become cloudy, the plants will begin to wither, and only midges and frogs will fall in love with it - a dubious pleasure for the owner of the pond.

Types of Garden Ponds

Garden ponds having a geometrically regular shape - rectangular, round, diamond-shaped, etc. - look especially good on summer cottages, landscaped in the correct geometry (straight lines, ideal shapes). As a rule, such decorative ponds are edged with tiled stone (artificial or natural) at the edges; they are arranged near buildings, thereby emphasizing straight lines.

Ponds with the correct geometry can be made above ground level: this type of pond minimizes excavation work during their construction, simplifies their care, and reduces the risk of small children falling into it. The sides of such a pond protruding above the ground are suitable for a flower garden; seats can be installed on them, and a fountain can be arranged in the pond itself.

Artificial ponds that imitate natural reservoirs - they are characterized by rounded shapes and arbitrary shapes coastline. Plants natural to the swamp flora are planted along their banks. A gentle slope under the water, covered with cobblestones or medium-sized pebbles - landscape designers usually place this type of pond in the far part of the garden, near the lawn. Such natural ponds are especially successful in random garden landscaping.

Choosing the size and location of a garden pond

Of course, the size of an artificial pond directly depends on the total area of ​​the summer cottage. If we talk about building a pond ecosystem, then large ponds are more convenient for this. It is easier to strike a balance between vegetation and aquatic life in a large pond than in a small one, and larger ponds are also easier to maintain. The smaller the artificial reservoir, the more often it will have to be cleaned - the lack of space for the inhabitants of the reservoir will not allow establishing a full ecological balance.

The location for the future pond is chosen from an aesthetic point of view; placing an artificial pond near the main building is especially successful - you can watch the surface of the water from the windows or while sitting in a chair on the terrace.

The optimal place for a pond would be open space not exposed to strong winds - strong wind will interfere with the development of tall plants on the shore of the reservoir. It is necessary to calculate the illumination of the pond: direct rays of the sun should not illuminate the pond for more than 10 hours (6-hour illumination is optimal). With greater illumination in stagnant water conditions, the active development of aquatic bacteria and green algae (for example, mud) will begin. At the same time, in those parts of the pond where the illumination is insufficient (shading), the growth and development of aquatic plants will slow down.

The proximity of an artificial reservoir to the crowns of trees will lead to its pollution during seasonal leaf fall, in addition, root system trees can damage the pond bed by breaking through the underlying film or displacing the edges of the pond.

Owners who intend to install lighting for a pond in dark time days, the installation of a pump for a waterfall cascade or fountain, you must think about the location of the pond from the point of view of power supply.

Artificial pond - materials

A man-made pond can be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or butyl rubber film, use a ready-made container made of reinforced plastic or fiberglass, or create a pond bowl from reinforced concrete.

In terms of speed of creation, the first place is occupied by purchased containers made of fiberglass - all that is required is to dig a deep enough pit for them and install the container in it on a prepared and compacted sand cushion (it resembles a large plastic basin and, often, of a bizarre shape).

True, it will not be possible to build a large pond made of fiberglass - mass-produced tanks, as a rule, have a small square footage (usually an area of ​​about 4 m2, depth - 500-800 mm). Larger fiberglass containers are intended more for swimming pools (over 10 m2 in area) and are therefore expensive. However, a small pond made of plastic or fiberglass is quite suitable for small summer cottage areas. The cost depends on the volume, shape and color.

A large pond with a “free” (i.e., not tied to any standard forms) layout can be arranged using a film (PVC or butyl rubber) - the film is needed to waterproof the reservoir. The cost of such material is low; it is widely represented in retail outlets both in terms of quality and manufacturer.

Do not use ordinary polyethylene to create an artificial reservoir; it will serve you for a maximum of 2 years, then its density will be damaged under the influence of physical and temperature influences.

PVC film or butyl rubber is suitable for creating a garden pond. The first material has sufficient strength and elasticity, and is distinguished by a high-quality structure - the reservoir formed by it will last at least 15 years. However, the undoubted leader in the field waterproofing materials for artificial ponds is butyl rubber - it has high resistance to sunlight, high and low temperatures, and is not prone to cracking. Among other materials, butyl rubber has only one disadvantage - it is not cheap, but its service life exceeds 50 years.

If we are talking about complete reliability and durability, then there is only one material left - reinforced concrete. Unlike pond bowls formed by film or cast materials, you can walk on the bottom of a concrete reservoir without fear - such a bottom is difficult to damage. However, it is more difficult to work with concrete; full compliance with the technology will be required (welding reinforcement, manufacturing formwork), double waterproofing (on both sides of the concrete casting, both outside and inside) - to protect against groundwater, i.e. the cost of such work will be the highest. You can use special grades of concrete that are not exposed to water, but it will be even more expensive and its use will require strict adherence to casting technologies.

Let's summarize the characteristics of materials for artificial ponds

The main advantages of film waterproofing: the ability to form the required shape, change the shape of the reservoir bowl in the future, ease of repair (if the film breaks). Minus: in winter, the water from the reservoir will have to be poured out; if it freezes and expands, it will inevitably tear the film.

Advantages of reinforced concrete: high reliability, independence from external climatic factors (subject to concreting technology), resistance to physical influences (falling stones, rodents, etc.). Disadvantages: high labor intensity, extremely difficult rework. As a rule, creating artificial ponds from concrete is not popular, since the film is much easier to use. But if it is planned to build bridges over a reservoir and sculptural compositions on its banks, best choice there will be reinforced concrete.

When creating garden ponds, it is necessary to ensure that the selected materials are completely non-toxic, otherwise the fish and plants in the pond will not survive.

Pond in the garden based on a finished (rigid) container

When choosing a rigid container to create a pond with a total area of ​​up to 4 m2, you should choose a bathtub made of fiberglass or plastic. The minimum depth of such a container should be about 800 mm - the water in such a pond will warm up evenly in the summer, and in winter it will not freeze to the bottom.

A ready-made container as a basis for a garden pond will allow you to avoid cutting and fastening (activities performed when installing the film base of a pond), there is no need to build a general configuration - everything has already been done, the container is equipped with terraces for planting aquatic plants. You should be careful about your choice; you won’t be able to change it.

Ready-made pond baths are quite durable, winter frosts they are not afraid. And yet, when transporting the pond container to the site, it must be handled carefully and not stepped on. The thickness of the walls of such a tank is 3 mm and at mechanical damage cracks will appear that will be difficult to seal.

Have the shortest service life cheap baths made of plastic - they are gradually destroyed by sunlight, and the surface of such containers cracks when bent. In contrast, containers made of reinforced plastic are more resistant to ultraviolet radiation, have a greater margin of safety (they are more plastic) - the service life of such pond reservoirs is up to 20 years.

The best, and therefore most expensive, tanks are made of fiberglass with a rubber base. A reservoir based on them will last more than 30 years and, unlike plastic containers, they can be repaired without compromising its general characteristics. Fiberglass is the most resistant to low/high temperatures and exposure to sunlight, it has high environmental performance and is completely safe for the flora and fauna of an artificial reservoir.

In addition to quality characteristics, fiberglass containers also have aesthetic appeal: they can be of three colors - black, brown and green; applied to their edges decorative coating, imitating natural materials, which makes it easier to give an artificial pond a natural look.

Fiberglass bathtubs are made not only for ponds, but also for streams. Containers for simulating a stream have an externally “stone” texture and easily fit into the overall landscape, and the multi-stage shape allows you to conveniently plant aquatic plants. The bed of such a stream is fenced on the sides with projections that protect plant roots from being washed away.

Artificial pond with film waterproofing

The flooring of flexible coverings is carried out both in a prepared pit and between erected walls raised above ground level. Such a decision to create a pond at the dacha is justified if the expected size of the future reservoir is larger than the parameters of hard shells offered by specialized stores. Film coating is also used to create reservoirs of complex shape - the use of waterproofing film will greatly facilitate this task.

To create a reservoir, you can use polyethylene (thickness 500 microns), laid in two layers; its cost is the lowest among other film coatings. Although the characteristics of polyethylene are more than minimal: it is easy to tear (by sharp stones, animal claws, etc.), under the influence of the sun it becomes fragile, and if damaged it is practically impossible to repair. The polyethylene coating will provide waterproofing of the reservoir for no more than 5 years (on average - 3 years). This is rather a temporary solution for those summer residents who do not like constancy - after three years there is an excellent reason to change the location of the pond.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating will cost more than polyethylene, but will also last longer - on average about 8-10 years. Manufacturers offer two types of polyvinyl chloride coating: regular two-layer and reinforced, in which a woven mesh is laid between the layers of film (for strength). In general, this coating has all the disadvantages of polyethylene. Solar ultraviolet damages the strength of PVC film; it is easy to perforate. But, unlike polyethylene film, damage to PVC film can be repaired using a special repair kit. In addition, this film stretches better - after filling the reservoir with water, most of the folds will stretch out and level out.

The best pond film is made from butyl rubber - this material is durable (service life is about 50 years), durable and not subject to destruction by ultraviolet radiation. Butyl rubber film comes in three colors: black, stone-colored, and charcoal-colored. If the soil on your site contains big number stones, or the construction of a pond with a high load on the base is planned (great depth and considerable width of the pond) - choose a coating made of butyl rubber and you can’t go wrong.

Characteristics of butyl rubber coating: high plasticity, ease of installation regardless of the time of year and air temperature. Low temperatures do not affect this coating, so there is no need to drain water from the reservoir in the winter.

Pond film - which color is better

The color of the film will seriously affect the overall appearance of the reservoir. The black bottom will turn the reservoir into a kind of mirror; reflections of the sky, clouds, and plants planted along the shoreline will be clearly visible in it. Film black or Brown will serve as a good imitation of natural bottom soil. A cream or blue bottom color will look unnatural, but colorful fish look great against this background. If you choose a grayish or bluish shade, the pond will look like a swimming pool. Choose the color of the film depending on the functions of the reservoir: if it is a pond - black or brown, if a pool - white or blue.

Create a decorative pond using film

We draw the outline of the future pond at the selected location and determine the required film size. The calculation of the film covering is done as follows: the width and length of the canvas will be equal to the sum consisting of the size of the width (in the second case, the length) of the future reservoir, twice the depth and 600 mm of allowance for securing the film along the edges of the pond.

It is necessary to take into account that the standard parameters of a roll of butyl rubber film are as follows: width from 4.5 to 15.25 m (more precisely, 4.5; 6.1; 9.15; 12.20 and 15.25 m) , length - 20-25 linear meters. Sometimes it is easier to make adjustments to the parameters of the future pond than to glue pieces of film together. If there is a need to glue a film for a pond, this is quite possible; you only need special adhesives and adhesive tape, produced by the same manufacturer as the selected film. To obtain a high-quality seam when gluing butyl rubber film, use mastic followed by hot vulcanization.

In addition to the waterproofing film, when forming a reservoir bowl, geotextiles (optimal density - 350 g/m2) will be required - for insulating coating it will act as a protective layer (from tree roots, animal teeth and claws, sharp stones, etc.).

To create a pond with your own hands you will need: sand (for the underlying layer), a spirit level (building level), a roll of cord (or twine for marking), wooden pegs, a garden hose, shovels.

Creating a reservoir pit

First of all, evaluate the future shape of the reservoir using a hose of sufficient length and pegs - change the position of the hose fragments until the shape of the reservoir bowl suits you. When planning a free-form pond, try to get rounded lines without sharp corners - such a pond will look better. When planning a pond, mark terraces for pond plants along its edges; they are done at a depth of 300 mm.

Having decided on the shape of the reservoir and completing the markings, begin work on the foundation pit. First, three-hundred-millimeter terraces are torn off (after filling the reservoir, the distance from the terrace to the water level will be about 200 mm). The banks of the future pond should have a slope of approximately 45°. In the process of creating a pit, try to remove all plant roots and stones that you come across. After completing work on the terraces, check the horizontalness of the banks using a board with a spirit level placed on it.

The next stage of work is the formation of the main bowl of the reservoir, its deep part. Remember: the minimum required depth of the reservoir is 600 mm. Such a reservoir will not freeze completely in winter, and in summer pond fish will be able to find refuge at such a depth from the scorching rays of the sun. Then along the shore line it is necessary to dig a ledge 60-70 mm deep for subsequent laying of a blind area from tiles, bricks, natural stone or laying turf.

We form a drainage layer and waterproofing

Having completed work on the pit, you need to pour washed sand over its entire area in a layer of 30-50 mm - the sand is placed on the bottom, banks and terraces, and carefully compacted. After making sure that sand drainage is sufficiently good (no unevenness), lay a geotextile fabric on top to insulate the film covering from damage.

The next step will be laying the prepared sheet of film. Do not try to align the film along the contours of the reservoir - let it sag above it - lay it loosely. Align the film sheet along the banks, securing the edges with a sufficient number of bricks (stones).

Connect a garden hose to a water source and feed it in the center of the film laid over the pit - it will gradually shrink, taking the shape of a reservoir. Monitor subsidence by moving retaining stones along the banks. After the artificial reservoir is completely filled, you need to wait a day, then cut off the excess film, leaving a margin of 250-300 mm at its edges (the blind area will be laid on them). Secure the edges around the perimeter of the pond using wooden wedges or wire arches.

The next stage is laying the blind area. Its width must be at least 600 mm, it is made of tiles, bricks or natural stone. The blind area must be laid on cement mortar- if you place it only on a sand cushion, a person who steps on the tile can slide into the pond with it.

Summer residents planning a waterfall or fountain in an artificial reservoir need to lay a water supply hose and cover it with a blind area before laying the tiles on the cement mortar. The same should be done if there is a need for power supply to the pond (underwater spotlights, water pumps), by installing a plastic or copper tube for subsequent pulling of the electrical cable.

Creating a reservoir raised above ground level

Such a reservoir will require at least one retaining wall. A foundation for such a reservoir is required, otherwise the pond bowl may become distorted.

The construction of a reservoir above ground level is carried out in the same way as the construction of an ordinary garden wall: the location and parameters of the future pond are determined, trenches are dug for laying the foundation. After casting, the foundation must harden within two full days.

When creating a pond half submerged in the ground, dig a pit in the deepest part, then form terraces for planting (approximately at the level concrete foundation). Then carefully remove all the stones and place a sand cushion on the bottom of the pit.

Build retaining walls around the perimeter of the pond, carefully tracking the position of each row. Before laying the waterproofing film, wait 48 hours - the wall solution must completely harden.

Lay the film so that its edges protrude evenly on all sides supporting wall. If your future pond is rectangular or square shape, form by internal corners folds of film in the form of a neat accordion. The film sheet must be temporarily pressed against the top of the supporting walls with bricks.

Gradually fill the film hanging over the reservoir with water, moving or removing the pressing stones on the supporting walls, leveling the corner folds. After completely filling the reservoir, cut off the excess film along the edges, maintaining a gap of half the size of the supporting wall (it will be covered with stones when forming the ridge). Remove water from the pond. To protect the edges of the film, we install ridge stones. The pond is ready - fill it with water, place plants and fish.

Decorating a country pond

The garden pond itself is not bad - you can put a gazebo near the water and relax on a hot afternoon in the shade and coolness, watching the fish play in its depths. But you can turn it into something enchanting and colorful - fountains created by a pump system and underwater lighting will help here.

Pond pumps are produced in two versions: above-water and underwater. Let's say you want a two-meter stream of water to come out of a pond - then you need an underwater pump. If a two-meter fountain is not enough, choose an above-water pump and you will be provided with a really high column of water.

The underwater pump is mounted at the bottom of the pond: first, a stone base is placed, the pump is placed on it and covered on top with a ceramic casing made to look like natural stone. The complete set (pump, base and casing) can be purchased from one seller.

How an underwater pump works: it draws water from the bottom of a reservoir and sweeps it over the surface of the water using special nozzles. If a fountain or waterfall is installed separately from a reservoir, water is supplied through supply pipes. Some pump models can simultaneously supply water to both a waterfall and a fountain. The pump is powered via electrical cable with waterproof insulation.

The surface pump is installed in a camouflaged brick chamber on the shore of a reservoir, not far from a fountain or waterfall. Water is supplied to the pump from the reservoir through a pipe with a mandatory filter at the inlet. An above-water pump requires more technical equipment than an underwater one - a drainage system, filters (on the suction pipe), and a suction system. Otherwise it will overheat.

The greatest effect from the operation of fountains is achieved in reservoirs of the correct shape. Fountains are placed in the center of the reservoir so that the water they throw out does not fall on the shore plants.

The type of fountain and the height of the jet depend on the type of nozzle installed on the underwater pump. The stream of water itself, depending on the installed nozzle, may have the shape of, say, a bell or a beating key. A boring fountain tube can be decorated with fiberglass, stone, bronze or ceramic lining. If lining is used, the water nozzle is attached to the brass connector with which the lining is equipped. The lining body is placed either on the bottom of the reservoir or on a special stand.

Lighting will help create a magical atmosphere in the evening and at night. Lighting equipment for private ponds is designed for a power supply of 12 V. The power of halogen lamps in lamps can be from 5 to 75 W - it is enough for bright lighting, because the luminous flux of such lamps is 3 times higher than household lamps.

Mini-spotlights are installed on a special support or on a fountain nozzle, highlighting the flying splashes of water. There are floating lanterns, they consist of a light bulb placed in a sealed glass ball. They can be lowered to a certain depth into a reservoir, suspended on a weight, or installed at the bottom. By equipping the spotlights with color filters and rotating devices The night pond will take on a simply stunning view.

How to care for a pond

The natural balance of the reservoir will form quite quickly. To maintain it, it is necessary to remove all wind-blown debris and fallen leaves before this mass falls to the bottom and begins to decompose. It is quite possible that the bottom of the reservoir will have to be cleaned with a net every autumn, eliminating bottom debris.

To protect the water area of ​​the pond from falling leaves, you can use a fine-mesh net - it should be stretched over the mirror of the pond before the autumn leaves fall and removed closer to winter. Or use a skimmer - a special pump for collecting floating debris.

To clean the bottom, a bottom vacuum cleaner is useful - its design resembles a regular one, but it does not have a filter. Water from the bottom of the pond is sucked into the device; as the chamber fills, the device automatically turns off and the container with dirt must be emptied into the drainage system.

If you put fish in your decorative pond, they will need oxygen. If this is not enough, use aerator pumps - they resemble aquarium pumps, only bigger size and power.

The main problem that owners of reservoirs face with the beginning of the warm season is that the water in it becomes green, which is caused by the active proliferation of protozoan algae. Most often, owners of small reservoirs with shallow depths and therefore quickly warm up face this problem. sun rays. You can prevent overheating of water by using aquatic plants with large floating leaves (water lilies and egg capsules), as well as by planting oxygen generators - plants that fill pond water with oxygen (Elodea canadensis, hornwort, mireweed).

At the beginning of spring, when the plants have not yet developed sufficiently, application chemicals control (algaecides). However, these drugs are harmful to both humans and aquatic life - so they should be used only as a last resort.

Birds and cats can pose a danger to fish in a pond; for them, fish are a subject of hunting. To protect pond fish from birds (for example, herons), you need to cover the space above the shallow areas of the pond with a net or black threads (the latter solution is especially successful - black threads are practically invisible against the background of the water surface). An obstacle for cats will be a decorative wire fence (at least 150 mm high), usually used to fence flower beds.

The main danger to aquatic fauna in areas subject to frequent frosts is ice. An ice shell that steadily blocks a body of water for more than a day will lead to the accumulation of toxic gases formed by decaying remains of vegetation and, as a result, partial or complete death of fish. It is necessary that part of the pond is always free of ice, the best solution there will be a special small heater. You should not try to break the ice using force - blows to the ice shell can stun and even kill the fish.

If your artificial pond is deep, use a pump to supply warm water from depth to the water surface - this measure will prevent the formation of ice. As a last resort, if there are no other ways and means, arrange it in an ice shell exhaust vent- wormwood, to do this, place a pan of boiling water on ice (after the formation of wormwood, do not forget to remove the pan!).

How to properly plant a pond

Aquatic plants perform an important task - they are kind of filters for water. The biological balance will be established when at least a third of the artificial reservoir is allocated for plants. Moreover, each type of aquatic plant requires planting at a certain depth.

So, the pond is finished, filled with water - it needs to be allowed to settle for 10 days and only then begin planting. Optimal time It is the beginning of summer for planting aquatic plants.

You can plant the plants in the laid soil at the bottom of the reservoir, but it is best to place them in mesh baskets, placing the latter on the bottom. It is easier to care for plants in baskets - move them to winter warm room and carry out reproduction. The soil in the baskets is ordinary soil from the garden; it is not required to be enriched with manure, fertilizers or peat. Laying clean burlap or other coarse fabric on top will help keep the soil layer in the baskets from being washed away by water. Place medium-sized gravel on top of the fabric to protect the roots from pond fish.

Before planting, remove particularly long roots and old leaves from plants. After planting, compact the soil around the plant stem so that the distance between the soil and the edge of the basket is 40 mm.

Some types of pond plants do not require planting - they float freely on the surface of the reservoir, keeping themselves afloat. Representatives of such plants are water lilies and lotus. Such plants need to be closely monitored, since favorable conditions They will quickly multiply and occupy the entire pond - periodically some of them need to be removed. The main plant problem for any enclosed reservoir is duckweed, which multiplies quickly and tends to take over the entire area of ​​the reservoir - do not plant it on purpose!

When purchasing aquatic plants, be sure to ask the seller at what depth they should be planted. When planting, be careful - plants need light, and dense thickets on the surface of the water look unattractive.

During the winter season, aquatic plants natural environment whose habitat is a temperate climate, remain in the reservoir. If you planted exotic plants from warm countries in the pond, then they should winter outside the pond. Take them out and place them in a body of water indoors - an aquarium or a bathtub, after pruning especially overgrown plants.

An important point: when moving plants indoors for winter, do not forget to provide them with sufficient lighting.

Caring for fish in a pond

For the full existence of fish in country pond, its depth must be no less than 1200 mm. At shallower depths, the fish need to spend the winter outside the pond, otherwise they will die. Freshly purchased fish cannot be placed in a pond; give it time to acclimatize - it must get used to the temperature of the water in the pond. Let the container with fish float around the pond - this measure will prevent the fish from going into shock.

If you did not purchase fish from specialized stores, you should not immediately release them into garden pond. Place them in an aquarium filled with pond water. The duration of such a quarantine should be at least seven days - this way you will find out whether the fish is sick.

Now about fish nutrition. In principle, the pond should have enough food for them: duckweed, algae, mosquito larvae and other insects living at the bottom of the reservoir. However, if there is not enough food or the number of fish increases, it needs to be fed. Buy fish food in specialized stores - it contains everything necessary for pond fauna, in addition, such food is enriched with oxygen and will not become a source of pollution for the pond; it will float on the surface for some time. Give the fish as much food as they can eat in 10 minutes, otherwise it will sink and rot.

Fish have a special need for vitamins in the spring; during this season, increase the number of feedings. In autumn, when the temperature in the reservoir drops below 10 °C, stop feeding completely.

Constantly monitor the condition of the fish, do not overfeed them, control their numbers (optimally: for 50 liters of water - one fish 100-150 mm long. Keep in mind that the fish are growing!).

A sick fish can be identified by its behavior: it, as a rule, swims in circles and at the same time “staggers”, rubs its sides against objects in the reservoir, lies on its side on the surface. The presence of diseases is indicated by “glued” fins, white coating on the eyes, snout, fins or gills. Having discovered a sick individual, immediately isolate it from the rest and place it in the aquarium. Then visit a pet store, describe the signs of the disease to a specialist and buy the necessary medications.

Many gardeners dream of at least a small pond in their garden, but not all of them are able to decide to implement their idea. This is due to the fact that the majority considers the very idea of ​​arranging a reservoir unrealistic or, at a minimum, requiring serious financial investments.

However, in fact, there is nothing particularly difficult about this. And we will try to convince you by telling you in this article what kinds of garden ponds there are and how you can quickly and without special costs build.

general information

First, let's talk in more detail about what kind of reservoirs exist and which of them are quite realistic to equip yourself. It is no secret that, for example, a swimming pool will not only require serious financial resources and a large garden area, but also mandatory compliance with certain sanitary and hygienic conditions.

But decorative ponds will require the creation of a special ecosystem that will prevent rapid turbidity of the water and provide excellent aesthetic characteristics.

Variety of styles

An artificial pond in the garden is most often constructed in two styles.

The classic style assumes the correct form:

• round;
• square;
• rectangular, etc.

This type is ideal for so-called classic landscapes.

Note.
To emphasize strict angles and straight lines, it is recommended to edge the pond with ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware.
This will add even more rigor to an orderly style, making it more symmetrical.

The second style is landscape, which can have absolutely any shape and outline of the coastline. Ideal for garden plots with any layout.

To give even more naturalness, when arranging it is recommended to do the following:

• gentle slope;
• plant moisture-loving plants;
• Place stones on the bottom (preferably without sharp edges).

By the way, regarding moisture-loving plants, which can be located, depending on the type, both in the water and on the shore - are ideal:

• water lilies;
• fern;
• day-lily;
• loosestrife and others like them.

Selecting a location

The overall atmosphere in the garden depends on the correct location for the pond.

Therefore, when selecting a site, consider the following requirements:

• optimal level of illumination– for example, in the first half of the day there is sun, and in the second half there is light shadow;
• Free access;
• availability of space for arranging the area around it and planting plants.

It is also important to avoid trees nearby because:

• excess shade will lead to rapid ponding of the pond;
• the root system, growing, damages the sides;
• in the fall, falling leaves will constantly clog the water.

Ideal sizes

The size of the pond must strictly correspond to the size of your site:

• large body of water small garden it will look bulky, visually suppressing other elements - bushes, trees, lamps, etc.;
• too small ones over a large area will simply get lost and look like an out of place puddle.

Note. The created lake should correspond to the size of the garden approximately one to ten.
This way you will be able to create a pond that fits perfectly into your garden plot.

Variety of decorative designs

Choosing a design is not a problem - you can buy it in specialized garden supply stores, fortunately the price is not so high. Or found in nature.

So, the following details will look most impressive:

• natural stones;
• natural stones;
• vegetation;
• fountains;
• waterfalls.

Note. If the depth of the lake exceeds fifty centimeters, then it is recommended to place the plants on the bottom in pots.
The pots need to be filled with gravel mixed with sand.
So the plants will not only become decoration, but will also provide water purification.

Pond made of moisture-resistant film

This section presents detailed instructions, which tells how to make a pond in the garden with your own hands, using a special film that can withstand for many years Negative influence high humidity. Strictly follow the detailed sequence of actions.

On initial stage It is necessary to make at least a schematic plan, which will indicate:

• lake location;
• its depth and width;
• possible presence of “shelves” for installing plants;

Advice!
Don't neglect creating a plan.
This way you can plan for everything and avoid rework, both during construction and after its completion.
In addition, this will allow you to calculate in advance required amount certain building materials.

The next stage involves creating markings for the foundation pit - how exactly you do it does not matter, the main thing is to outline the outline and make sure that the shores of the future lake are located at the same level.

Excavation work must be carried out in the following sequence:

• dig the coastal layer;
• mark the line for the next depth;
• select the second layer of earth;
• again lay the lines for the deepest part of the lake;
• remove the soil.

This way you can make a gentle descent into a pond or a kind of shelves for installing plants.

Note. To prepare a pit, it is best to seek help from professionals or use the services of an excavator.
If you decide to save money, be prepared to do some hard work.
Although, if the lake is small, then its pit can be dug in a few hours.

Many people have a question - what to do with the land?

There are several options to solve the problem:

• distributing it throughout the site for a general rise in the level of the garden;
• carry out the construction of an alpine slide;
• create beds or flower beds.

The next stage is measuring the depth of the pit. Use a regular cord and add at least fifty centimeters to the resulting depth for allowances. Naturally, you need to measure both in width and length - this is necessary in order to purchase the film of the right size.

By the way, you need to be as careful as possible with the film so as not to damage it, including possible foreign objects that may be at the bottom of the pit:

• stones;
• roots, etc.

To do this, you must first lay additional layer from:

• geotextiles;
• roofing felt;
• or old linoleum.

You can also simply make a bed of good, clean sand and compact it thoroughly.

Before laying the film along the edges of the pit, at a short distance from it - a distance of a few centimeters is enough - dig a trench. You will place the edges of the film into it. Straighten it to avoid lumps, compression and other defects.

Advice. It is recommended to install the film on a warm, sunny day.
This way the film will warm up and become more elastic and pliable; it will easily bend around all the edges and protrusions of the pit and other obstacles that may be present at the bottom.

To securely fix the edges of the film in the trench, fill it with crushed stone. Now you can begin arranging the edge of the pond.

First of all, it needs to be strengthened - use for this:

• stone blocks;
• plastic pipes - they should be attached to installed wooden pegs.

Such strengthening is necessary in order to prevent the soil under the film from collapsing.

To decorate the edges, as well as to hide the crushed stone bedding that holds the edges of the film, use a variety of decorating materials:

• natural stone;
• porcelain stoneware;
• ordinary boulders.

The next stage is the construction of the pit:

• Place crushed stone and boulders on the bottom;
• prepare pots for plants;
• place them along the edges of the pit.

Now you can pour water into the prepared pond. If you have the opportunity to constantly replenish the amount of water, then arrange a kind of gravity flow - this will ensure the circulation of water and prevent it from stagnation.

To do this you need:

• the source of the stream needs to be slightly raised so that it is above the level of the pond;
• A regular pump will help supply water to the source;
• To make the stream look attractive and not spoil the overall picture, be sure to decorate it - natural stones and small plants are suitable for these purposes.

That's all. The pond is ready.

Now take care of it:

• remove dirt promptly;
• use preventative cleaning and disinfection products;
• fight algae;
• on winter period don't forget to clean up the plants.

How to avoid mistakes

To make a man-made lake look as attractive as possible, the following is not recommended:

• to arrange the edges, use stones of strictly the same diameter;
• use only large stones for the coastal zone;
• create deep pits with steep walls.

Before you try to realize your dream, think carefully about everything and evaluate your financial and labor capabilities. Be sure to develop a clear plan that will include all the details - this will allow you to be guaranteed to avoid possible mistakes.

In conclusion

A small pond will be an excellent decoration for the garden, although it can also be used as functional element arrangement local area. We have given you a simple and quick method creating a reservoir, and the additional video in this article will help you better understand all the above information.

Nothing decorates a summer cottage more than an artificially created pond. It gives the territory natural look, filling it with living nature.

A summer resident will be able to create his own pond without any problems, having understood its structure and main types.

Types of artificial reservoirs in a summer cottage

There are several main types artificial reservoirs:

1. Swimming pool- it is usually created not only to add aesthetics, but also for practical purposes. For example, in the summer you can have a great time relaxing in the cool water and playing with the kids.

The main disadvantage of this type of artificial reservoir is its organization over large areas and the complexity of its design.

2. Waterfall – distinctive feature is the presence of noise effects (falling water). It is arranged mainly only in areas with hilly terrain, if there is the necessary slope.

3. Pond– can be of two types (fishing and decorative). Designing a pond at the dacha is the most interesting stage of its construction.

4. Swamp– naturalness and aesthetics of the site. It is best to arrange it together with alpine slide or rock garden.

5. Mini pond – decorative element, which will perfectly complement even the smallest dacha plot.

6. Fountain- one of the most spectacular and impressive elements in the garden.

Is different complex device, are installed in large areas.

7. Stream- will perfectly emphasize the landscape style of the site, thanks to its varied shapes. Creates calm sound effects.

Construction of all types is carried out from the design and determination of the location of the reservoir, preparation of the territory, and, lastly, the strengthening and design of the banks, filling with water, decorating with plants and small architectural forms.

Arrangement of a pond on a summer cottage

The guarantee of the longevity of the pond and its decorative effect depends on the quality of the work performed. Therefore, it is mandatory to have knowledge in the field of reservoir design.

The following methods of arranging a pond are distinguished:

1. Base made of butyl rubber or PVC film. This is a rather complicated option, but in the end it gives an excellent result. Here you can show all your imagination, thanks to the ease of varying shapes.

2. The most in a simple way is to use a bath bowl as a container for a pond. It will not only be beautiful, but also economically beneficial.

3. Using a concrete base for arranging a pond is the most expensive option. This will require special equipment and certain knowledge in the field of construction.

The resulting design is reliable and durable. It is better to resort to this method when complex architectural solution together with the installation of sculptures.

4. One of the easiest to install is the use of ready-made forms, which can be purchased at various specialty stores. There are many variety of options, with the help of which you can revive and decorate any summer cottage.

How to beautifully design a pond in the garden?

After constructing the pond, you can begin to design it. This is where the style decision comes into play. There are their main types, which help decorate the pond and connect it with the surrounding environment.

To design a pond in chinese style , we need to focus on large quantities vegetation. The reservoir itself should be large enough, with smooth and smooth outlines. To emphasize the Chinese style, it is better to install an island in the center, on which to plant a small tree, and place several stones of different shapes nearby.

You can connect the shore to the island using a small bridge and install several lanterns.

Numerous fountains, waterfalls connected by ponds, adherence to clear boundaries and the presence of geometric shapes, indicate oriental style. It is suitable for people who love luxury and wealth.

Japanese style can be present in the design of any pond. It is necessary to emphasize all the elements. The main thing here is the design of the banks. A prerequisite is the planting of dwarf and small plants. Between them, boulders and stones should be beautifully placed, which can go directly into the pond.

French pond design style is becoming more and more popular thanks to modernism. The reservoir should be made as large as possible, based on the territorial capabilities of the site.

Coastlines must be clear and carefully landscaped.

Lots of bright colors expressed in vegetation- all this indicates english style pond design. It is very similar to Japanese, because it is a kind of offshoot of it.

To decide on the choice of style, you need to analyze the entire territory, and rely only on own wish. If you want rigor and balance, then you need to choose french style, and if the colors are bright, the variety of plants is Japanese or English.

Arranging a pond with your own hands is becoming an increasingly easier task for every person. This is because in almost all construction hypermarkets you can find necessary materials. If all stages are followed correctly, the pond will turn out beautiful and desirable.

Everything is based on design, which starts with viewing ready-made options in the Internet. If you want to have fish, then you should increase the depth by at this stage, for their comfortable stay.

When the area near the house is large enough, with an impressive number of different plants, then it is necessary to make the pond appropriate in size. You should first ensure that water does not stagnate in the pond. This can be achieved with the help of streams that will carry water in a circle, from the bowl back to the reservoir.

As for the location, it is necessary to locate the pond in an open area, which will prevent its contamination. It is not advisable to choose sunny places, which will contribute to water heating and the development of harmful microorganisms.

The area should be windless, which will preserve the integrity of structures and plants.

Plants, small architectural forms and natural stones will help to improve the garden pond. You can plant special aquatic plants in containers (water lily, lotus, mulberry, egg capsule, etc.). Pitiya, water hyacinth and water paint work well without soil. They can simply float on the surface, the main thing is that they have all the necessary nutrients. To keep the pond constantly clean, you need to have several types of specialized plants (hornwort and pondweed).

You can decorate the pond with a wide variety of sculptures. The main thing is to fit them correctly into the environment. Everything should look harmonious and beautiful so that you can constantly enjoy the surface of the water.

For beginners, it seems that making a pond from a ready-made plastic mold is easier than making a pond using flexible waterproofing. It's an illusion. At first, the molds seem huge in the store, but after they are installed in the ground, they look about half the size, and when filled with water they look very tiny. Such containers are good for raised reservoirs with clear geometric shapes and for installation on slopes.

The most durable plastic forms for a pond are structures made of fiberglass; they are not inferior in strength to containers made of reinforced plastic, but the edges of the latter can be deformed if the structure is not provided with reliable external support on the ground. These forms are imported and quite expensive. Containers made of ordinary plastic are cheaper, but they are not rigid enough, often have deformed edges, and their sizes are small. Only black forms are suitable for ponds.

Often, plastic molds for ponds in the country are deformed after filling with water; this is due to improper filling of the gap between the wall of the pit and the wall of the mold with soil.

The correct thing to do is this: pour 5-7 cm of sand onto the horizontal base of the pit, compact it tightly and install a plastic mold, then pour 10-15 cm of water into it, then pour sand into the gap between the walls of the pool and the pit to a height of about 20 cm, watering it with water from a hose, or pour a mixture of earth, sand and water into the crack and wait until the liquid mass hardens. Then pour another 10-15 cm of water, and into the gap - sand with water or mash, repeating this until the pool is completely filled with water, and the gap is filled with sand or soil. As a result of these actions, the form will stand rigidly in the ground, and its coastline will be in a horizontal plane.

Water from plastic molds for artificial ponds is never drained for the winter; this is an unnecessary and even harmful operation; in the spring, the empty bowl will be squeezed out and damaged.

The best way to decorate a pond in a garden made in plastic form is to decorate it with a rockery or a flowering retaining wall. In modern gardens, a pond is most often built in which aquatic plants grow and fish and frogs live. The shape of a natural pond should be as smooth as possible. The smaller the pond, the fewer all kinds of bends there should be, which is why ponds in rigid shapes look so unnatural, the “banks” of which are excessively indented and resemble shaped cookies rather than a natural structure. If you end up with just such a body of water, the situation can be improved by thoughtful planting of plants that will camouflage the unnaturalness of the banks in plastic form. Do not forget that an excessive number of coastal plants, especially large ones, visually significantly reduce the size of the reservoir.

Another difficult task is the design of the banks of garden ponds: a lawn can come close here, in some places of the coastal zone you can plant coastal plants such as loosestrife, loosestrife, marsh and Siberian irises, daylilies, etc. The choice of coastal plants is inexhaustible, your taste will be enriched the study of nature and the best examples - that is your judge.

In the process of decorating a pond in the garden, remember that there should not be a lot of vegetation around the geometrically shaped pond; one large plant of an architectural shape, for example a clump of marsh iris or a large hosta, is enough.

Look at the photo on how to beautifully decorate a pond in the garden in regular style: around it, trimmed shrubs and plants in containers are quite logical; if there is no fountain, you can plant a nymphea.