Are you interested in having a wildlife habitat in your back yard next spring? The time to think about doing that is now in the wintertime.
One of the main needs of your backyard visitors is the need for water.
Here are some instructions for building water gardens.
There are few endeavors that combine such a variety of disciplines as does the stewardship of a water garden.
Botany, fish management, water purity, temperature, color arrangement, environmental balance, wildlife, safety, electrical connections, pumps, filters, rocks, and algae blooms will all become a part of your vocabulary and your life.
These factors will be challenging, educational, and exciting.
However, the true rewards of a water garden come during a cool morning as you sit quietly on a bench and watch the fascinating activities of the miniature world in and around your pond.
To build an in-ground water garden, select the site.
Consider environmental factors of sun/shade levels; safety and esthetic factors of overhead trees or wires; location and view close/far from your house; availability of electrical and water sources.
Plan the design on paper.
What shape? Formal or natural edging? Extras such as a fountain, stream, or waterfall? (Decisions, decisions-Ann.
) Now comes the start of the physical work

1. Dig the hole.
   Allow various depths for different plant requirements.
   36" is average maximum.
   Make sure the bottom is level.
   
2. Remove all tree roots and stones.
   
3. Dig a trench for the electrical wiring.
   
4. Put down underlayment.
   Use a heavy layer of newspaper, carpet, or special pond fabric.
   
5. Spread the liner.
   Use a 42 mil or heavier butyl rubber liner.
   Overlap top edges about 2 feet.
   
6. Add water.
   Fill the pond 1⁄2 way.
   Press out wrinkles in the liner.
   
7. Add top edging.
   Use landscaping stones, or natural rocks and gravel.
   Avoid prolonged sun exposure of the top edges of the butyl rubber lining when completing the pond.
   
8. Install the fountain, waterfall, filter, and related pumps.
   
9. Finish filling with water.
   Allow adequate time (approximately 24 hours) for evaporation of harmful chemicals in the water.
   
10. Add plants and fish.
    Enjoy!

(You will get some birds at the pond so leave some of the edge very shallow or fill it with rocks that the little birds can stand on-Ann.
) Personally, I think I will stick to my birdbath.
Digging, getting wetter and dirtier than I do when I water the grass, dealing with algae, the cost of keeping the pond watered and the use of electricity turns me off.
But you may decide to try one.
In another blog we will look at how to build an above ground water garden.