CONSTRUCTION OF SMALL POOLS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20274, 7 April 1934, Page 28 (Supplement)

CONSTRUCTION OF SMALL POOLS.

SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE AQUATIC GARDENS.

While it is not possible to introduce into our suburban gardens the wonderful charm and repose of a natural water garden, a small pool, gay with its water lilies and aquatic plants, and with fish scintillating in the sunlight, may be made an interesting and attractive feature. Jt may be easily and inexpensively constructed if the following instructions are carried out:— The positions should be In full sun, Hot overshadowed. All water lilies (Nymphaeas) prefer still water in a

warm sunny position, and* fountain or a continuous inflow of water should be avoided. For most aquatic plants, including the smaller varieties of lilies, a depth of 15 to 18 inches of water is sufficient. The pond should consist of a deep central portion, and a shallow margin, 5 or 6 inches deep. If the central portion is made rectangular construction is simplified, and any informality of outline can be carried out in the shallow portion. The sketch (fig. 1) shows clearly how this can be done. A pool with sloping sides and an irregular inner wall composed of small rocks *6 as to create a narrow underwater border can also he constructed, as is shown in fig. 2.

FIG. 2.

Having chosen the site, and decided on the size and shape, excavate the ground to be occupied by the deeper portion to a depth of 22 to 26 inches, and the margins to a depth of 6 to 9 inches; line the bottom with not less than 3 inches of concrete. To form the sides it will be necessary to construct shuttering formed of boards of sufficient length and totalling 10 to 12 inches wide, nailed tw(gether on cross strips or battens, and fixed in position to enable the concrete to be placed behind. (It should be noted that if sloping walls are required the concrete should be placed fairly wet, and should completely fill up the space between the shuttering and the vertical sides of the excavated hole. The walls may be constructed in sections, and the shuttering removed as soon as the concrete sets sufficiently, and reset for the next section of the wall; but unless the pond is a large one, the result will be much more satisfactory if all the walls are done at the same time. That part of the bed to which the walls will join should be roughed and washed clean as much as possible to ensure a good bond. Next the bed of the shallow part is constructed and the lip (about 2 inches high) formed, following by the edge •wall. This latter is formed in much the same way as the main walls by fixing a strip of wood in position; or, if the

outline ia to be irregular, by using a strip of zinc or sheot iron about 4 inches deep bent to the desired curves. Special care should be taken to see that plenty of concrete is placed at ail the angles and joins of the walls and beds. As concrete may adhere to the wood or metal shuttering, the surface which iu to come in contact should be well greased or oiled. As soon as the concrete Is set hard (in 5 to 7 days), the shuttering may bo removed and the pond tested for leaks. If the leaks he slight, the whole surface

should he gi\;en a good, wash of neat cement mixectf with water to the consistency of cream, and applied with a brush or trowel. Two or three days later the walls should he thoroughly wetted with a solution of four parts water mixed with one part of silicate of soda (water glass), a second wash being applied a few hours later.

As there may be certain impurities in the cement which arc injurious and often fatal to the animal and vegetable life, the pond should he filled with a weak solution of permanganate of potash (i,e., one approximating to claret in colour) for at least 14 days, and thoroughly irrigated before final water is introduced.

The illustrations depict clearly the method employed in making a water garden, also the nature and quality of the soil, etc., necessary for the plants to become established, and which must necessarily be added for the plants to grow in. TUB CULTIVATION. A fascinating miniature water garden can be easily constructed in a small garden by sinking a stout tub into the ground- A convenient size would be from 28 to 30 inches across. The rim should be sunk from 2 to 4 inches below the surrounding ground, and the rim concealed by disguising the circle with small rocks to overhang the edge here and there. Dwarf-growing perennials, such as primulas and mimulus can be planted close to the edge, while certain alpines will grow well between the stones with clumps of taller plants in the background. The flowers and leaves lying on the water would afford shade to the small goldfish, which thrive in this environment and check the ravages of mosquitoes and other insects. Plants which produce their flowers well above the water level would add additional charm and complete the picture. A tub of the above dimensions will accommodate from four to six goldfish.