Maybe you really don’t have a clue what type of pond you want. Well, that’s when you start doing your research. You can’t just start digging and take it where you want to, so make sure you check out ponds you like and don’t like. Go to your local home show and pick up brochures from pond installers, browse beautiful magazines and books, and get input from your family and friends.

The purpose of a pond is to entertain, inspire, and relax you, and it won’t be doing that if it’s hidden away from you. Bring it all the way up to your home so that you can enjoy it only feet out your back door. Stand in the middle of your yard and decide if you want it in the middle, to the side, and where you would most likely want to sit. Make sure you keep the pond away from low-lying areas, however, as fertilizer run-off is not conducive to pond health and water clarity.

Next, go inside your house and look out the windows. Is there a spot in the backyard that you can see from your living room and kitchen? You can enjoy your pond from inside and out, especially if you’re in the colder regions of the globe. Some of the most striking views of your pond may be with your backyard covered in snow and the waterfalls mostly covered with ice. That’s what’s important about facing your favorite aspect (oftentimes the waterfall) toward the house for optimal viewing pleasure.

If you don’t already have one, buy a cheap, flexible garden hose from the store and lay it out to the approximate size of the pond. A garden hose isn’t just great when helping to determine the size of your would-be pond, but it’s also useful for establishing the shape. Do you want a figure-eight shape pond, or an irregular, flowing shape? Just be sure to remember that sharp edges will not show up as well if you are using rounded stone to line the pond. It’s best to stick with flowing lines that will look more natural. 

When it comes to the size of your pond, it’s okay to start small, but eventually you’re going to fall in love with your water garden and decide to make it bigger to fit a few more plants, or to support a few more fish. So be sure to start out at a desirable size and don’t undercut yourself. You’re never going to want to make your pond smaller.

Also, will you be using rock and gravel in and around your pond? It makes a difference when determining size. Make your pond a bit bigger than you want it to be when it’s finished to allow for rock walls that will be position on your shelves of the pond. Rocks aren’t necessary, but it makes the pond look so much more natural!