If you find yourself in search of something to add a little spice to your personal space, why not make your own urban oasis with an elegant water garden? It’s simple to create and provides you with a private and soothing tropical ecosystem, adding greenery, running water and colorful fish to your backyard or even the balcony of your Bangkok condo.
A water garden is not difficult to create as long as you follow a few simple steps. The first thing you should do is to decide where to place the pond or basin. The ideal location is right outside the main living spaces so that it is constantly visible to both you and your guests. However, be careful not to place the water garden too close to trees or anything that could cause too much debris to fall into the pond; otherwise you may find that your oasis becomes too much of a chore!
A basic pond consists of a good quality liner, pump, and lots of stones and gravel. You can also add the convenience of a filtration system, which helps reduce maintenance. Once you have the equipment and a set-up in mind, including the size and shape of the pond, start digging a hole for the sub-basin.
When digging, be careful not to forget the stylistic integrity of the oasis among its natural surroundings; at this stage, it’s all too easy to get bogged down in the practical matters of shovelling dirt, only to find that the garden has later been comprised. After that, install the components of the cascade, if desired, to create the serene trickle of a waterfall.
All equipment and excess pond underlay should ideally be placed out of sight; to accomplish this, it’s best to put plenty of pebbles and stones around the water garden. You can now fill the pond with water and add nutrients or substances to neutralise its chlorine content.
In Thailand, there are many varieties of fish that are suitable residents for your new pond. Some eat mosquito larvae and help keep the pond clean. Be sure to add Anarcharis, an aquatic plant that absorbs the nutrients that would otherwise make for flourishing algae. Water lilies are a popular plant as well, as they exude a peaceful quality and provide shade for the fish.
Add a few plants near the edge of the pond to help it blend in with the rest of your outdoor space. With a little effort, the right upkeep and a suitable amount of personal flair, you will soon enjoy your own oasis right on your back door step – hopefully without the snakes!
