Whiskey Barrel Ponds
Adding a pond to your garden can make a real difference to your landscape. It can create a relaxing haven with the subtle movements of the water, or indeed an animated garden for the whole family to enjoy. Fortunately, ponds open up a range of possibilities for the DIY enthusiast, and making your own pond is one of them. In this article we will look at one of the most attractive ponds you can make for your garden, and why whiskey barrel ponds are so easy to make for yourself!
Why Whiskey Barrel Ponds?
Whiskey barrel ponds are a great feature for an garden. The quaint whiskey barrel design is size enough to host a completely self contained eco-system, which looks great combined with planting and landscaping. Because the ponds are contained within the barrel, there is no need to worry about digging up your land or other damaging and arduous work. It is just a simple case of preparing the barrel, filling it with water, and enjoying it!
What you will need
Firstly you will obviously need a whiskey barrel. You can pick these up from garden stores and various other places, including a local brewery if you ask nicely - just do not expect it to come full of whisky! You will also need some kind of pond filter, some gravel, some pond lining, and some pond plant life or fish.
The process itself is fairly straightforward, and because you are using only half the barrel, you can produce two contained ponds for your garden with no trouble at all. Head down to your local garden and hardware stores to find everything you will need for this project, and you might even find that the staff there can help you on your way to creating the pond you have always wanted.
Constructing Your Pond
To start with, you are going to need to half your whiskey barrel. Saw the barrel in half, and then sand off any roughage before you begin. Next, fit the filter through the bottom of the barrel, and insert the lining. Secure the lining with a layer of gravel, remove any excess and ensure it is watertight.
You can now begin to fill your barrel with water, after you have positioned it as you desire. Make sure that you do not fill the barrel too much though, as this will detract from its appearance and make it harder to grow plants. Finally, insert your plants or fish, check the filter is working correctly, and you are finished.
Also, a word of advice - make sure your pond is within sunlight. This will help your plants grow, and ensure your fish can survive within the water. Another thing you might want to consider is fitting a wire mesh over the top of your pond. If you have fish, or small children this may be advantageous. It may detract from the appearance of the pond, but as long as you can fit something temporarily, you can achieve the desired effect.
Ponds are the ever green gardeners friend, featuring in a vast proportion of gardens nationwide. Due to their quaint and attractive appearance, half whiskey barrel ponds are highly popular. Their ease and practicability make them a number one choice for any size of garden.