Landscaping of a summer cottage from improvised means or how to easily and quickly make a mini-pond
The presence of a reservoir at a summer cottage is an exception rather than a rule. What to do for those who have no river or lake nearby, but really want to decorate their landscape design with at least a small pond? Do not despair, it is quite possible to do this, and without significant financial costs and minimal efforts. You can even build a small mini-pond with the help of available tools, for example, from an old basin. And all the work can be done by the female half.
Read also the article: how to make drainage around the house with your own hands?
Selection and preparation of a place for a pond
First of all, you need to decide where the miniature reservoir will be located. Do not hide it far away - it is better to choose a place so that the pond is clearly visible from all sides. For example, halfway from the house to the gazebo, along one side of the path.
To prevent the water from being polluted by fallen leaves, it is advisable to make the pond away from trees.
Now you can start preparatory work and dig a hole. Its depth and diameter directly depend on the container that will be used. Both the old basin and the bathtub left over after replacing the plumbing will come in handy. In this case, a miniature pond will turn out from a deep plastic bowl about a meter in diameter. If it has defects (small cracks), you can put a film inside so that water does not flow out.
Experienced landscape designers advise against using containers with a diameter less than 45 cm.
Put the basin on the ground and circle it in a circle. Then dig a groove around the diameter of the container. The depth of the hole should be such that the edges of the pelvis protrude 2-5 cm above the soil level. So during the rainy season, the earth will not fall into pond.
"Bookmark" the pond
When the pit is ready, place a basin in it and start finishing work:
- evenly place light, washed pebbles on the bottom of the bowl with a layer of up to 4 cm;
- cover the remaining gap with earth around the perimeter of the pelvis and tamp it tightly;
- overlay the pond around with large stones, slightly pressing them into the soil and, if necessary, add earth so that they are stable;
- plant perennial plants (fern, hosta or calla lilies) around, placing them in such a way that the taller ones are in the background, and the undersized ones are in front;
- fill the container with water.
If you plan to put fish into the pond, you should only use settled water.
Further care of the pond
In hot summers, the water must be topped up periodically as it evaporates. Once a month, the pond is subject to general cleaning - with the help of a pump or a can, completely select the water, wash the basin well and fill it with clean liquid.