Building a pond? Here are some already made, from light-weight polyresin to long-lasting cast stone. Pond liners and pre-formed polyresin ponds may require you to dig into the ground to support the sides. Cast stone ponds are above-ground and heavier to install and last many decades.

If you're planning a water garden pond, bear in mind that water lilies do not like constant moving water. If your pond is large enough, you can have a gentle spillover or fountain and plant your water lilies away from the moving water. Do not use chlorine or other toxins because your aquatic animals will get sick and die.

Whatever you choose, come back to get your pond lilies, fish, etc. The successful ponds will have both plants and animals including fish and scavengers such as tadpoles, clams, salamanders, etc. that support each other. The fish give off carbon dioxide that plants absorb. The plants emit oxygen that the fish love. The fish also help to fertilize the plants, but you'll probably need more fertilizer to sustain the plants. Scavengers will help to keep mosquito larve under control and help to clean your pond.