Adding a waterfall and stream to our garden

kcrenner

Hi all, we are in the process of redesigning our garden and want to add a water fall and stream to it.  Does anyone have any advice? We've been doing our research online and it seems fairly straight forward of planning out the layout, laying the pond lining and then filling in with rocks, piping, pump, pond skimmer/filter and plants.  Just want to hear your advice and what you went through while putting them in yourself.  Thanks

~NB~

It is pretty straightforward. The most annoying thing I've encountered is waterfalls built on a flat terrain, so I hope you have a pronounced slope or hill or something, and don't have to build some artificial mountain just for the sake of having a waterfall. I've seen so many waterfalls that don't make any sense in the settings they're in, and don't belong. Other than that, I really like the idea of ponds and waterfalls.

rubyiu

I can't give you advice for putting it in because we bought a house with one already, but they are a good amount of money and maintenance a year, just as a warning! Get a net if there are trees anywhere around because they can really make it dirty. We get ours cleaned every year. Pumps can go bad easily. Cleaning filters is time consuming. Water plants and koi can be a pricey!

 

That being said, it's a focal point and I LOVE the pond... it is so relaxing and makes me happy to just look at it!

kcrenner

Thank you for your thoughts and views. We are aware that there will be costs in maintaining the pond and waterfall and that it needs to have a "natural" location so it doesn't look out of place.  This is why we are taking our time in planning and designing the look and feel of this water feature as it will be the focal point of our back garden.  We have a very natural almost wildflower feel to the back garden and hoping to encourage more birds and butterflies to visit.  Do you find that chemicals need to be used in the water? We don't want to harm the wildlife in our area.