| While contemplating the wide variety of water gardens featured in this site, keep in mind that virtually any pond, as well as the plant and animal life within it, can be enhanced with the addition of a waterfall or stream. |
| The soothing, therapeutic sounds of a babbling brook or a cascading waterfall are not only comforting, they can also naturally aerate your pond, providing a wonderful environment of aquatic life. |
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Plants may be placed on and in the steps of the stone. |
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The back of the waterfall may be hidden by foliage planted in a tapered mound of earth that has been positioned behind the stones.
In colder climates, shut off water and remove pump when water drops below 40°F. In warmer climates, you should be able to operate your waterfall year-round. |
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| Another point to consider is the shape of your pond's sides. This is often dictated by your soil conditions, as well as the type of plant and animal life you wish to incorporate into your water garden's ecosystem. |
| Stepped walls are the most common because they provide easy access in and around the pond and serve as ideal shelves on which to place various aquatic vegetation. Also, fish tend to respond better to environment with varying water depths. |
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This shape is only appropriate in soil that can hold its shape or where vertical reinforcement is used.
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Common for koi ponds.
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These are common for water gardens to provide planting shelves and steps to enter and leave the pond. Cut the steps, do not build by filling.
Please keep in mind that the sun's effect on the shallower water causes higher temperatures.
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