Can I join two smaller liners to make a larger one?
Ideally, you shoud have the two sections profesionally welded (which is what we do), however, this is not always a practical solution! If you need to need to make a join, you can use a pool liner adhesive, but you will also need to use a natural cure (non toxic) silicone (the same stuff they use in fish tanks) to seal the join and prevent any chemicals leeching from the glue. Firstly, seal the edge to be joined with the natural cure silicone. We recommend a 10cm wide seam – glue the first 5cm, leaving a 5cm flap free...
Read MoreHow to keep Cane Toads out of a pond
Cane Toads love ponds – and while they are not native to any areas of Australia, they’re certainly making themselves at home. Cane Toads (Bufo marinus) are a pest in all parts of Australia – and you should always discourage them from taking up residence in your pond. There are 3 ways to keep toads out of your pond. Make it an above ground pond, at least 60cm high with vertical walls. The downside to this though, is that some breeds of native frog don’t like this set up either, so by excluding the toads, you are also...
Read MoreWhat sort of edging should I use on my pond?
The point of edging around your new pond is to secure the liner and prevent it from flapping about. There are many options for edging – rocks, pebbles, timber, pavers, slabs, bricks, plants and even grass. The edging is in a way the ‘crowning glory’ of your pond – when its done well, the pond should blend into the landscape, and really look as though it belongs. It is entirely up to you what medium you choose to use, but generally speaking, you should select something that will make the pond blend...
Read MoreWhat sort of fish should I put in a garden pond?
If you’ve built a nice pond, it makes sense to add fish if you can. Not only do they look wonderful, and contribute to the relaxing atmosphere of a garden pond, but they help keep mosquitoes at bay (which will inevitably find their way to your pond if you don’t have fish). While goldfish and Koi are the two most popular types of fish kept in Australian ponds, its really nice to use native fish if you can. (Some breeds of exotic fish have already started becoming established in our natural waterways, such as...
Read MoreSize matters when it comes to garden ponds
While bigger isn’t always better, when it comes to fish ponds, the most common regret is indeed size related. In a survey of first time pond builders, most said they wished their pond was bigger. Some had planned to make their ponds bigger, but got sick of digging and changed their plans part way through, and some were too small from the outset. Others had bought their pond liner before planning the pond, so were restricted by their materials. But whatever the reason, the end result was the same – they felt that...
Read MorePond Liner v Concrete shell
If you are a first time garden pond builder, chances are, you will be torn between a pre-made concrete or fibreglass shell, or a liner. Obviously, I prefer a liner (and that’s why I sell them!). A liner gives you the freedom to build your pond at any size, shape or depth. And if the hole you dig is a bit rough, well, all the better if you are going for a natural shape! The other option is concreting the hole yourself, but then, that’s just too much hard work for me! And of course, there is always...
Read MoreBefore you pick up a shovel
So after months of thinking about it, you’ve finally decided to build a fish pond this weekend. While I hate to postpone your project by another week, I really suggest you put down the shovel, and pick up a pencil. Sit down in your favourite part of the garden, and decide where the pond will not only look best, but be most practical. (While it might look great running past the washing line, you may not be so popular when someone falls in it while hanging out your socks). You should also think about where water pipes,...
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