Easy ways to create a natural looking backyard pond
Most backyard ponds are constructed using a flexible liner to line the pond.
Using a pond liner allows you to create a custom designed pond with varying depths and shelves around the edges.
The trick to creating a natural looking backyard pond is to hide the pond liner with natural elements like rocks and plants.
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In the photo above, the kidney shaped pond has been lined with a flexible black pond liner
The pond owner has attempted to use gravel to hide the liner but every time it rains, the gravel washes away.
In this example, the pond liner is still very visible, not just around the exterior of the pond but also at the edge of the water.
When the liner is exposed around the water’s edge, it becomes streaky from the minerals left behind after the water evaporates.
So how do you hide the pond liner and create a natural looking pond?
One of the easiest ways to hide the liner is to create a small shelf around the entire edge of the pond and place a layer of square or rectangle shaped rocks around the shelf to hold the liner in place.
Once the shelf rocks are in place, you can add the edging rocks on the top.
The best type of edging rock to use is flagstone, a popular stone that is commonly used in landscaping. It’s also a popular paving stone.
Always remember to wash the rocks thoroughly before you put them around the pond and be careful when placing the rocks on the liner that you don’t tear it.
If you damage the liner, there are patch kits
If your pond has gently sloping sides, you can use gravel or small pebbles to create a beach that leads into the deeper part of the pond.
This type of pond is ideal for attracting wildlife like frogs and birds to your pond because they can easily enter and exit the pond.
Using plants to conceal the liner
Another way to make your pond look more natural is to use plants around the pond’s edge to hide the pond liner.
There are many different options when it comes to edging a pond with plants.
You can plant ornamental grasses, flowering ground covers or bog plants like irises or canna lilies.
Using plants around the edge of the pond will also attract frogs and dragonflies to your pond.
Advantages of hiding the pond liner
Not only do ponds look more natural when the liner is hidden, the liner will last longer when it’s not exposed to the elements.
The liner will also be protected from the claws of stray cats, raccoons and other wild animals that visit your pond.
So there are my tips for hiding the pond liner when you build a backyard pond.
Concealing the liner can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth the effort to create a natural looking pond.
Here’s a quick video that shows how to create shelves around the edge of the pond to help conceal the pond liner.
RELATED ARTICLES
- 7 Beautiful Pond Edging Ideas
- 10 Ways To Decorate Your Pond
- Preformed Ponds Vs Pond Liners
- How To Stop Your Pond Overflowing
Do you have any other tips for hiding the liner when building a new pond? Let me know in the comments below.
Are you on Pinterest? I have boards dedicated to Garden Ponds and Pond Ideas that you may find interesting.
Don’t forget to pin this post so you can come back to it when you’re ready to edge your pond.
Also, check out the Must-Have Pond Products page where I list the essential pond products to make life as a pond owner much easier!
