Waterfall

Discussion in 'Water Gardening' started by bigbore, Jun 12, 2015.

  1. bigbore

    bigbore Super Gardener

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    I'm going to start constructing the waterfall this weekend that will be part of the pond. I will be doing it from real rocks to make it look more natural, as this is a first time any tips from the pros would be great, my initial plan is to build a slope with soil then line both sides with real rocks , then in the middle line with pond liner then fix slate and rocks onto it using foam sealer..

    these are the rocks I have to use and also a pile of slate which isn't shown

    [​IMG]

    Any help or guidance would be great

    Jamie
     
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    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      Have you dug the pond yet, bb?, and if so have you any pictures of it?:scratch::coffee:
       
    • bigbore

      bigbore Super Gardener

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      no pond dug yet, i'm trying to hardscape first that's why I would like the waterfall in place as its a big job and will be permanent , also looking at ideas for a veggie filter as thinking of doing this on the other side of the garden where the bridge will go across
       
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I would put the liner down first, then put the rocks on otherwise it will leak like crazy. I can't see a need for the foam sealer, just arrange the rocks/slate naturally and they will stay in place.
       
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      • bigbore

        bigbore Super Gardener

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        I will give it a try and post some pics for a honest review , also do you know much about veggie filters?
         
      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Sorry never heard of them. Is it something to do with the pump ? Mine has an integral filter if that's what you mean.
         
      • Freddy

        Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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        A veggie filter is where the water runs over an area planted with something like Cress. It's useful in removing Nitrates, and therefore inhibits algae growth. It does though require a reasonably large catchment area.
         
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        • bigbore

          bigbore Super Gardener

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          yes that's the one, do you know how deep I should make make it? I was thinking about 5ft long and 2ft wide , would this work?
           
        • Freddy

          Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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          First of all, what plans do you have for the pond itself? If it's just for a wildlife pond, I wouldn't bother, just using pond plants that cover 2/3rds of the pond surface will help to keep algae down. If you intend to have an 'open' (unplanted) pond, then it could be useful. There are though other ways to keep down algae growth. It just depends on what you're after.
           
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          • bigbore

            bigbore Super Gardener

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            I would like plants in the pond but as it will be for koi , I think they will eat them? so my plan was to build a separate veggie filter to combat the issue
             
          • Freddy

            Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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            I had a Koi pond, and plants in the pond proved a waste of time. How big (gallons) are you thinking?
             
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            • bigbore

              bigbore Super Gardener

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              looking at 15ft long 7ft wide and 4ft deep
               
            • Freddy

              Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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              5ft deep would be better. Ok, so in this case a veggie filter would probably be worthwhile, though not essential. Much depends on the space you have, and the commitment you have. I never bothered with a veggie filter, relying instead of other methods to control algae. I'd be interested to know what main filtration you have in mind.
               
            • ARMANDII

              ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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              I dug my pond back in 93' [15' x 22'] and incorporated a Bog Garden into it at same time. I did consider a rock waterfall but decided on using two Clay Jugs placed on a very large flat piece of Welsh Slate with the water falling onto "steps" of Slate to give a more musical sound.
              [​IMG]

              [​IMG]

              [​IMG]

              [​IMG]

              As Freddy has said using marginal plants will give your pond a natural look while softening the edges and also taking nutrients out of the water which, if you have planted enough, starve any algae trying to grow in the water and will keep your water clear.
              I also made a Bog Garden, following the late great Geoff Hamiliton advice, by after putting in the liner laying down a dry brick wall from end to end about 4' wide in the pond itself. I filled the gap between the dry brick wall and the bank with ordinary garden soil and then filled the pond with water. The Bog Garden is fed automatically by seeping through the gaps in the bricks and keeping the soil moist. So the marginal plants and the integral Bog Garden both take the nutrients out the water and keep the water clear. You can see part of the dry brick wall in the first pic. :coffee::snork:
               
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              • ARMANDII

                ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                Oh, yes:heehee:
                 
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