GAEDEN PONDS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 109, 10 May 1934, Page 18

GAEDEN PONDS

GOLDFINCH AND WATER

LILIES

Small garden ponds for goldfish and watcrlilics are becoming increasingly popular-and may easily be constructed by any handy man, at comparatively small cost, and they certainly are an attractive feature in- any garden, howover small. The method of construction is quite simple. A hole of tho desired depth, width, and shape should first be excavated. .Tho depth will bo governed by the use to which the pool is to be put.' If for a fountain solely, tho depth need be only an inch or two, which would also serve admirably as a birdbath; but, if.goldfish aro to be kept and waterlilies giown, then the pool must be anything from \\ to 3ft deep. The 'first consideration- is an absolutely water-proof basin, and so several inches of concrete must bo laid. If water-lilies are to-be planted, saucerlike depressions may be made in the bottom iii which soil and roots can bo pjaqed. It must be decided before hand what height, the water shall be in the pond as this will be determined by the position of the overflow outlet!

If it is intended ,to have a fountain, provision must be made for the pipes. These may be laid under-the cement bed, be embedded in the cement, or they may run along th c surf ace. Which ever is decided /upon the place where the pipe enters the basin and where the bend .to take the jet projects through tho concrete must ■be , well cemented and made water-tight. If the pond is made in the lawn if is well to provide a path round it. This may be formed ■jof. bricks, concrete, or paving stones according to individual taste. There is scope for artistic development in a garden pond. The outline should not, as a /general rule, be too symetrical, while a, mound of rough rocks cemented together round the fountain jet will give a natural effect after the weathering of a season or two.