Philip Swindells

How to Install a Pre-formed Waterfall



Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2006

by Philip Swindells
http://www.internationalwatergardener.com

The easiest way of installing a waterfall or cascade in the garden is with pre-formed units. These are readily available from garden centers and water garden specialists, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can be used in conjunction with ponds of all kinds, whether pre-formed, lined, or constructed from concrete.

The most important consideration when installing a pre-formed waterfall or cascade unit is to ensure that it is level. Although such units are installed on sloping ground, each must be positioned in a level plain if the desired water flow effect is to be achieved. So continual checks during installation are essential.

Place the pre-formed units in position and mark around them. Begin with the lower unit, for it is vital that the position of the final drop is directly over the pond. Carefully excavate an area that matches the outline and configuration of the unit, but allow sufficient additional room for a generous layer of sand. Repeat the process until excavations are prepared for each unit.

Spread sand in and around each excavation so that the units can be firmly bedded. Sand is preferable to soil, for it flows more easily and freely and produces a soft cushion. It also makes leveling much easier. Position the bottom unit first and make sure that it is secure. Then take the second and additional pre-formed units and position them carefully, ensuring that the pouring lip of each is correctly placed so that splashes and seepage are not likely to occur.

As most pre-formed waterfall and cascade units are not particularly attractive, it is desirable to disguise the edges. Those of simple design are easier to deal with, for soil can be brought up to the edges and planted. Alternatively rocks, backed with soil, can be used to produce a natural effect. It is also possible to disguise the floor of each unit, covering it with well-washed pebbles. The water flow of the average submersible pump is unlikely to create any disturbance and the effect of water running over pebbles is pleasing.

An alternative to an irregular land-form or rock garden for a pre-formed waterfall placement, is a low rock wall constructed at the pond-side. The rocks can either be pointed and jointed with mortar, or else laid like a dry stone wall. Pockets can be incorporated for planting. Back-fill behind the wall with soil. If desired, a further and higher wall can be constructed behind, rather like a terrace, and this will accommodate an additional unit. The single unit is most successful, this being positioned securely with its lip just projecting beyond the face of the wall.

Philip Swindells has over 40 years gardening experience. A former botanical garden curator and an international horticultural consultant, he has worked extensively in the UK, North America, the Middle East and Australia. The Author of more than 50 gardening books, he has been awarded a Quill and Trowel Award by the Garden Writers’ Association of America. He is also a former UK Garden Writer of the Year. He is editor of www.internationalwatergardener.com

This Article has been viewed 3,279 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.