Landscaping ponds using flexible pond liners.

V Notch Edging To Make Planting Borders easy

When you landscape ponds for natural look and wildlife access with flexible pond liners make sure you get the edging of the wildlife ponds correct. creating a v notch in the flexible pond liner designs allows for access into and out of the pond and a place to plant effectively. Landscape ponds this way and you can create a garden pond that blends into the surrounding garden area as if the pond had always been there. Landscape ponds this way and you can create a garden pond that blends into the surrounding garden area as if the pond had always been there.

Landscape ponds using flexible liner ...

Here's a cross section showing how to create a V notch in the liner edge so that a planting base and access area can be easily created.  This photo below shows v notch filled with sand and pond filling with water. Marginal plants are best planted in sand/soil mixture. Notice uninterrupted, natural transition from water to edge of pond (lip of v notch) allowing access by wildlife.

The sketch here was provided by Peter J May from his book The Perfect Pond Detective

In thinking of allowing wildlife access to the pond you can also use natural bridging ideas.

A bridge for animals does not need to be made of wood, nor span the whole width of the pond. It is about creating a natural looking entrance/exit point so that climbing in and out of the water is possible ... I have a swimming pool and have witnessed all sorts of poor animals that have drowned after falling in because they just could not find a foothold to climb out. Consider ...

• A wooden bridge over a section of your pond using a tree stump, you will find birds will perch here as also will dragonflies. Beware however the birds which prey on fish so do not make it too easy.

• Another way to bridge an outlet for wildlife is to place stones/pebbles between planting baskets at the edge of the pond. In this way the steep sides of the planting baskets or pots can be mounted. Flat slate inclined gently is a very good way of creating such a bridge.

• If you have a waterfall/stream section place a boulder in the middle to create a resting place for birds and also to add character to the flow of water.

• A range of pond plants including those with wide floating leaves will attract birds and frogs in particular. Submerged plants allow insects to breed and hide from predators.