If there were such a thing as an average garden pond, this would be it! A pond that combines beautiful water plants, the colour and movement of fish, the ability to attract native wildlife and perhaps a fountain and waterfall as well.

Material: You can either build the pond using a flexible pond liner or a pre-formed shape.

Position: Choose a position for your pond that is away from overhanging trees and bushes and that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day.

Design: If you buy a pre-formed pond the design is done for you, but if you decide on a liner then there are certain principles you must observe. Create a simple open shape to minimize folding of the material and to maximize the volume. You only really require two levels. The deepest part should be at least 45cm (18 inches) for small ponds, down to 75cm (30 inches) for larger ponds. The only other level that is necessary would be a shelf set 20cm (8 inches) down from the surface to support marginal plants. The sides of a lined pond should not be vertical but have a steep slope in the region of 20 degrees from vertical.

Equipment: Modern fountain and waterfall kits make the job of creating water movement very simple. In most cases, the fountain would be mounted directly on top of the submersible pump. The kits have a tee piece with a hose attachment which can be used to pump water up to a waterfall and/or filter. A pond filter will be necessary if the emphasis is on fish. The filter can be concealed away from the pond and the water returned down a waterfall or simply directed back into the pond by a hose. Crystal clear water is now available to all pond owners by means of a UV filter which destroys suspended algae using ultraviolet light. This is installed between the pump and the filter and requires a separate electric supply. Decorative lights can also be installed under the water or around the pond.

Plants: We recommend a full range of water plants. Plants are natures way of purifying water and balancing the effect fish have on the pond environment. Lilies and floating plants create essential surface cover, oxygenating plants absorb the nutrients that encourage algae and marginal plants break up the edges of the pond and enhance the overall effect.

Fish: Goldfish, shubunkins, orfe and rudd are ideal pond fish that do not grow too large and won't eat your plants or stir up the bottom of the pond. Koi and ghost koi are fascinating fish that when tame will eat out of your hand but be warned they do grow quite large and may, when they get bigger, decide to eat your plants.