Product Description
There is nothing like a pond! What else can simultaneously increase your aesthetic pleasure, offer recreational opportunities, help the environment, and increase the value of your land? This is the recognized standard on ponds, now expanded to include a comprehensive guide to living happily with your completed pond and keeping it perpetually healthy. Here is everything you need to know about planning, digging, sculpting, and maintaining your pond. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Serves a Purpose
This is a lovely, dreamy little book with some great black and white photos. It's perfect reading for a winter's night or for fostering fantasies. It's also a pretty good place to start before you call the county agent or start knocking on the doors of pond-owning neighbors.
It's perfectly true that some of Matson's writing is way over the top ("I wake up from a nightmare of valkyries swooping down out of the sun") and the illustrations are not enough to talk you through the whole process, but this could be the book that gets you started and that's worth quite a bit.

I'd start with another
Probably worth the price, but unless you are a complete dirt brother, I start with a different book.If you are a complete dirt brother, and are looking for the cheapest pond possible, this may be the only book you need.

Ponds
This book is applies to northern ponds more than southern ponds.We do not ice over nor do we put trout in our ponds because of the warm waters.It is a good book for what it applies to.

Earth Ponds: The Country Pond Maker's Guide to Building, Maintenance and Restoration
i was looking for a book to help me design and build a pond, this book was more of a story, with a few helpful idea's.

Earth Ponds
I was looking for more techinical and not so wordy reading.It was interesting reading in a Walden's Pond sort of way.I want to build a pond myself and have the equipment to do it.But wanted to know How the big boys do it. ... Read more

Product Description
The first section of this volume provides sources of inspiration and looks at all the design aspects you need to consider, from siting a pond to selecting the most appropriate water feature for your garden. A unique aspect of the book is the way in which the authors explore the thinking behind existing water gardens and show how they can be reworked to create a variety of completely new designs. Whether you have a patio, small city courtyard, or a larger suburban plot, you will find the right water garden design for you. The second section contains all the practical information necessary to construct a garden pond or water feature, and features numerous step-by-step illustrations showing how to install them safely and efficiently. Essential information is included on buying and selecting suitable plants to create the right setting for your pond or water feature. Photographic glossaries help you to choose the best plants and fish with expert advice on how to keep fish healthy.This volume features: a number of different inspirational pond designs for gardens of all shapes and sizes; practical step-by-step advice on all aspects of constructing a garden pond or water feature in your garden; full colour photographic glossaries of plants and fish; and troubleshooting sections on keeping fish healthy and plant maintenance. ... Read more

Product Description
Beautifully illustrated, step-by-step projects.

Whether it's a fountain, a fish pond, a flat-rock walkway or a cascade of rock terraces with green plants and flowers, rock and water gardening is easy to do. This how-to book provides great overviews, terrific pictures in four-color and black-and-white, plus hundreds of images that show ideas and projects with detailed step-by-step illustrations and easy to understand instructions.

€ More than 500 photos and illustrations with a 4-color insert
€ Step-by-step projects include shopping lists and illustrations
€ Includes a plant directory ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Greedy Vendor
Two days after I ordered this book on Sept 26, the copy I had "borrowed" from the library in Koloa, HI was found. I immediately contacted the seller and asked to "stop the order". She told me that was impossible....that the book had already been shipped. I don't believe her. I received this item on October 30, 2010. I will never order from this vendor again. I should have simply "not accepted the book". At this point, I had already paid. I have no use for the book. I had to order it for the library. I think this order had "extenuating" circumstances. No apathy was shown by this seller. Boycott her!!!!

Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock and Water Gardening
A bit too 'jokey' but covers just about everything. ... Read more

Product Description
Books in Barron's profusely illustrated Water Gardens Handbooks series show amateur gardeners how to build the water garden of their dreams. Handsome designs and ambitious projects can be carried out with surprising ease by gardeners who follow the author's clear, step-by-step, photo-illustrated instructions. Details include suggestions and advice for stocking water gardens with fish and embellishing them with aquatic and waterside plants. Emphasis is placed on low-maintenance water features that offer maximum beauty with a minimum of fuss.Water gardeners can have color and blooming plant life virtually all year around when they choose projects and plants suggested in this manual. Advice and how-to instruction includes planting and propagation, recommended wetland and bog plants, creating foliage effects, and more. Approximately 175 full-color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice Little Book
I love this book!!Although I haven't had time to read every page yet, I've enjoyed all the beautiful pictures and appreciate the friendly approach the author has.I'm especially thrilled to see how aquatic plants can be reproduced.I'm hoping that I will be successful in reproducing some water plants over the winter.I have several water gardening books that I love but this one is only about the plants.It's not overpowering with information but you get enough to help you with your choices and the pictures are great inspiration. ... Read more

Product Description
At last, a book for the garden pond enthusiast that provides complete information on how to build, stock and maintain a beautiful garden pond. You'll learn all about pond construction, liners and edging in order to establish a no-fault framework for your pond. You'll also find out how to fill your pond with clear, healthy water and how to keep the water in pristine condition. In addition, you'll learn how to choose and care for aquatic plants that will thrive in your climate. Other chapters discuss selecting and maintaining healthy fish and other pond inhabitants. Best of all, this book includes a stunning array of photographs of ponds, plants and favorite water creatures. Info-packed sidebars make caring for your pond easy and enjoyable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

POND BASICS
I'D SAY I'M AN INTERMEDIATE LEVEL WATER GARDENER AND SO THE BOOK WAS NOT A PAGE TURNER OR ANYTHING... BUT IF YOUR NEW TO PONDS AND READY TO GET ONE FOR YOUR BACKYARD... THIS BOOK IS A GOOD ONE, IT IS WELL WRITTEN AND WELL ORGANIZED (I CAN REMEMBER MANY YEARS AGO, BEING OVERWHELMED BY ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED FOR START-UP) YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE MANY QUESTIONS LEFT UNANSWERED AFTER READING THIS AS YOUR 1ST POND BOOK, BUT IF YOU HAVE OWNED PONDS FOR MANY YEARS AND ARE LOOKING FOR A MORE COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT MICRO BIO-SYSTEMS WITH UNUSUAL PLANDS AND POND LIFE, ETC... PASS THIS ONE UP...NOT FOR EXPERIENCED GARDENERS ... Read more

Product Description
From the author of Earth Ponds, the definitive reference guide to constructed earth ponds.

This A-Z guide provides pond owners and builders with an at-a-glance reference to answer any question. From Acid Rain to Zooplankton, pond guru Tim Matson defines and explains more than two hundred terms associated with pond building and maintenance, both familiar and obscure. Here the reader will find descriptions and definitions of all significant pond elements, including:
• structural features
• construction materials
• water conditions and treatments
• aquacultural topics and crops
• environmental concerns
• government support and regulatory agencies
• landscaping
More than two hundred illustrated entries distill the latest information on ponds into a unique and definitive companion for pond owners and builders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

worthless
Really..."Earth Ponds A to Z an Illustrated encyclopedia" is EXACTLY that,For example: "Beaver", with a picture and explanation of what a beaver is. "Backhoe" with a photo of a backhoe and an explanation of what one is. Where is the Cookie Monster and Ernie?

It would be funny if I hadn't paid $8 for this POS. It goes in the Goodwill pile.

Shipping
The book was fine. The shipping was terrible. USPS took 3 weeks to deliver after it was shipped.

Building a Pond
I recently bought 11 acres in East Texas and this book is very instermental in knowing where to build my pond on it. I own several books
on the subject and this is one of the best. ... Read more

Product Description
Complete Guide to Water Gardens is a comprehensive guide to designing and installing all types of home water gardens, from naturalistic to formal.Readers will learn about site selection and construction materials and methods.They will receive information on pumps, filters, lighting, and other accessories.The book also explains how to install streams, waterfalls, fountains, and statues, as well as how to design bridges and stepping-stones.Complete Guide to Water Gardens also includes information on maintaining water quality and selecting fish and plants.Beautifully illustrated, including step-by-step sequences and instructions, this book shows readers all they need to know in order to create and maintain the water garden of their dreams.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

One of the best!
This book covered everything I needed to know (as well as what I've learned
over the years) about ponds and water gardens.
A well-executed work! [...]

Best book I have seen on water gardens
This is the best book I have seen on water gardens. It covers every stepof the process from planning and construction through landscaping tostocking with fish and even maintenance.

Many options are presented asfar as size style and building methods for ponds, fountains, waterfalls,and streams. Fully illustrated with color photos and diagrams this is aboveall a great "how to do it" book.

There is extensive coverageon choosing and caring for fish and other wildlife. A large encyclopedia offoliage including floating plants, marginals, ferns, shrubs and trees isalso included. A photo, physical description, zones it will tolerate, &often some advice is given for each. Tons of landscaping enhancements arealso suggested.

There is history of water gardening and plenty of photosof beautiful finished gardens to give you ideas as well. I can't emphasizetoo strongly through how important this hands-on book is for someone whowant to create a water garden of their own. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Expert advice and ideas are available on every page, highlighting the latest trends in planting, products, and design.Amazon.com Review
If you find aquatic plants fascinating but aren't sure whereto start, let this thorough how-to manual be your guide. Brimming withpractical insights and photographic inspirations, the CompleteGuide to Water Gardening supplies step-by-step instructions forall types of water features, from full-blown oriental ponds to asimple container of bog plants. Possibilities are only as limited asyour size and budget.

Proper planning is essential to good results,and this book takes it nice and slow. Explanations are straightforwardand comprehensible for folks who have some previous home improvementexperience, but for a first-ever project, this may be biting off a bitmore than you can chew. Leveling, backfilling, laying concrete--theseare a few of the details to prepare for in adding even a small pond toyour garden. You'll see your efforts pay off quickly,though. Flourishing plants and a return of natural amphibians are acouple of rewards in sight.

Plant selection involves a goodunderstanding of this developing ecosystem, and the sectionsconcerning options and routine maintenance are specific in therequirements of your new garden. Close-up shots of healthy plants andsystems, as well as diseases and pests, will provide an excellenteducation. If you're looking for a new adventure in gardening anddon't mind getting your feet wet, this could provide just theexperience you're looking for. --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good for info
This is a great little reference tool for building a pond. It does lack detail in construction or things like filtration and upkeep.

The outdoor plant and fish sections were informitive. It gives a lot more detail there but it's getting there certain chapters were a little vague. It's a good book for basic know-how and we be good to add to a group of books on the topic. However not stand alone one stop resource.

good, but not complete
This is a very good book on water gardening and does have some nice pictures. I must disagree with another reviewer; this is NOT the only book you'll ever need on the subject. It is very good and a valuable recourse, but has left me with many questions still unanswered.

OK for general info.
My husband and I found this book helpful as a general reference for building our pond. We were disappointed that there wasn't more detail in certain key areas. For example, when you look up pH in the index and turn to the selected page, they just show you a picture of a pH test kit. It would be nice to know why we need one!
The equipment section would have been enhanced with a greater variety of filtration/pump set-ups and the pros/cons of each configuration.
The section about plants is excellent; it is extensive, with detailed thumbnail descriptions, and helpfully separated into groups.
I would recommend this book, but not as a complete source of water garden info.

Got to buy this book
We have a giant hole in our backyard and it is a tribute to this excellent book. It describes the process of creating a water feature as well as or better than any other publication on the market. We will have a wildlife and bird resource thanks to the quality of this publication. My sincere thanks to the author/editor/writer.

THE Book on Water Garden Construction and Maintenance
If you want to build a pond/stream/waterfall, and you want the pleasure of doing it yourself, this is THE book to buy.There are several good ones available, and you should consider some of them to help yourself gainvaluable knowledge about the subject.

However, of all the books in thisfield, this is the most comprehensive, best illistrated, and the mostdiverse guide of its kind.

The Hard cover edition (if available) will bea book you'll want to keep with your other favorites. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ponder's Bible is the compleat guide to building andmaintaining your very own pond. It has it all from digging the hole tothe towering waterfall, including costs.

It is "Fun and easy to read and most importantly ... Informative."

"Just incredible. I'll bet you have no idea how inspiring it is foraverage ponders to read this."

"Wow! When I read your book, I though 'WOW! We could do that!... Andwe were right."

"... a very good job! I'm sick of reading books using language only abiologist could understand."

"A virtual treasure trove of information."

"Your simplicity in guidelines has made my pond building a pleasure." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Clear, too simple, 0 theory
Shalom everyone. I bought two books before I started constructing my pond. I had for many years all types of aquariums, and experienced with all types of equipment, but never had a pond before.

I decided to buy a book, and the critics I found, helped me choose it.
When I first opened it I found it is written in a very down to earth way, simple and clear, it is almost like you can not go wrong with constructing a pool when you use this book. Almost.

The book will tell you how to build a pond and start running it, but nothing more. I mean, what about the bacteria in the ground, I would like to have some background and I mean the chemical reactions, how can I increase their efficiency etc. In other words, a bit of theory would have been useful.

The book tells you what to do, not why are you doing it. You build your pond, start running it, and than if something goes wrong it is impossible understanding the cause.

I would like to read for example about the chemical reactions between plants and algae, both are plants but one is desired yet the other not. what is the difference between them that can be exploited in order to allow one to flourish in expanse of the other?

It is true that it is based on personal experience of the author, but since I do not have experience with ponds I would like to have some theory aside the practical part. I am sure he had some theory.

Another thing, less important for the pond, but more important for me, is the horrible graphics, it was published I guess by a company that never published books before. Black and white, pictures of ponds that it is almost impossible understanding what you see. It looks very cheap. The illustrations are nice though. The cover is the best picture in the book.
I would recommend you to buy it, but not as the only book. It is a list of instructions, you should combine it with a more comprehensive book.

Yehuda Malul

The Ponder's Bible
This is a must have book if you are going to build a pond in your yard. My husband has worn it out looking at it. It was very helpful to him.
2 thumb and 8 fingers up for this book.

Wealth of information.
This author offers a wealth of information!He has a lot of experience and ideas which I found useful in maintaining my new pond.I recommend this book for anyone who has a pond or wants one.

Great resource
We had a pond built in our backyard and so I bought this book. I did not find it all that helpful after the fact. But then my husband decided to build another pond and waterfall and he devoured the book and found it very helpful. Some of the advice conflicts with other professional advice however but it is good to get other points of view.

must have Pond guide for Everyone
The experience and common sense approach may be frowned upon by the pros, but that is because it cuts into their profits!

This book is a beginners bible, and a pros reference.

Best of all the high dollar pond books I have seen, and at a very reasonable price. ... Read more

Product Description
Create beautiful, healthy water features with the detailed, step-by-step building instructions and the helpful advice on selecting materials and equipment in Ortho’s All About Building Waterfalls, Pools, and Streams, published by Meredith (R) Books. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Great Ideas
The book was great for visualizing what we wanted and to convey that to our landscape architect.It also provided good information regarding care of a pondless waterfall.

Fairly detailed
This book isnt overly long and filled with over the top water gardening items most people cant afford. The applications discussed a common and to the point. The

contenet isnt bad for a beginning pond builder but you can gather most information from the book from websites online like pondmegastore or lilypons.

Beginners & Novices go ahead.

Ortho's Building Ponds
Gives how to, how much, where and why.Probably the best pond construction book I bought.

Great Teaching Tool
Great book to learn about building water gardens.Excellent resource and I would highly recommend it.

GREAT STARTER
This book is excellent for the price and with a handyman mentallity you might be able to figure our the blind spots yourself and commence your pond. ... Read more

Product Description
A swimming pond is beautiful all year round, for it lives and changes with the seasons. Plants, animals, and the water make it an experience for young and old. A swimming pond has practical advantages: it is easy to care for and needs no expensive technology or chemicals. The swimming-pond ecosystem regenerates itself. This book is a source of inspiration for all who dream of having a swimming pond. ... Read more

Product Description
With around 200,000 garden ponds in the Greater London area alone, ponds are one of the most appealing and vibrant small-scale wildlife habitats. Almost one in ten British gardens actually have a pond and it is seen as a growth area both by garden centres and conservation organizations alike. With this book wildlife and garden enthusiasts can discover and explore the world of ponds: from bugs, beetles and dragonflies, to frogs, newts, birds and bats. It offers clear step-by-step instructions on how to plan, design, site and build small and large ponds for wildlife and is full of suggestions on how to encourage different plants and animals. Also included are details on a wide variety of plants, tips on how to maintain your pond through the seasons and clear, annotated diagrams on its construction. ... Read more

Product Description