Once you have completed the first step to your garden pond creation and know what space you have available, the next step is to look at designing your pond before construction can commence.
Most people are inspired by a pond they have seen on their travels and want to replicate the design in their own garden pond plans. If you really like a particular design the next important step is to put this passion for a particular look in a well thought out plan from which you can work to realistically create this in your own garden. A photograph of the pond taken from different angles will help develop your own well thought-out designs. This step will help in looking at whether you can realistically bring your design to fruition.

You might want a formal garden pond, a natural pond, informal water garden, Japanese style water garden, bog garden or a big pond for fish and plants. The questions to ask when faced with the decision is whether your site is big enough, the location appropriate and whether you have the budget to create your desired design. This will then allow the chance to alter your plans accordingly before your project commences.

Unlike a garden where you have more flexibility to change things as you feel the need, a pond with its pond liner, edging materials and other features is not as easy and straightforward to change. So getting it wrong can be costly or result in you losing the passion for your pond.

Types of designs to consider creating:

• Formal pond –