Location

• Put the pond where you have the best visibility, and avoid digging too close to trees. Roots get in the way, shade interferes with plant growth, and falling leaves create mess. Determine where utility lines come in or drain lines go out. Don't pick the yard's lowest spot; rain run-off adds silt and debris to a pond.
  
  

Considerations

• Be sure what you want to do with the pond. Large fish, like Koi, eat a lot, eat certain kinds of plants and require more maintenance. Smaller fish have reduced maintenance but don't provide the same look and feel. Buy plants that will grow in and around water, and pick a site with adequate sunlight. Waterfalls, cascades and fountains require electricity. Including water features also helps dictate the pond's shape.
  
  

Size

• The more features, the larger the pond must be. A pond with no fish and no waterfall can be relatively small. In colder climates, ponds must be deep enough to prevent freezingthrough. Figure at least 12 inches deep and 3 or 4 inches wide for temperate climates, and larger measurements for colder regions. Build the pond as large as you can without it looking out of place; it's easier to establish a healthy environment with a larger pond.
  
  

• stones statues buddhism and waterfall image by valex61 valex61 from Fotolia.com