Hi all, new to the forum!
Having had small ponds previously, and having recently purchasing a new property, I am looking to finally get the wheels in motion building my dream pond.
I have an area in the garden (pictured) that was built as a raised planter for a fig and plum tree (now felled). I was wondering what your collective thoughts were on excavating down roughly a meter from the bottom of these walls, and using them as the basis for my pond build.
My thoughts were to dig a trench to match the depth of the existing wall footings at point A on the picture, cast a further foundation in this trench, and build a new wall up to the height of the other three. I then plan to back fill the rear portion (point B) and slab it as a raised patio/fish viewpoint.
Once the new wall is built, I would then excavate down to my desired depth in the front portion of the raised area (point C) and use that as the basis for my pond. (Point D will also be bricked up as it was an access step for the previous owner)
Would anyone see any issues with doing so? (I don’t want to have 4 walls collapse in on me). I could step the dig 200-300mm all around in order to give the walls a little more support during the build (and provide a shelf all around for plants etc) but would rather have the extra water volume to be honest. The ground beneath the topsoil becomes clay at the bottom of the wall.
I am planning to use a PE liner, and install a bottom drain (if possible), and home any filtration in the gap between the wall and the garage (point E) – although I am not sure if there is enough space here so may have to rethink that.
I am really just looking for any inspiration (and even constructive criticism) regarding the idea. As I say, I have only every previously had small ponds, with basic filtration, so am learning as I go.
I would appreciate any input, however condemning it may be.
Having had small ponds previously, and having recently purchasing a new property, I am looking to finally get the wheels in motion building my dream pond.
I have an area in the garden (pictured) that was built as a raised planter for a fig and plum tree (now felled). I was wondering what your collective thoughts were on excavating down roughly a meter from the bottom of these walls, and using them as the basis for my pond build.
My thoughts were to dig a trench to match the depth of the existing wall footings at point A on the picture, cast a further foundation in this trench, and build a new wall up to the height of the other three. I then plan to back fill the rear portion (point B) and slab it as a raised patio/fish viewpoint.
Once the new wall is built, I would then excavate down to my desired depth in the front portion of the raised area (point C) and use that as the basis for my pond. (Point D will also be bricked up as it was an access step for the previous owner)
Would anyone see any issues with doing so? (I don’t want to have 4 walls collapse in on me). I could step the dig 200-300mm all around in order to give the walls a little more support during the build (and provide a shelf all around for plants etc) but would rather have the extra water volume to be honest. The ground beneath the topsoil becomes clay at the bottom of the wall.
I am planning to use a PE liner, and install a bottom drain (if possible), and home any filtration in the gap between the wall and the garage (point E) – although I am not sure if there is enough space here so may have to rethink that.
I am really just looking for any inspiration (and even constructive criticism) regarding the idea. As I say, I have only every previously had small ponds, with basic filtration, so am learning as I go.
I would appreciate any input, however condemning it may be.
