Quality pond supplies provide the perfect base for your water garden

Not everyone can live on the water, but with a little creativity and the right tools you can create your own backyard oasis. Many folks have turned to backyard water gardens as a way to bring nature closer to home, complete with fish and aquatic plants.

A well-designed water garden can transform a backyard and doesn't require a ton of maintenance. A successful project starts with how the pond itself is constructed and the items used to maintain it. By purchasing and installing quality pond supplies, you'll help ensure you'll enjoy your water garden for years to come.

When you're building a pond, you have some options. Many home and garden retailers sell pond kits containing many of the supplies you'll need, or you can purchase each of the necessary items separately. Whatever approach you take with your pond, here are a few things to consider as you build your aquatic haven.

* Don't skimp on the liner for your pond. If your liner gets damaged, you're going to be in for a lot of work replacing or repairing it. Consider a heavy-duty 45-millimeter EPDM liner that's flexible enough to fit the shape you choose and durable enough to hold up over time.

* Invest in a quality pump. Going for cheaper options may be tempting, but consistently replacing cheap pumps may end up costing more - and causing more headaches - than buying one that lasts. Make sure you pump is appropriate for the size of your pond, as it should circulate the water once an hour through a filter. This will keep your pond clean and attractive for fish, plants and other wildlife that drops in on your pond.

* Using a pond skimmer to remove surface debris is a nice way to keep your pond looking good while reducing the amount maintenance you'll need to perform. Placing your pump inside a skimmer can also help eliminate pump clogging, which can help prolong the life of your pump.

* If you have the space, don't be afraid to go big. It's usually easier to balance the water quality and temperature and provide adequate filtration in a larger pond, as opposed to smaller preformed ponds you might find in a home improvement store.

Once you've completed your pond using the right equipment, you won't have to spend much time on maintenance and can focus on other aesthetic improvements. After you've completed the perfect piece of paradise in your backyard, you'll simply need to step out your back door to relax and escape from the busy world.