How to Make a Beautiful DIY Koi Pond
A koi pond is a wonderful way to relax. It can be your own perfect zen paradise. Perhaps you think it's impossible to build a koi pond in your yard without spending hundreds of dollars. There are inexpensive ways for you to create a DIY koi pond in your yard.

1. Select a Location Make sure you'll have enough room to build your koi pond. These ponds need to be larger than regular ornamental ponds in order to make room for the koi. It's also a good idea to put the pond near your house so you're able to see it out the window during all seasons. Make sure it's out of the way of any rainfall drainage areas, as you don't want dirty water flooding the pond.

2. Add Circulation Add a pump for circulation so the water is kept fresh. A waterfall is a pleasant way to circulate the water so it's kept healthy for the fish. It's also nice to be able to hear the sound of water, even from a distance when you're not able to sit near the water. It helps keep the fish healthy and happy, too.

2. Add a Liner Now that you've dug your pond, you need to cover the area with pond underlayment. Afterwards, you can add a pond liner, and unfold it to create the base of the pond. Add water and watch as the folds smooth out. You can choose a variety of natural-looking bottom materials if you prefer something other than black.

3. Add the Stones Tuck the pond liner under the stones around the edge of the pond. If you would prefer a more natural-looking border, you can create layers at the edge of the pond. Fill the bottom with pebbles. You're ready to add water! Don't forget to make sure to add dechlorinator to the pond.

4. Add Plants Select the plants for your koi pond carefully, because the fish will eat a lot of different plants. If you want to grow water lilies, make sure the pond gets plenty of sunshine. Other aquatic plants should be added right away because they'll consume the nutrients that would feed algae. The plants can provide cover for the fish from the sun.

5. Add Fish You're ready to add fish to your pond! You can select beautiful ornamental koi of many different colors to add to your new water feature. Remember to add packaged bacteria to help make sure the fish transition well, and only add a few fish to the pond at a time.

Now, you'll have a beautiful and relaxing koi pond to enjoy year-round. You and your family will love the peaceful atmosphere a koi pond brings to any home. There's nothing quite like returning home after a long day and spending a few quiet moments by the pond, contemplating the world around you. It's an impressive garden feature with a simple touch of class that will bring joy to you for many years to come.

4 Tips to Revive Your Dormant Grass in the Springtime A lush, beautiful lawn contributes greatly to the welcoming appearance of your home, spring through late fall. Grass naturally dies back and goes dormant in the winter months, yet with a little work and effort can come back to life in early spring given the proper care. Reviving your lawn doesn't have to be costly - a few inexpensive gardening tools and a little knowledge is all it requires in most cases.

Aeration - All living things must be able to breathe to thrive and grow. Grass is no exception. As the grass dies in winter, it may become compacted to the point of choking the roots and any new growth. Leaves that have been left behind from autumn are another culprit. A good yard rake with sturdy tines can loosen and remove the dead grass and leaves, giving new growth access to air and sunshine.

Reseeding - Once the raking and removal of old grass is done, you may notice some bare spots in the lawn. After determining the damaged areas are not caused from ground-dwelling critters (moles, etc.), spring is the perfect time to reseed those areas so they blend with the rest of the lawn. If you're not sure of what grass seed is best for your area, check with a local gardening center that will be familiar with the best solution for you.

Fertilizer - A good weed and feed fertilizer applied properly will solve two issues at once - feeding the grass while helping get rid of weeds. Again, check with a local garden center for the best type to use on your lawn. Follow directions! Too much or the wrong type fertilizer can do more harm than good, burning the new growth instead of reviving it. All fertilizers are not the same! Many fertilizers now contain 'time release' components so once or twice a year applications are all that's needed to keep the grass green and growing. A low-cost spreader gives a more even distribution of the fertilizer, but you can also spread it by hand.

Water - This is an important factor in maintaining the health and beauty of any lawn. Some grass types require more watering than others. Over-watering can damage the roots, actually causing them to rot, while not enough water will result in a dry, burned appearance. A good middle-of-the-road approach to watering is best, especially in early spring as the grass is just beginning to grow. Early morning or late evening are the best watering times