I've looked for information on beginning pond building but couldn't find anything. I may be looking in the wrong place but I'm not sure.
I have trouble with the getting the water levels just right and getting them to look natural. If any of the talented landscapers/builders could lend me a hand I would greatly appreciate it. Also, if this is not the right place for this question, please move it to the appropriate section.
Thank you all in advance for your help.
Regards,
Sarah
Sarah, what I do is first have an idea in my head what shape I want the pond to be. Kidney shape is often a good one but really it can be any shape, square, round in the form of a letter or whatever. Also, decide how large you want it. Are you building it first, or after the house is built? If after, check to make sure once you start your pond you will have at least one square of lot on the outside of the lot. Don't bring your water all the way to outside of the lot as it will square off and look strange.
Now you have all that in mind, use the smallest water tool on a soft setting. This way you don't eat into the ground too quickly or deeply. You can always go back and make your pond deeper once you have the basic shape. I will often do just a small amount to get the general shape in my head, and will then add landscaping before finishing the pond itself. That way, things like cattails will sink down into the water some looking very realistic. Just eat away, a small bit at a time. Remember, the undo button is your friend! To finish off my pond I often line the sides with river rock, (I dislike a muddy look), or stone spray terrain, and then lightly dust more spray terrain using the flowers for a naturalized look. You can add different fountain items to your pond as well.
I often use one of small sprays placed among rocks to look like water is just pouring into the pond keeping it fresh. A weeping willow also looks nice by a pond.