A pond creates a beautiful focal point in any yard.
A rock pond adds a touch of serenity and calm to any landscape. It provides a sanctuary for birds and butterflies to gather, as well as an enjoyable spot for family and friends. However, a professionally built pond may not fit in the budget. A pond made from rock and cement provides a way to add that touch of nature to your yard relatively inexpensively and quickly.
Instructions
1. Determine the place for your rock pond. Spray paint around the intended pond edge, creating a guideline for digging.
2. Dig 3 inches down and 6 inches in toward the center around the pond edge, using the sprayed lines as guides. This creates a ledge for your first layer of rock. Continue digging the remainder of the hole to the desired depth plus 2 inches.
3. Pour a 1-inch layer of sand on the pond bottom to help prevent roots and rocks from puncturing the pond liner. Spread the sand evenly using a rake.
4. Center the pond underlay in the middle of the pond and spread it out along the bottom and up and over the edges. Smooth out any wrinkles. This provides an additional layer of protection to the liner and helps resist settling in the pond soil.
5. Put the pond liner in place, using the same method as with the underlay. Even out all wrinkles and overlap the liner over the pond edges. Cut the excess liner and underlay away, using scissors, leaving a 12-inch width of liner and underlay as the overlap around the entire pool.
6. Combine the cement mix and water, using a shovel and wheelbarrow, to create a mortar for the pond surface, following the manufacturer's package instructions. Use only enough water to make the mixture spreadable. Plaster the entire liner with a 1-inch thick layer of cement mortar, using smooth, even strokes.
7. Place a 1-inch thick layer of mortar on the pond rim with a trowel, covering the overlapping liner. Push a rock into position on the mortar, causing the mortar to mold to the rock's shape. Repeat this process until you position rocks or stones around the entire pond.
8. Continue the process in Step 7 until you have built the pond edge to the desired height and width. Allow the cement to dry completely.
9. Place several pots of water loving plants, such as water lillies, and loose stones or pebbles in different sizes randomly in the bottom of the pond and on the pond ledge area.
10. Place a pump in the pond behind a rock or plant so it is not visible. Install the pump following the manufacturer's instructions.
11. Fill the pond with water and plug the pump in.
