How to edge your garden
One of the easiest ways to add
definition to your landscape is to
use aluminium strip edging, such
as Link Edge (pictured). Simply
remove any unwanted grass and
mark out your edging location. Dig
a trench, adjust the edging to fit,
then hammer into place.
larger than required all around
to allow for concrete. For
extra strength, line bottom
and sides of rill and ponds
with 3 rods of 5mm steel.
STEP 2 Run irrigation pipe
between ponds. Leave an
extra
500mm
protruding
from each end for connections
and cutting off. Run pipe in
the straightest and shortest
possible route.
STEP 3 Combine concrete
and oxide in a wheelbarrow.
Gradually add water, mixing as
you go to form a firm and
workable mix.
STEP 4 Trowel concrete mix
into rill and ponds, working into
shape as you go. Make sure
concrete is at least 60mm thick
and completely surrounds steel
that comes into ponds. Let mix
partially set, then wet-sponge
surfaces to smooth.
STEP 5 Dig a hole behind
upper pond for post to support
fountainhead. Paint post, then
concrete in place. Connect
fountainhead to pipe and use
saddles to fix to post.
STEP 6 Once all concrete has
cured, paint with sealant paint.
Let dry, then fit pump in lower
pond. Cut mesh to shape
and lay over pump. Fill with
water and switch on. ►
Rill and pond
For project supplies,
see Stockists page
Running water brings a range
of elements to your sensory
garden - a soft trickling
sound, the ever-changing
light show of reflections and
a wonderful place to cool off.
In this project, a fountainhead
feeds a serpentine rill, or
stream. This, in turn, fills a
small pond, which functions
as both a reservoir and a play
pond. Adapt measurements
to suit your garden space.
GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
■ Fountainhead and pump
■ 19mm irrigation pipe
or flexible hose
■ Click-on hose fitting with
19mm barb tail
■ Concrete mix, to suit
■ Powdered cement oxide
YOU’LL ALSO NEED
Set-out paint; clear brushable
pond sealant paint; sponge; H4
treated pine post;
50mm
stainless steel mesh; mulch;
Dulux Weathershield Low
Sheen acrylic in True Red; 5mm
steel rods; saddles, for fountain
HERE’S HOW
STEP 1 Choose an area for
your rill and pond that has a
slight slope.
Mark out a
serpentine shape on ground
using set-out paint. Mark in a
small round pond at each end.
Dig out area, mounding soil
around sides to increase
depth. Dig all areas 60-80mm
