Hi everyone! I just found this site and am so happy for all the GREAT information. I dug a pond in February of 2017 after reading many, many ideas on how to make one. I wanted a gravel bottom and a large shallow area with rocks for birds to sit on and easy access for critters. The pond is 8'x14' oval, is 36" inches at the deepest part, which is the far end of the oval (north-side). It has two shelfs running the length of the pond on the east and west sides, with depths of about 8" on the east side and about 4" on the west side. The south side of the pond has a shelf that extends 6 feet into the pond and slopes gradually to about 6" deep, but has 2" gravel on the bottom. I put rocks of various sizes in and around the pond, planted different iris and plants that I had in the yard near the edges. I set potted taro, elephant ears, and cala lilies in pots in the shallow end in the summer. I bought 6 goldfish and they have bred and are very happy in their home. I built my pond in a "clearing" under a canopy of trees, so it gets only dappled sun, but I love it. Also, there is no electricity, so the pond had to be "balanced" with more plants than fish.
Now, I have decided to get electricity out to the pond and run a perforated pipe under the gravel, put up brick and rock barrier and turn the shallow end into a proper bog with many more plants so that the water will be clearer. I am so excited!
Now, I have decided to get electricity out to the pond and run a perforated pipe under the gravel, put up brick and rock barrier and turn the shallow end into a proper bog with many more plants so that the water will be clearer. I am so excited!