Share
A pond liner, sand, pebbles, water plants and pavers were used to create a pond, water feature and garden paving.
The project
It has always been a dream of mine to have a water feature and fish pond in my garden so I could enjoy the calming sound of water, attract wildlife and create a mini-ecosystem. I was up for the challenge and got to work with absolutely no idea what I was doing.
I really put my heart and soul into it. The fish are very happy. In fact, I’ve got six babies already. The trickling water sounds amazing - not overpowering and very relaxing.
I’m really happy with it and I can honestly say it was well worth all the sweat and tears along the way. An excavator would have come in handy though!
Steps
Step 1
Measure the area and decide on the ideal preform pond.
Step 2
Start digging. Keep digging! And smile even though you have no idea what you're doing!
Step 3
Line base of hole with landscaping sand ensuring it's level. Use a spirit level to ensure the preformed pond is 100% level vertically and horizontally. Then pack in the sides with more landscaping sand and ensure there are no air holes - pack it in tightly!
Step 4
Line the base of pond with river pebble stones and start filling with water.
Step 5
Time to have fun with rocks and setting up the filter and water pump. I created a cascade effect with tubing running from the filter and into an old urn I found in a neighbour's hard refuse. I used AquaPro pre-packed pond liner under the pebbles and rock and draped it into the preformed pond liner. Also add AquaPro pond treatment and conditioner to the water!
Step 6
Now the exciting moment arrives... Time to introduce the fish and start adding plants.
Step 7
Having finished the pond I thought about how good it would be to add a path so I would avoid walking over the lawn to access the pond. So, more digging!
Here I used charcoal Brighton Masonry pavers 400 x 200 x 40mm and Brighton Masonry pavers 200 x 200 x 40mm and more landscaping sand.
Step 8
Finished off the pavers using Dingo Power lock polymer paving sand.
Tools and materials
Materials used in the project:
- Pond liner
- Landscaping sand
- Riverstone pebbles
- Pond treatment and conditioner
- UV Filter
- Water pump
- Plants.
Tools used in the project:
Help and inspiration for your fish pond or water feature project
Bunnings Workshop member Prawns created a backyard fish pond as a potential home for fish and frogs.
Community member Herrenovacation used plastic basins and PVC piping to build a frog hotel and lily pond.
Experienced community member Adam shared step-by-step guides How to create a pond in a pot and How to install a garden pond.
Good afternoon @JoTM
Absolutly love your pond! 
That is some decent effort in digging it out and installing it, well worth it tho!
I have ideas for my own pond/stream and have always wanted to know how that AquaPro pre-packed pond liner stands up to time, How long has yours lasted and does it seem tough enough?
Dave
Hi @JoTM,
Back again... when I posted that screengrab the system decided to complete the post?
I have only come across your backyard masterpiece after 2 replies yesterday promoted that in the feed.
I suspect I missed when it was posted because I only joined in April this year.
People in my circle(s) often don't understand why I spend hours in my workshop making something that was spawned from thoughts onto paper sketches. Why are you making that just go and buy one... Because it's a labor of love which summarizes everything in your project description 🙂
Now... with some embarrassment I am allowing you and @Dave-1 to see my modest pond setup (which uses a kids clam shell sandpit 😃) is to pass on some ideas.
The waterfall ended up a simplistic design where heavy slate compresses the end of the pump outlet hose to produce the waterfall effect which is a good result because of-the-shelf diffusers are quite expensive.
Poor quality video clip off my YouTube channel this time with a bird bath.
Some other ideas:
Bamboo Shishi-odoshi (Deer chaser)
https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Garden/Bamboo-Shishi-odoshi-Deer-chaser/m-p/286563#M23536
Water barrel with bamboo spout
https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/Water-barrel-with-bamboo-spout/m-p/285786#M41640
Bird bath auto fill & recycle with timer & float level - Part 1
Bird bath autofill & recycle with timer & float level - Part 2
Cheers
Good Morning @AlanM52
I think you are selling your pond a little short It looks great, sounds cool and refreshing and I hadnt thought of a fountain Plus you have no issues with leaks using a clamshell
Dave
