Pond edging in 'patio' area?

[Lady P]

Hi - I've nearly finished my first wildlife pond but the dig was a pick-axe marathon as it was a dig through rubble into what was pretty much an entirely paved garden, so no soil to speak of. It's only 6 x 4.5 x 2ft. Obviously I needed some soil structure to plant into, particularly on 2 of the more narrow edges. Could anyone tell me whether i've done the right thing by using upturned turf directly onto the PVC liner? Will it root into the liner, or just sit there - bit worried it's going to slide off into the depths as soon as I try and plant it up (even though it is level - honest!) Thanks everyone - appreciate any advice

[Kayleigh]

Do you mean the turf is grass side down...

I have a grass edge around my pond and the grass grows over the liner but you have to make sure the is about a foot of it growing into soil not just lay on top of the liner or it will dry out..Make sure the pond end don't dip into the water or it has a leeching affect..

Some pics would be good..
others will be along soon with more advice.

[Lady P]

Thanks for the advice Kayleigh. Um, I hope I've not done the wrong thing, but the turf is grass side down - I only want to have something to plant into on a narrow-ish ledge (which in itself is quite close to a fence and a raised bed), rather than have grass. And I thought it was going to be easy

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Lady P

Thanks for the advice Kayleigh. Um, I hope I've not done the wrong thing, but the turf is grass side down - I only want to have something to plant into on a narrow-ish ledge (which in itself is quite close to a fence and a raised bed), rather than have grass. And I thought it was going to be easy

Are you planning to plant into it.
The problem I see is the soil on top will dry out as the liner is plastic. Just make sure the liner is not wider than the turf have a go and see how things go...You can always change it later.

[flowerpower136]

For a natural edge, I think you've done the right thing. It's exactly what Geoff Hamilton used to do.

The dying grass roots keep the soil in place untill other planting takes hold. Water will leach to some degree especially in very dry weather, but it's the best method I've found to achieve a natural edging and completely hide the liner. And when planting covers it, the leaching seem to lessen, I suppose the ground cover that the plants provide, shades the soil and stops it drying out so fast.

If you plant low to medium size spreading bog plants, eg Myosotis, you won't have any problem with roots, they'll knit the soil together but won't harm the liner. Just avoid anything tall that needs deep roots to anchor itself, eg Iris pseudacorus. That's a plant that is capable of piercing liners, though even then, the root itself will act as a plug and keep the water in. It only becomes a leak if the plant dies and the root shrinks.

Hope you have many happy hours of pond watching.

[Kayleigh]

Yes, I tried the upside-down turf but found there wasn't enough depth to plant as turf is only a few inches deep.
I decided it was best in my case to have the turf the right way up as I have a lawn on that side of the pond..
I get newts going in between the liner and the grass.
I think Susie turned the turf upside-down and hers was OK..
Every pond is different what works for one don't for another.
So give it a go and let us know how you get on.

you will probably have to modify things as you go along as it never quite works out on paper the same as when you come to build it anyway.
Well mine didn't..It was my first pond.

[Lady P]

Great advice guys, thanks so much. Like all gardening - plant it and if it doesn't work move it!! Fingers crossed then ... Cheers

[Cazzie]

Sounds to me like your making a great start Lady P

Personally I think all wildlife ponds should have a wetland area for the frogs/amphibians etc. to crawl in and out of oh, and the hedgehogs to have a safe place to drink from!

Trial and error... it usually works lol

[dan-fisher]

sounds great would like to see a piccy