Backyard Oasis

A Backyard pond is a wonderful relaxing addition to any backyard but sometimes space, time to create a pond or cost can be an issue. By creating a barrel pond you can enjoy all the benefits of a pond in a smaller space and have it set up quickly.

You can pick up a barrel at a garden center or by going bargain hunting at garage sales or auctions. I picked up a barrel near a dumpster for free. You can also use bucket or old washing pans. Basically if it will hold water you can adapt it, but a barrel has rustic character that usually fits any garden plan.

Your first step after acquiring your barrel is to cut it in half so you can easily work with it and so that it has a proper pond depth.  You also need to select its permanent location. Once its filled it will be extremely heavy and you will not want to move it. Place sand under the barrel and even the location where it will set. Check to make sure the barrel is level.

Next fill the barrel pond and let it set. This will check for any leaks you may have. If the water level drops or the ground is damp outside the barrel you will need to fix your leak. This is quite easy; just let the barrel dry well. Once dry, seal it with an asphalt-bases sealant. These are available at any garden center and most hardware stores.

Fill your barrel pond and let the water set for a week. This gives the water time to warm up and if the water has added chlorine, time for the chlorine to dissipate. Now is the creative part of the projects: adding water plants. You will need an assortment of both floating plants and submerged plants. Both plant varieties are required to create and maintain a healthy water environment.

Submerged water plants grow at the bottom of a pond and naturally add oxygen to the barrel pond. This will keep algae in check. Floating aquatic water plants have roots that grow in soil Their leaves float on top of the water, which provides shade and helps inhibit the growth of algae. Water lilies thrive in a barrel pond and add beauty to any pond.

When you are ready to add your plants you will need to pot the water plants in water-plant baskets. Or you can use black plastic pots with slits cut into the sides. Fill the pots with a potting mix making sure that you do not bury any part of the water plants crown. If the crown is at all covered, it will cause the plant to rot and die. Finally cover the surface of the potting mix with coarse gravel.

Note: Water plants tend to be heavy feeders, so I add about one-third composted cow manure to ensure that they will stay healthy.

Submerge the pots in slowly into the water. Make sure that any air bubbles escape gradually. This will prevent the soil from being disturbed. You may need to set some of the plants on rocks or bricks if the plants are low and their leaves do not float on the waters surface.

As with any pond you need to allow time for the plants to adjust to their new surrounding and the ponds environment to stabilize before you add fish. This may take several weeks in a barrel pond.

A barrel pond will take some care and maintenance. But if the barrel pond is kept clean and the plants are healthy your pond should thrive and add hours of entertainment, relaxation and beauty to your backyard oasis.  Include this project in your next backyard design creation.