While we're on the subject of ponds ...

[ScrimshawTheSecond]

So, I've started digging my pond out. I was hoping to 'puddle' the clay-ish ground, but after doing some tests I think it's not quite clay-ey enough.

So I may use a liner, but really hate the sight of black plastic under the edging. And I think I need to leave a good ingress/egress route at the edges for the (fingers crossed) frogs, newts, etc, which I guess means edging it with overhanging slabs won't really work.

Best, most eco-friendly solution? Any suggestions?

Also, can I really not use tap water to fill it?!

Could you edge with pebbles, creating an area like a beach?

We have a liner, and have edged with a mix of larger pebbles and gravel. We have placed lots of plants around the area that the newer/smaller frogs can shelter from the sun under or use to help climb up on.

Oh also, when it's low on water I've used the tap water for top-ups, but left the water standing in buckets for a day or two in the sun to get the chlorine out before adding to the pond, we have a healthy amount of tadpoles every year so I don't think its been harmful.

Really didnt know that, I filled and then topped up straight from the hose, and I have baby fish and toad tadpoles every year.

Sorry bit random as it's not answering your question but think about having one area that is sloped almost like an in/out tamp.

Hedgehogs are brilliant swimmers and will go for a dip in a pond but then can't scrabble back out and they die of exhaustion treading water.

I know it seems far fetched but true. I try and spread the word to any pond owners 🦔

*ramp

I'm now fired up for a pond too (teamnewt!). Some nice ideas on google images including a half and half design of small paving on one side and a pebbly 'beach' on the other. garden ponds

We have the roof gutters empty straight into the pond. I do need to dredge out some muck (from leaves blowing in, too) sometimes.

You can have overhanging slabs as long as there are little exit routes for the critters, too. Design pond to have ledges all the way around & stones piled on the ledges to hide the black liner?

Hmm ... yes, pebbles is a good plan - I suppose I'll need a fairly gentle slope to the edge in that case.

Good to know re standing buckets in sunshine, thank you!

Hedgehogs would be lovely to have back in the garden (our resident sadly died recently). And yes, I'll be sure to put a ramp/slope for them. We did once rescue a hedgehog that was doing doggy paddle in a river. :)

And thanks for the images link. Pebbles are looking good, though I do love a straight-edged formal pond. This one is for the critters, though.

My pond has liner, it is edged with plants - Pink and white and red Thrift, tall bellflower, hostas, its lovely.

We filled it with tap water and often top up with tap water.

Word of warning.
Try not to locate it in a nice sunny spot (like we did!) else it fills with green algae alarmingly quickly which requires regular clearing

And our pond is home to lots of lovely newts which breed every year so they don't seem to mind the chlorinated tap water.

Though, if memory serves me correctly, I think DH did chuck a lot of aquarium dechlorinator in when we first filled it up.

But we haven't used it since when topping up

Following for ideas, as I have an old rhododendron I want to dig out and replace with a wildlife pond over winter!!

rhododendron I want to dig out

Good, rhododendrons, azalea, lilies and oleander are all poisonous to bees

Ooh, dechlorinator?! I shall check it out. Thanks, yes, I hope to have loads of plants edging and growing in. It will have to be a sunny spot, I think, that is where the large hole I have already dug is situated!

As for rhoddies, I think bees mostly enjoy them, but I understood the honey from rhoddies can be poisonous for humans? Anyway, they are pernicious bastards - our garden is full of them, especially ponticum. We have removed some, but it's a big and difficult job.

Come on the ponds!

FYI Its unlikely you will have newts and frogs. Newts love to eat tadpoles!

It will have to be a sunny spot, I think, that is where the large hole I have already dug is situated!

A sunny spot is great for the flowers though.
My pond looks beautiful where it is situated, there is nothing 'wrong' necessarily with a sunny spot just that it grows algae super quick!

Though tbf, I'm very odd, I love crouching down on a hot summers day with my hand in the cool water pulling out great sheets of algae!
Most satisfying

Ponds are addictive.

I started with a wildlife 'bucket' sunk in the garden.

I now have two more wildlife ponds. I seem to be adding one a year, and they are getting bigger too.

I can sit and stare in them for hours, like the Frog Princess.

I love my ponds.

Aye, am planning a wildlife pond in back garden and formal one in front ...

Thanks for tips, Spartacus. I have set myself the drudge task of digging it out and lining it before I get the pleasure of buying plants ...

What happened to the newts in the pond thread? Has it been pulled? (sorry if I'm not allowed to ask). Anyway, I've also been inspired to think about a pond but have a smallish garden. We have a bird bath and a couple of smallish ground water containers always used by the birds so I know a pond probably doesnt have to be huge to attract things but what, realistically, is a minimum size - e.g. would say 2-3foot diameter and 1-1.5 ft deep be worthwhile?

Oh I am hooked now! (on building a mini pond, not vanishing threads!).

My pond is pretty small, only about 60cm ish deep at the centre but I have lots of newts, snails etc