HOW about sipping coffee by your very own pond and watching the sunrise? With the right know-how it is possible.
Yes, even in Hyderabad. All you need is a professional landscaper or a pond specialist, and regular maintenance.
The design Once you’ve met your landscaping agent, and selected a design for your pond, make sure you are clear about the extra fittings required and the cost.
‘‘The construction of the pond depends on the space available and what you are willing to shell out per square foot,’’ says Ethiraj P, garden expert.
The basics ‘‘We first investigate the depth of the area before starting construction.
If your garden has many trees and is too shady, it might not be a good spot for a pond — it can get clogged by leaves from the trees all day,’’ continues Ethiraj. ‘‘There is no restriction on the size of the pond you want to have. It can be from three feet by five feet onwards and depends on your total garden area, your budget and your sense of aesthetics,’’ he adds. If you plan to add water plants like lilies and lotuses, choose a place that is exposed to sunlight.
Start by visualising the design of the pond. ‘‘It is a good idea to place the pond in a spot that can also be viewed from a window,’’ says Ethiraj.
Once the landscaper starts digging — approximately up to 40 to 50 cm in depth — they check for roots of trees or other fullygrown plants, which have to be removed.
Building bricks The pond is constructed with basic materials like cement and bricks, but if you can get your hands on butyl rubber lining or a fibreglass coating, even better. To harden the pond, it is watered for a minimum of five days.
The pond will undergo tests to detect leakages and defects, before it is fixed in the ground. When placed, the extra space around the edges can be filled with pebbles and coloured stones.
Or flowering plants can be added as a border to give it a decorative look.
When the various pipes and pumps that go into the pond have been connected, the designer adds an inner tiled layer to make cleaning easier.
Readymade ponds are also available, made from plastic and fibre, and priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000.
What to add The best plants are water lilies.
The hybrid variety of lilies costs approx Rs 3,000 per plant. As for the fish, Koi carp survie better. A pair of whale tail carp, about half a foot long, would cost approx Rs 600 and are available in yellow, orange, white and black. Japanese carp could cost anything from Rs 1,000 a pair onwards. For variety, you could add goldfish. Check out the fish at Fish World, Mehidipatnam.
Fountains and more While fish and flowers are one way of sprucing up your pond, placing a fountain in the middle of the pond has other benefits. It keeps the water moving, thus preventing mosqui toes from breeding (small fish like guppies eat the larvae). While landscaping companies have sources for fountains . Prices at these stores start at Rs 10,000 onwards. You could also consider options like underwater lighting and exterior lighting to create a romantic effect at night.
Maintenance The water in both the fountain and the pond has to be changed once in 15 days. Often, the company that sets up your pond will help you clean it for a fee. Discuss this with them before you place your pond.